Are you annoyed by trying to find fun and somewhere with delicious food in Okayama?
Today, we are going to unveil all the exciting attractions and tasty gourmet that you cannot miss in Okayama.
Every night from spring to autumn, an exclusive lighting event will take place at the ‘Fantasy Garden’ in Okayama Korakuen and ‘Ujo Light Source Town’ at Okayama Castle.
The dazzling lights add fascinating charm to the Japanese garden and ancient castle.
Now, Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting ‘Summer Ujo Light Source Town’ and the magical ‘Summer Fantasy Garden.’
How to go to Okayama Castle?
First, depart from JR Okayama Station and take the tram to Joka Station (Higashiyama Line → Joka direction).
Once you arrive at Joka Station, you have two options to head to Okayama Castle.
①Go upstairs through the underground passage behind the station.
②Cross the street and walk on level ground.
Whichever option you choose, you can reach the destination easily by following the directional signs.
Okayama Castle-Summer Ujo Light Source Town
Passing through Ishiyama Park, you can see the Ikeda family’s crest “Bizen Butterfly” on the stone wall of the Tsukimi Oar.
Let’s watch the lighting event in Summer Ujo Light Source Town together!
As you walk forward, you will see the colorful projection of paper umbrellas on the stone wall.
Continue walking up the stone stairs.
While walking, take a closer look, and you’ll discover the Bizen Butterfly beside the pathway as well!
We’ve finally arrived at the highlight of the lighting display, the Umbrella Dance at the Castle.
On the grassy area in front of Okayama Castle’s main keep, there are about 100 Japanese umbrella lanterns, neatly arranged and adorning the Japanese garden.
There is a special stripe on each paper umbrella.
With smoke, it creates a fantastic scene, overflowing with magical vibes.
The operating hours of the lighting event at Okayama Castle will be extended. If you want to experience the Tenshu at night, be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy this lighting event!!
Okayama Castle
Address：2 Chome-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama Googlemaps
Head to Okayama Korakuen
After the tour of the fantastic Okayama Castle – Summer Ujo Light Source Town, let’s head to Okayama Korakuen. Arrive there by crossing the Tsukimi Bridge, which is adorned with butterfly patterns.
Okayama Korakuen-Summer Fantasy Garden
Copyright(C) 岡山後楽園夜間特別開園「幻想庭園」 All Rights Reserved.
As one of the three main gardens in Japan, Okayama Korakuen displays its distinct charms both by day and by night.
1.Rainbow-Colored Bamboo Lanterns
Copyright(C) 岡山後楽園夜間特別開園「幻想庭園」 All Rights Reserved.
Do you notice the lights on the lawn when you enter the garden? These rainbow-colored bamboo lanterns illuminate the paths, guiding tourists along the way.
2.Source of Life Light Show
A light show called ‘Source of Life’ is taking place at the western-side pavilion, ‘Enyo-tei.
Accompanied by music, a variety of flower projections are displayed on the building. The vivid images and animations are incredibly eye-catching.
3.Mirror Forest
In the pond at the center of the courtyard, the reflections of lights and trees gently sway with the ripples. Before I knew it, I was captivated by this exquisite scene before me~~
Okayama Korakuen
Address：1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama Googlemaps
Michelin-Recommended Ramen: Ramen Issyōan
Departing from Okayama Korakuen, take a 10-minute walk, and you will arrive at this ramen store, which was recommended by Michelin in 2021.
The store is divided into general seats and counter seats.
This bowl of Chinese ramen uses a mixture of chicken broth and clams as the soup base, and the noodles are made of special noodles that can taste the aroma of wheat. The overall soup is moderately salty and tastes very refreshing!
We also order the sizzling chicken skin dumplings and the store’s exclusive large chicken wings. The length of the big chicken wings is almost as long as chopsticks, unbelievable!!
The dumplings are very special, with chicken skin used as the outer cover. It is crispy and rich with oil. When you take a bite, it’s packed with fillings and savory gravy, making it impossible to resist eating a few more.
The ice cubes in the drinks can also be replaced with fruit-flavored ones, enhancing the taste with a rich fruity aroma.(๑´ڡ`๑)
Ramen Issyoan Okayama main store
Address：Okayama, Kita Ward, Nakasange, 1 Chome−7−16 Sanko Building 1F Googlemaps
After viewing all the introduction above, are you feeling a little flutter in your heart?
Anyone planning to visit Okayama won’t want to miss the distinct vibes of Okayama Castle and Okayama Korakuen. It’s truly an incredibly beautiful scene, highlighted by gorgeous lights.
Don’t gorget to try the Michelin-Recommended Delicious Ramen!
