Japan Guide
Western Honshū
Okayama-jō
The smartly renovated castle, Okayama-jō, is nicknamed U-jō (Crow Castle), whichrefers to the black wood cladding of the donjon, from the top of which you get an excellent view of the surrounding area. Founded in 1573 by Lord Ukita Hideie, the adopted son of the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle fell foul of both the Meiji restoration and World War II bombings, with the only original bit of the building now being the Tsukimi Yagura (Moon-Viewing Turret), at the western corner of the compound. You can pick up a good English-language leaflet from the ticket desk at the entrance to the donjon, and inside there's the chance to dress up in kimono as a samurai lord or lady for no extra charge. Opening time: Daily 9am–5pmPrice: ¥300