Okayama

I probably wouldn't have stopped in Okayama were it not necessary to change trains there, but it does have its attractions. Walking from the train station towards Okayama Castle, there is a river that contains an island, home to Koorakuen, reputably one of the nicest gardens in the country.

Views of Okayama across the Asahi ("sunshine") River:




I crossed the Tsukimi ("Moon-viewing") Bridge to Okayama Castle, a late 16th century palace nicknamed U-Jo ("Crow Palace") after its black wood paneling. While the castle was pretty incredible, most of the grounds were destroyed during World War II raids. The castle was severely damaged, but the city rebuilt it shortly thereafter.




From the top of Okayama-Jo, there is a great view of Koorakuen, a top three garden in Japan, according to the guidebooks.


Japanese tourists come from far and wide to visit Koorakuen, but as it appears in the picture above, it just looks like a manicured golf course. While most royal gardens (this one dating from the 17th century) contain elaborate flower patches amdist landscaped lakes and paths, this one is primarily composed of large unblemished lawns. Strangely, this is its draw for Japanese tourists, as such lawns are rarely found in Japan. The red-crested cranes on the premises, however, are largely ignored, and my photographing them must've elicited a few "stupid gaijin" thoughts in the minds of the other tourists. It would've been a very nice place to read on the grass, but of course signs informed visitors, "Kusa ni aruwanaide kudasai"--"Please do not walk on the grass."