Okayama Castle - Crow Castle

Okayama Castle, also affectionately known as "Ujo" or "Crow Castle" because of its distinctive black exterior, was originally constructed in 1597 during Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama Period. Its black lacquered wooden walls give it a striking contrast to neighboring castles like the white Himeji Castle. The castle's main tower (Tenshu) was completed by Ukita Hideie, son of Ukita Naoie, who began construction in 1573. The castle was strategically built on a small hill by the Asahi River, which was engineered to serve as a moat for defense.

Architecturally, the castle is unique with a pentagonal-shaped stone base adapted to the terrain, and its six floors rise to about 21 meters high. Though traditionally built in wood, the current structure is a concrete reconstruction completed in 1966 after the original was destroyed in Allied bombings during World War II. Only one original turret, the Tsukimi Yagura ("moon viewing turret") dating to 1620, survived the war.

Historically, Okayama Castle played a significant role during the turbulent Sengoku (Warring States) era. After the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the castle changed hands from the Ukita clan to Kobayakawa Hideaki and then to the Ikeda clan, who governed the domain until the Meiji period. The Ikeda family also built the famous Korakuen Garden nearby as a private retreat.

The castle is famed not only for its black exterior but also for gilded roof tiles excavated from the era, leading to the nickname "Kin-ujo" or "Golden Crow Castle." Its complex included multiple turrets (35 yagura) and gates (21 mon), protected by extensive moats, originally forming an impressive fortification.

Today, the reconstructed castle houses exhibits on its history with modern amenities like elevators and air conditioning, and its location on the Asahi River across from Korakuen Garden makes it a scenic and culturally rich landmark to explore in Okayama