Japan Guide
Western Honshū
Kōraku-en
Founded in 1686 by Lord Ikeda Tsunamasa, this landscaped garden is notable for its wide, lush lawns, which are highly unusual in Japanese garden design. Other than this, all the traditional elements, including teahouses, artificial lakes, islands and hills are present, and the black keep of Okayama-jō has been nicely incorporated in the scenery. The strange bleating sound you'll hear on entering the garden comes from a flock of caged red-crested cranes. Fortunately, Kōrakuen is large enough to soak up the kinds of crowds that deluge other famous gardens, such as Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Ritsurin-kōen in Takamatsu, both of which are more interesting. Opening time: Daily: April– Sept 7.30am–6pm; Jan– March & Oct– Dec 8am–5pmPrice: ¥350; ¥440 combined ticket with Okayama Prefectural Museum