The major cities of Tokyo and Osaka are dynamic and full of life, but boy can they be busy. Thankfully, Japan is home to one of the world’s greatest train networks — simply hop onto the train, and you’ll be transported to a whole new world altogether.

Indeed, located just a 45-minute train from Osaka, or a longer 3-hour train from Tokyo, Okayama makes for an idyllic day trip destination. Enticing with lesser crowds, the city brims with charm.

Stroll through Koraku-en

Spend a couple of hours exploring Koraku-en which, along with Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en and Mito’s Kairaku-en, is one of Japan’s three great gardens. Built in 1700, the garden took 14 years to complete. 

One thing you’d notice about the garden is its sprawling lawns — the entire garden spans an area of 14 hectares!

Every corner of the garden is different, as it was designed for visitors to enjoy a new perspective from no matter where they are standing. The garden had historical importance and was used to entertain esteemed guests of the feudal lord; it was also open to the public on selected days.

Take your time to wander the tea plantations, shrines, ponds, and more. Saunter up Yuishinzan Hill for an aerial view of Koraku-en, or watch the giant koi swim around in the main pond.

Enjoy a hanami picnic in spring, or marvel at the autumn foliage in fall. 

You can also rent a pedal boat or swan boat.

Plus, top it all off with a hearty meal overlooking the scenery.

Visit Okayama Castle

Combine your visit with Okayama Castle, which is located just next to Koraku-en. The castle has a shiny lacquered black exterior, earning it the nickname of Ujo (“Crow Castle”), or Kin-ujo (“Gold Crow Castle”) — due to the gold trimmings and gold shachi (a mythological creature that has the body of a fish and the head of a tiger) on the roof.

The castle was built in 1597, with Okayama City being developed as a castle town around it. The castle was designated as a national treasure before World War II; however, it was decimated during the war, and subsequently rebuilt in 1966. Today, the only original parts remaining are the Nishinomaru Nishite Yagura Western Tower, and the Tsukimi Tower.

Learn about the history of the Ikeda family who acted as castle lords, as well as Naoie Ukita, the governor of the area during the Sengoku period.

Enjoy a traditional snack on the castle grounds, before heading into the castle itself.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the area from the sixth floor. The lower level offers lots of fun: every hour, the first five people to arrive can try on a kimono for free. You can even don a traditional costume, and wield weapons for a commemorative photo — all whilst fighting against enemies during a re-enacted battle scene. Traditional Bizen pottery experiences are also offered here.

How to get to Koraku-en and Okayama Castle

The tram is a great option for sightseeing in Okayama! Hop onto the Higashiyama Line, and get off at the Shiroshita bus stop for Okayama Castle and Koraku-en. The fare will be just JPY100 (~SGD1).

Alternatively, you also reach both areas on foot via a 25-minute walk. Get a combo ticket for both Koraku-en and Okayama Castle for JPY580 (~SGD6); if you’re choosing one, pay JPY410 (~SGD4) for just the gardens or JPY320 (~SGD3) for only the castle.

Okayama is also just 15 minutes away from Kurashiki. The trip only costs JPY330 (~SGD3), and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR Kansai Wide Pass. Why not combine both on your next trip?