Okayama Korakuen
Famous places in the Chugoku region
Okayama Korakuen is one of Japan's three famous gardens located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, and is a tourist destination characterized by beautiful gardens and historical buildings.
Korakuen was built in the mid-Edo period by Tsugumasa Ikeda, the seventh lord of the Ikeda family, the lord of the Okayama domain. The park has a large pond, stone walls of various sizes, and a lush garden, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. Especially during the cherry blossom season, the park is filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom and crowded with visitors.
In the center of Korakuen is a group of buildings centered around a tea room called ``Okayama Koshoin.'' This tea room is an important building that embodies the tea ceremony culture and garden aesthetics of the time, and has been designated as a national important cultural property.
In addition to the Japanese garden, the park also has a variety of other areas such as a Western-style garden, an irises garden, a tea room, and a kabuki stage, making it a lot of fun to stroll around.
Although Korakuen is located in Okayama City, it is loved by many tourists and locals as a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax while experiencing nature and history. You can enjoy traditional Japanese garden culture through the quaint landscape and cultural assets within the park.
okay, friends -- if you go to San Jose, you need to add the Japanese Friendship Garden to your list of places to visit. it is soooo beautiful. all the flowers, plants, koi fish, birds, and more to look at 😍😍
some facts 👇🏻
🏞️ modeled after Japan's famous korakuen garden in okayama
↔️ spans five acres
🐟 ponds with koi sent from okayama in 1966
🫖 on site tea house
📍 1300 senter road, San Jose
🎟️ free to enter
🎟️ pay to park @ Kelley park parking lot : $6 [at time of this posting]
Japan is a country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a blend of modern and traditional elements. Whether you're interested in exploring historical temples, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms, or experiencing cutting-edge technology in bustling cities, Japan has something for everyone. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit to Japan:
1. Tokyo:
Asakusa: Visit Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
Shibuya Crossing: Experience the iconic pedestrian scramble.
Akihabara: Explore the electronics and anime district.
Tsukiji Outer Market: Try fresh sushi and seafood.
2. Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through thousands of red torii gates.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Admire the stunning Zen Buddhist temple.
Arashiyama: Explore the bamboo groves and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
3. Osaka:
Osaka Castle: Visit this historic castle surrounded by a beautiful park.
Dotonbori: Experience vibrant nightlife and try local street food.
Universal Studios Japan: Enjoy the theme park attractions.
4. Hiroshima:
Peace Memorial Park: Reflect on the city's history and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Miyajima Island: Explore the iconic "floating" torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
5. Nara:
Nara Park: Interact with friendly deer and visit Todai-ji Temple.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Explore the lantern-lined paths.
6. Hokkaido:
Sapporo: Enjoy winter sports, the Snow Festival, and delicious local cuisine.
Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Fields: Visit colorful flower fields in Biei.
7. Kanazawa:
Kenrokuen Garden: Experience one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens.
Higashi Chaya District: Wander through well-preserved geisha districts.
8. Mount Fuji:
Chureito Pagoda: Capture stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Lake Kawaguchi: Enjoy the scenery around this picturesque lake.
9. Okinawa:
Shurijo Castle: Explore the reconstructed castle in Naha.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world.
10. Japanese Onsen (Hot Springs):
Experience the relaxation of traditional hot springs, such as those in Hakone or Beppu.
11. Japanese Gardens:
Visit traditional Japanese gardens like Ritsurin Koen in Takamatsu or Korakuen in Okayama.
12. Cherry Blossom Season:
Plan your visit during spring (late March to early April) to witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms.
13. Traditional Tea Ceremony:
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for a glimpse into Japanese culture.
14. Sumo Wrestling:
Attend a sumo wrestling match or visit a sumo training stable.
15. Japanese Cuisine:
Try sushi, ramen, tempura, kaiseki (multi-course meal), and other local specialties.
Tips:
Transportation: Utilize Japan's efficient and punctual public transportation, including the Shinkansen (bullet train).
Cash: While credit cards are accepted in urban areas, it's advisable to have some cash, especially in rural regions.
Language: English may not be widely spoken, so learning a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful.
Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, and each region has its own distinct charm. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or modern city life, Japan provides a diverse range of experiences. Enjoy your travels in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Blog 02: Okayama, Hiroshima, Naoshima | 3/26 thru 3/28
Mono No Aware
Mono No Aware highlights the beauty of sadness and life and death. It is powerfully represented in Hiroshima, as the city lives with the pain and suffering from the bomb, yet it is beautiful and growing every season as it recovers.
Korakuen (後楽園, Kōrakuen)
Korakuen is a large landscape garden in Okayama located just beside Okayama Castle. The garden has a large pond with tea and rice fields that can be seen from the highest hill within the landscape. As we walked through, we envisioned ourselves living when the garden was first built and imagined what it was like to have the entire space as our private backyard.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園, Heiwa Kinen Kōen)
The area of what is now the Peace Park was the heart of Hiroshima, where people would go for work, making it the main reason it was a bomb target. Peace Park is now dedicated to peace and stands for hope for a life where atomic bombs and nuclear weapons no longer exist. Japan is the only country to be attacked with an atomic bomb once and twice. It was incredibly saddening to see the pictures inside the museum of the beautiful city before the bomb and the type of destruction it left on the ordinary people living in Hiroshima.
Chichu Art Museum
The Chichu Art Museum is located on the art island of Naoshima. The artifacts and simulations are mind-bending and immersive. The theme is simplistic but effective as the walk to the museum is very green, and once you enter, it feels like you've been pulled into a new concrete universe. Pictures are not allowed, but the view from the museum's top is beautiful, as you can see the silhouette of the main island, a fifteen-minute ferry ride away.
Kirei
Kirei is the Japanese cultural concept that the landscape must be taken care of, and everything must be clean and beautiful as a reflection of your gratitude and respect for what is given. It reflects the Shinto religion that respects every object, as it is believed that every piece of nature has a spirit. Traveling from America, it is very easy to notice the city's cleanliness, as all restrooms and public spaces are well taken care of. Back home, park restrooms are somewhere I stay far away from, but in Japan, they're as good as at home.
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Japanese gardens, having been constructed over a 200-year period beginning in the mid-17th century. Indeed, along with Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito, it is one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens.
Beautiful Gardens – Kenrokuen, Kanazawa, Japan – Art Gallery (theartgalleryonline.org)
Khu vườn Nhật Bản tại Sun World Hạ Long được thiết kế bởi kiến trúc sư nổi tiếng Bill Bensley, mang đậm phong cách Nhật Bản và lấy cảm hứng từ khu vườn Okayama Korakuen danh tiếng. Đây là nơi mang đến cho du khách một không gian thanh bình và tĩnh lặng, đậm chất văn hóa của đất nước mặt trời mọc giữa lòng thành phố biển Hạ Long.
Nguồn: Vườn Nhật Bản Sun World - Nhật Bản thu nhỏ giữa lòng Hạ Long
Okayama Castle
Famous places in the Chugoku region
Okayama Castle is a historical castle located in Okayama City, Japan, and is also known as ``Crow Castle.'' Okayama Castle was built by Hideyoshi Hashiba (later Hideyoshi Toyotomi), a vassal of the Mori family, a feudal lord during the Sengoku period.
Okayama Castle is a castle with distinctive features such as a water moat, stone walls, and castle tower, and is especially famous for its beautiful stone walls. The castle was built on orders from Hideyoshi, and has been renovated and rebuilt several times since then, and its current appearance dates back to the Meiji period.
Inside the castle, there are historical buildings and gardens such as the castle tower, Ninomaru Palace, and Sannomaru Palace, where you can feel the history and culture of Okayama. There is also an Okayama City Museum of Art within the castle grounds, where works of art including important cultural properties and national treasures are exhibited.
Okayama Castle is not only beautiful, but also has many tourist attractions nearby, such as Momotaro Shrine and Korakuen, which are the places related to the Momotaro legend. Okayama Castle itself is a popular place for tourists, and is loved by visitors as a place to learn about history and culture.
Capturing the Essence of Japan: Breathtaking Travel Landscape Photography
Introduction
Japan, a country known for its rich culture, ancient traditions, and modern innovations, is also a haven for photographers seeking to capture its stunning natural landscapes. From the iconic cherry blossoms of spring to the snow-capped peaks of winter, Japan's diverse topography offers a myriad of opportunities for Breathtaking Travel Landscape Photography Japan In this article, we will delve into some of the most captivating locations and techniques to help photographers immortalize the beauty of Japan's landscapes through their lenses.
Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom
One of the most anticipated and iconic scenes in Japan is the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. During spring, from March to April, the landscape transforms into a sea of delicate pink and white petals. Parks, gardens, and streets become enchanting backdrops for photographers to capture the magic of hanami (flower viewing) festivals. The ethereal atmosphere and soft lighting of this season offer a perfect opportunity to experiment with various angles, compositions, and close-up shots to highlight the intricate details of these blossoms.
Majestic Mountains and Tranquil Valleys
Japan's landscape is dominated by majestic mountains and lush valleys. The towering peak of Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan, stands as a challenge and inspiration for landscape photographers. The changing hues of dawn and dusk cast spellbinding gradients across its slopes. Meanwhile, the tranquil valleys, such as those in Gifu and Nagano prefectures, provide an opportunity to capture the harmony between human settlements and nature. The contrast between ancient temples and modern structures against a backdrop of natural beauty can yield captivating compositions.
Serene Lakes and Coastlines
Japan's lakes and coastlines offer serene and reflective landscapes that are a favorite among photographers seeking to capture the country's quieter side. Lake Kawaguchi, situated at the foot of Mount Fuji, provides stunning reflections of the mountain on its calm waters. Coastal areas like the dramatic cliffs of Amanohashidate or the rocky shores of Miyagi prefecture offer a chance to capture the dynamic interplay between land and sea. Long exposure techniques can be employed to create ethereal seascapes, while wide-angle shots can emphasize the vastness of these natural wonders.
Enchanting Forests and Gardens
The enchanting forests and meticulously landscaped gardens of Japan are a treasure trove for photographers. The dense bamboo groves of Arashiyama in Kyoto create an otherworldly atmosphere, especially when shrouded in mist. The vibrant hues of fall foliage in gardens like Kenrokuen in Kanazawa or Korakuen in Okayama offer a visual feast of colors. Photographers can experiment with framing techniques to capture the intricate pathways, bridges, and vibrant flora that define these spaces.
Photographic Techniques
To truly capture the essence of Japan's landscapes, photographers should employ a variety of techniques. Utilizing a tripod is essential for achieving steady shots, especially during low light conditions or long exposure shots. Wide-angle lenses are a staple for landscape photography, allowing the photographer to encompass expansive vistas. Experimenting with different focal lengths and compositions can lead to unique perspectives. Additionally, playing with light, whether during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset or experimenting with reflections, can add depth and emotion to the photographs.