"Korakuen Garden" was built in 1700 by IKEDA Tsunamasa, the second land lord of Okayama Domain. The garden has a style that features a path around a pond. "Enyo Tei" house was used to entertain guests of the feudal lords. "Korakuen Garden" is one of three most outstanding gardens in Japan and is located to the north of Okayama Castle.

After crossing the "Tsukimi Bridge" from Okayama Castle over the Asahi River, I arrived at the south gate of the "Korakuen Garden".

You will see widely spread grass garden in front of you. On your right, "Renchiken" House is located. "Renchiken" House is an original building in the garden. IKEDA Tsunamasa preferred to visit the house.

In the middle of the garden, a small hill named "Yuishin Zan" is located and water channels are laid out around the hill. The view of "Sawa-no-Ike" Pond and water channels between grasses from "Yuishin Zan" is very nice and impressive.

"Ryuten" Rest House is a two storied and a unique building. The first flower does not have any walls. Water flows in the channel located at the middle of the "Ryuten" Rest House. It was a hot day when I visited, but it was cool at the house with water channel flow.

The view from the "Ryuten" was also nice.

On the east side of "Sawa-no-Ike" Pond, the "Jikeido" Hall is located. The gate of the "Jikeido" Hall was built in 1697, one of few original buildings in "Korakuen" Garden.

From the "Jikeido" Hall, I walked along the east side of the "Sawa-no-Ike" pond. You will see Okayama Castle beyond the "Sawa-no-Ike" Ponnd. This view was extremely wonderful.

To the north of "Sawa-no-Ike" Pond, the "Enyo-Tei" House is located. The "Enyo-Tei" House was used for a feudal lord of Okayama Domain to stay when he visited "Korakuen" Garden. The original house was destroyed during the Word War II, but it was rebuilt in 1960 as it was.

A traditional architecture of the "Enyo-Tei" House has with a thatched roof well fits to the atmosphere of the garden. The scenery in front of the "Enyo-Tei" House is also wonderful.

I believe "Korakuen" Garden is one of best gardens in Japan.
Korakuen Garden is designated as a special scenic spot in Japan.

How to get there
From Tokyo, take a "Nozomi" or a "Hikari" for Japan Rail Pass travelers to Okayama.
From Okayama Station, take a streetcar bound for Higashiyama. You can get off at Shiroshita Station. Korakuen Garden is approximately ten minute walk from Shiroshita Station.

Official English Website:
Okayama Korakuen
https://okayama-korakuen.jp/section/english/

Other Historical Sites near by:
Okayama Castle
"Bikan" Historical Quarter in Kurashiki
Kibitsuhiko Shrine
Kibitsu Shrine
Bicchu Kokubunji Temple