My Japan: Okayama

Okayama City was formed as the castle town of Okayama Castle built some 400 years ago. Today it is the capital of the Okayama Prefecture. While here, we stayed at the Toyoko Inn, rather near the train station. In fact, from the balcony, we were able to watch the trains trundle past.

On the main street of Okayama City are many sculptures including that of the 'peach boy' Momotaro and the animals associated with him. Legend has it that a childless couple found a big peach in which was this little boy who then grew up to fight ogres. Momotaro is a symbol of the city and Momotaro festivals are held every year in Summer and Autumn.

Peach boy Momotaro on the main road of
Okayama City (CNB 2012)

'Peace' from the city of Okayama (CNB 2012)

A street car (tram) station in Okayama City (CNB 2012)

The major attractions of Okayama are the Castle, of course, and the famed Korakuen Gardens. The city has a culture zone with museums, cultural centres and halls, also the prefectural library.

The Okayama Symphony Hall (CNB 2012)

Korakuen is one of three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It was initiated by the feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa in 1687 and was completed in 1700. It has retained most of its original appearance till today. The Garden was open to the public in 1884 when ownership was transferred to Okayama Prefecture.

A view of Korakuen (CNB 2012)

Another view of Korakuen (CNB 2012)

'The Garden was designed in the Kaiyu (scenic promenade) style which presents the visitor with a new view at every turn of the path which connects the vast lawns, ponds, hills, tea houses and streams.' The Garden also incorporates groves of  ume (plum), maple, sakura (cherry) and fields of rice and tea.

'Peace' from Yoshiko, the lady manning a little souvenir stall
 at Korakuen. Behind her are the tea bushes. (CNB 2012)

Close-up of sakura at Korakuen (CNB 2012)

The sakura grove at Korakuen (CNB 2012)

Another interesting feature of Korakuen are a number of tancho, Japanese cranes (or red-crowned cranes) housed in an aviary. But they proved camera-shy and it was difficult to get a good shot of these birds, which are among the largest and rarest of cranes. I found out later that on special occasions, these revered birds, symbols of luck, longevity and fidelity, are allowed to roam free in the Garden.

The shy cranes of Korakuen (CNB 2012)

While there in the Garden, we came across a few hanami parties under the cherry trees, also a couple ... of bridal couples posing in their best wedding attire - the beautiful traditional kimono, no less! So we also took the opportunity to snap away, when they posed for their official photographers! Spring does seem to be the wedding season in Japan.

Submit, oh new husband, or else! (CNB 2012)

A more amiable pose by a second couple (CNB 2012)

The blushing bride in Spring (CNB 2012)

Okayama Castle is called the 'Crow Castle' because of the black colour of its weatherboarding. From Korakuen, we crossed the Tsukimi Bridge to approach the Castle. But we only took photos from the outside because all the walking in the garden had worn some of us out.

Sakura trees just outside Korakuen (2012)

Okayama Castle (CNB 2012)

A couple and their beautiful dog oblige for my camera as
we walk across this bridge towards the castle. Dogs and
all animals are well-loved in Japan (CNB 2012)

Mum and child under a weeping cherry tree in
a park in Okayama City - arigato for the pose!
(CNB 2012)

For dinner on the first night we were in Okayama, we walked around and found an eatery nearby. We liked the ambience, the food was oishii (delicious), and so returned to the Dang Dang Batake for dinner the next day too.

'Peace' from Chef Kinoshita (CNB 2012)

My first night dinner of seafood tempura (2012)

My second night dinner of rice with grilled fish (CNB 2012)

Plus this really 'delish' salad (CNB 2012)

We also had yellow Chinese chives - a specialty of Okayama
(CNB 2012)

Also among the specialty foods of Okayama are Kibi Dango dumplings (sticky and sweet with a variety of flavours) and are popular souvenirs because they are associated with the Momotaro legend. We sampled some and bought boxes of these to bring back home.

Pretty boxes of Kibi Dango dumplings (CNB 2012)

3-12 April 2012