Japan’s Three Great Gardens: Korakuen & the Top 3 Most Photogenic Spots Recommended by Locals

Reported and photographed by You Ru/Japan
 
Korakuen in Okayama, Japan, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito, is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. The beauty of Korakuen has been featured in many media outlets, newspapers, and magazines. The Japanese garden scenery that surrounds it is indeed captivating. For the locals in Okayama, how can you truly appreciate Korakuen’s most beautiful side?Public Relations officer of Korakuen, Misaki Sakamoto, specially recommends the top 3 most scenic spots in Korakuenfor visitors to refer to.


▲ View of Okayama Castle from Korakuen.


Korakuen in Okayama, Japan, was built about 300 years ago, covering an area of approximately 13 hectares. It features cultural elements such as a Noh theater stage, ponds, hills, plum groves, and tea fields. It adopts the relatively rare “open-style garden” design in Japanese gardens and was once a symbol of power for the samurai class. Unlike serene traditional Japanese garden landscapes, the scenery at Korakuen is not just for pure appreciation like a painting. Instead, it offers different seasonal activities throughout the year.

Outside Korakuen lies Okayama Castle, a famous local landmark. As a result, walking inside Korakuen, you’ll find many garden designs that incorporate “borrowed scenery.” Amid tree shadows or buildings, you can enjoy the view of Okayama Castle while experiencing the Zen-like tranquility of Korakuen. During summer, Korakuen also hosts a light-up event called “Fantasy Garden,” where the garden is decorated with lights, allowing visitors to enjoy its beautiful nighttime scenery.

Top 3 Most Scenic Spots in Korakuen
1. Ripple Between


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In the past, when the lords of Okayama Castle entered Korakuen, they would walk through a small path. At Ripple Between, you can see the very first scene the lords saw upon entering Korakuen. Sitting in a building preserved in its early Sengoku-period style, ordering a bowl of matcha and gazing out through the round window at Korakuen creates a uniquely peaceful feeling. Due to the limited space of the building, only up to 3 groups of guests can enjoy matcha here at a time.

2. East Plaza
If you want to catch a glimpse of Okayama Castle’s “borrowed scenery” design from Korakuen, the East Plaza is a perfect spot. The lush green lawn of the East Plaza features specially arranged seating for visitors to enjoy tea and relax. Sitting here, with the garden in front and Okayama Castle behind, offers a breathtaking panoramic view.

%The level? The design of the space features transparent partitions, capturing the layered scenery.


3. Mount Yui shin


▲ %Image of the mountain taken from the viewing point), you can see the garden landscape of Korakuen.


As the highest point in Korakuen, ascending Mount Yui shin is a must-visit spot for travelers. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire garden—from flowers and trees to the distant sky. It’s also a favorite photography spot for many experts capturing Korakuen’s scenery.

Misaki Sakamoto pointed out that Korakuen is a garden where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, maple leaves in autumn, and various seasonal events and landscapes in winter and summer. The recommended 3 must-see spots in Korakuen offer highlights that can be appreciated in all seasons. Interested travelers can refer to recommendations from Korakuen experts and plan a visit.

Korakuen
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Operating Hours: 7:30–18:00 (March 20 – September 30), 8:00–17:00 (October 1 – March 19)
Admission: 400 yen per person