From August 1 to 23, 2026, Okayama Korakuen Garden – one of Japan's Three Great Gardens – opens after dark for Genso-teien, a nightly illumination running 18:00 to 21:30. Last entry is 21:00, and the garden opens every day of the run.
IN THE GARDEN
Lights are placed in the garden, and you can enjoy a slow walk through it after dark. The garden also schedules cultural events during the run. Across the river, the castle holds its own lighting event, Ujo Tougenkyo, on the same dates.
HOW TO ATTEND
No reservation needed.
- Dates: August 1-23, 2026
- Time: 18:00-21:30 (last entry 21:00)
- Venue: Okayama Korakuen Garden, 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama
- Admission: Adults 500 yen / 65+ 200 yen / high-school students and younger free
- Enquiries: Okayama Korakuen Garden +81 86-272-1148
- Access: Bus to "Korakuen-mae," or tram to "Shiroshita" + 10 min, from JR Okayama Station
- Official Info: okayama-korakuen.jp
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle face each other across the Asahi River, an easy pair in a single visit. Okayama is a stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Hiroshima, which makes it a simple add-on to a wider western Japan route.
Source: Okayama Korakuen Garden | okayama-korakuen.jp #WestGoldenRoute #Okayama #Korakuen #Nukumori