Korakuen+and+Castle

Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle
From Okayama train station, you can take a tram for 100 yen to the 'Shiroshita' stop (3 stops) Then, cross the road (away from Symphony hall). Turn right and walk to the cross section. There are signs in English pointing the way. Follow this street, walk through the park, and follow the river until you see the Castle on your right and a bridge toward the Gardens on your left.
 * How to get there**

Korakuen Garden- March 20 - September 30: 7:30am - 6:00pm (entrance until 5:45pm) October 1 - March 19: 8:00am - 5:00pm (entrance until 4:45pm)
 * Opening hours and prices**
 * Admission is 400 yen, but you can buy combined tickets with the Castle (560 yen), the Prefectual Museum (520 yen), and the Hayashibara Museum of Art (710 yen).
 * Free admittance on the first day of the year and during certain special events.
 * You can buy a yearlong passport for 2000 yen.

Okayama Castle- 9:00am - 7:00pm (closed December 29-31)
 * Admission is 300 yen, but the price sometimes fluctuates due to special exhibits or events in Okayama.
 * Free to look at the Castle and wander the grounds (you only pay to enter the museum in the main keep)

Korakuen was designed to be beautiful in all four seasons. During the summer, they light up the gardens at night so people can stroll through in yukata. There is a maple tree grove for fall leaf viewing as well as plum and cherry tree groves for the spring. Cranes are also kept in the park, and let out to wander the gardens on New Year's Day. Tea and rice are grown in the gardens, and you can enjoy a bowl of fresh green tea while watching the monster koi try to eat those who unknowingly try to feed them. Couples often get married in the gardens or come for pictures - if you're lucky, you'll see both traditional kimono and flamboyantly large Western style dresses! The English website: [|Okayama Korakuen]
 * What to see**

Crow Castle was rebuilt after World War II; only one original turret remains. The museum inside offers only Japanese descriptions, but even if you can't read the language, the artifacts are still neat to look at. The view from the top lets you see most of downtown and Korakuen. Festivals are often held on the castle grounds.