The Momiji Diaries – Part 9 – Okayama, Okayama-jo

by Jade Pavilions on 03/09/09 at 11:19 pm

15^th November, Matsue to Kyoto via Okayama

We took the local express train to Okayama on the south side of the island and the tramway to Okayama-jo, the crow castle. Another of the castles built around 1600 and partially rebuilt in modern times after war time air raids. The building is complex with three different buildings, each of two storeys built on top of one another giving a building of six stories which towers above the river Asahi. The ridges were finished as at Himeji with golden carp.

Having lunched in the castle grounds we crossed the bridge into Koraku-en, one of Japan’s most popular gardens. It is a large stroll garden built in 1700 and changed little since that time. The park has several ponds with an iris garden, plum grove, maple hill, rice fields and a tea plantation. The main pond has a number of islands with tea houses reached by arched bridges, surrounded by cherry trees. The park includes archery ranges, a crane sanctuary and a Noh theatre is the centre of enjoyment for many on a lovely Autumn weekend.

We returned to Kyoto by Shinkansen to the Righa Royal hotel for another week of site seeing.

Other articles you might be interested in:

• The Momiji Diaries – Part 6 – Himeji, White Egret castle
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 10 – Kiso Valley
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 8 – Matsue, Adachi Museum
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 7 – Matsue, Yuushi-en
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 5 – Kyoto, Hogon-in
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 4 – Kyoto, Agon-shu
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 3 – Kyoto, Nishi Honganji palace
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 2 – Kyoto, Murin-an garden
• The Momiji Diaries – Part 1 – Kyoto, Shinnyo-do temple

This article was written by David Burgess of Jade Pavilions. Copyright Jade Pavilions. Manufacturers of award winning, configurable oriental teahouses, pavilions, bridges and entrances. More information about Jade Pavilions.