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A jewel of Japanese garden style, commissioned by the great Lord Tusnamasa (17th C.) it took ten years to complete splendid Korakuen with each succeeding generations adding to the magnificent original plans. Designed in the 'Kaiyu' (scenic promenade) style each turn of a path presents the visiting stroller with a new, surprise viewpoint of manicured lawns, streams, ponds, shrubbery and tea houses. Renowned as one of Japan's three most beloved gardens in a nation of garden enthusiasts Korakuen is a joy any season of the year. Abundant flower beds tastefully designed with historic Okayama Castle in the background present numberless photo opportunities for the memory bank.

'Ujo' meaning 'Crow Castle', known for its stark, eye-catching black exterior is a magnificent reminder of ancient and historic regional glories. Constructed in 1597, it is presently a museum; Okayama Castle also offers a grand, panoramic view of the city, Asahi River and Korakuen Garden from its lofty turrets. Ordered built by a renowned warrior, Lord Hideie, the imposing castle withstood wars and centuries until it was destroyed by bombing during World War II but since lovingly reconstructed in its smallest details. The lofty, four-storied tower was rebuilt in 1966 and is the repository of many artifacts and mementoes of local history.

Founded for the purpose of providing the regional population with diverse cultural activities by holding exhibitions of domestic and foreign artists, the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art is well-worth a visit by the discerning visitor. A fine collection of artistic works connected to the city are prominently displayed.

With its reconstructed Nagaya Gatehouse entrance the Hayashibara Museum of Art is noteworthy for its large, splendid collection of Oriental furniture, fine arts, calligraphy, Noh costumes and medieval swords and armor. Undoubtedly it's an important repository of national treasures and culturally defining artifacts that demonstrates the wide range of Japanese know-how and artistic refinement.

The first of its kind in Japan, the Okayama City Orient Museum was built to display an outstanding collection of 'Art of the Orient'. The permanent exhibition entitled 'The History and Culture of the Orient' displays over 3 000 artworks and artifacts testifying to the vitality of the Middle East, the cradle of civilization.

Yumeji Takehisa Art Museum displays splendid artwork created by the artist who was the major artistic force driving Japan's turn of the century 'Art Nouveau' movement. Extremely talented, Takehisa was a roving, lyrical poet/artist, a leading light of the Taisho Romantic Style period with beautiful women as a favored subject for his artistic creations.

Devoted to the history and culture of Okayama, located in the Outer Garden of Korakuen, the museum was opened in 1971. Collecting and preserving the vast cultural assets of Okayama, the museum displays ancient artifacts unearthed in the district including famed Bizen pottery, swords and armors, sculptures and fine arts.

Izushi-cho, the entry way to Korakuen formerly abounded with Bizen ceramic outlets. Today the center, built by renovating an ancient merchant family home, displays fine examples of Bizen pottery; visitors can also observe the process of pottery production along with a hands-on experience creating their own pottery piece.