Okayama Castle stands just across the river from Kōraku-en and is easy to combine with the garden in the same visit. The exterior is striking, with its black facade earning it the nickname “Crow Castle.” Inside, the castle functions as a museum explaining the history of the region and the Ikeda clan. The visit is straightforward and the top floor offers a nice view over the river and the garden.

Price
≈ ¥400

Touristy?
Yes, mainly visited together with Kōraku-en.