Highlights of Okayama Castle
The Jet-Black Main Keep
The black-lacquered keep, clad in black weatherboards, was built by Hideie Ukita. It burned down during the air raids of the Second World War but was rebuilt in the Shōwa era 41 (in the year 1966).
Okayama Castle is, along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s 대표ative “black castles.” Also known as “Crow Castle,” its golden shachi ornaments and roof tiles on the top floor accent its black exterior.
The stone walls of the keep and the 1-floor section are shaped like an irregular pentagon, presumably because they were adapted to the original terrain of Okayama Hill. Gold-leaf roof tiles from Ukita Hideie’s era have also been excavated. The black cladding and gold decorations evoke a castle that conveyed the dignity of Hideie, a powerful daimyō under the Toyotomi regime.
Exhibits Inside the Keep
During the major renovation in the Reiwa era, the exhibition inside the keep was completely renewed under the supervision of Okayama-born historian Fumifumi Isoda. With the theme “Gateway to Okayama’s History,” it presents the history of the castle’s lords, from the Ukita through the Kobayakawa to the Ikeda, using a combination of cultural assets, images, video and interactive exhibits.
In addition to the building’s exterior, you can follow the history step by step, from the castle town that developed around Okayama Castle to the history connected with present-day Okayama city. Since the content of special exhibitions changes depending on the period, also check the official website for exhibition information before visiting.
Stone Walls and the Scenery Along the Asahi River
Within the castle grounds, you can compare stone walls built during different periods. From Okayama Korakuen Garden, across the Asahi River flowing east of the main tower, you can view the garden’s greenery and the main tower together.
After the Ukita clan built Okayama Castle, the Kobayakawa and Ikeda clans continued developing both the castle compound and the castle town. As you walk through the inner bailey while viewing the stone walls and kuruwa, you can also trace how the castle was expanded over time, rather than simply looking at the keep.
Basic information about Okayama Castle
The information below was checked against official sources on September 19, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- You can check the opening hours, closure days, admission fees, combination tickets, and the latest exhibitions and events.
利用案内 | 【公式】岡山城ウェブサイト9:00~17:30（最終入場 17:00） ※イベント等により開園時間が延長になる場合があります。年末（12okayama-castle.jp - 📍 Address
- Marunouchi2-3-1, Kita Ward, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture
- 🕒 Opening hours
- 9:00〜17:30 (last admission 17:00)⚠️ Opening hours may be extended for events.
- 🚫 Closure days
- 12 month 29 day〜31 day⚠️ Temporary closures may occur due to severe weather or inspections.
- 💶 Admission fees
-
- Adults (aged 15 and over) 500 yen
- Groups of 20 or more adults 400 yen
- Junior high school students and younger free
⚠️ Combination tickets with destinations such as Okayama Korakuen are available, along with exemptions and discounts depending on the conditions. Ticket types and purchasing methods are explained below under “🎫 Tickets.”
- 🎫 Tickets
- In addition to regular admission tickets, combination tickets with Okayama Korakuen and tickets combining the Hayashibara Museum of Art or Yumeji Art Museum are available. If you plan to visit multiple facilities on the same day, check that the combination ticket suits your itinerary before purchasing it.
チケット購入www.asoview.com
- ⏱️ Suggested visit time
- If you mainly view the exhibits inside the keep, allow approximately 60〜90 minutes. The time varies depending on whether you see only the exhibits inside the keep or also visit the Bizen pottery workshop and nearby Ujō Park. ⚠️ Allow extra time before the last admission, taking exhibit viewing time and crowd levels into account.
Access to Okayama Castle
Tram
From outside JR Okayama Station, take a bus bound for Higashiyama, get off at Jōka, and walk for approximately 10 minutes.
Bus
From Okayama Station, take an Okaden or Ryobi bus, get off at Kenchō-mae, and walk for approximately 5 minutes.
By car
Okayama Castle has no dedicated parking lot. Use the paid parking lots nearby.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Okayama: A guide to tourist attractions, food, transportation, and suggested itineraries”.
