Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden (後楽園, Kōrakuen), celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens alongside Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito, is a masterpiece of landscape design that embodies the aesthetics of the Edo period and a deep harmony with nature. Commissioned in 1687 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the local feudal lord of Okayama, the garden was originally created as a private retreat for the ruling family. Its elegant layout includes a large central pond, meandering streams, meticulously arranged maple and cherry groves, as well as cultivated rice fields and tea plantations—symbolizing both leisure and agricultural prosperity. Unusually spacious for a Japanese garden, Korakuen also features broad lawns, an archery range, and an aviary that once housed stately red-crowned cranes, all contributing to its tranquil, contemplative atmosphere.

Set along the Asahi River with the iconic Okayama Castle rising in the background, Korakuen’s seamless blend of architecture and landscape enhances its timeless charm. Designated public property in 1884, the garden has been open to visitors ever since and has undergone careful restoration after damage caused by flooding and World War II bombings. Thanks to preserved Edo-period records and original design plans, it has been faithfully restored to its historical form. Today, Korakuen offers a serene escape in the heart of the city, where visitors can enjoy seasonal floral displays, traditional tea houses, and a living window into the refined cultural spirit of Japan’s feudal past.