Kōraku-en

Kōraku-en is a daimyo garden in Kita-ku that covers roughly 14 hectares and ranks among the three most celebrated landscape gardens in Japan. The grounds are organized around a central pond with several small islands, wooden and stone bridges, winding paths, open lawns, and traditional structures such as tea houses and pavilions that fit naturally into the surrounding scenery.

Ikeda Tsunamasa, the second lord of Okayama domain, commissioned Tsuda Nagatada to design the garden in 1687, and the work was finished in 1700. The grounds have remained largely unchanged over the centuries, though parts required restoration after World War II.

Local visitors often walk through the grounds early in the morning to start their day in a calm setting, a long-standing habit rooted in Japanese garden culture. Families gather beneath the cherry trees during spring, sharing food and conversation as they participate in the seasonal tradition of blossom viewing together.

The garden opens daily in the morning and closes around dusk, with exact hours shifting slightly with the seasons. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for the paths and plan enough time to explore the full grounds at a relaxed pace.

Engetsu-kyo, one of Japan's earliest stone arch bridges, spans a narrow passage and reflects in the pond as a perfect circle when the water is still. Visitors often notice the unexpected rice paddies within the grounds, originally planted as a teaching tool so the young feudal lord could understand the life of farmers.

Location: Kita-ku

Inception: 1700

Founders: Ikeda Tsunamasa, Tsuda Nagatada

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Part of: Three Great Gardens of Japan, 100 Best Urban Parks in Japan

Address: 〒703-8257 岡山市北区後楽園1-5

Opening Hours: March 20-September 30 Monday-Sunday 07:30-18:00; October 01 - March 19 Monday-Sunday 08:00-17:00

Phone: +81862721148

Website: https://okayama-korakuen.jp/section/china_tr

GPS coordinates: 34.66766,133.93506

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:11