description Okayama Castle Overview
Okayama Castle is a Japanese castle located in Okayama city in Okayama Prefecture on the island of Honshu. The main keep (tenshukaku) was completed in 1597 under the daimyō Ukita Hideie during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The castle is widely known by the nickname 'Crow Castle' (Japanese: U-jō) due to its black-painted exterior walls and dark roof tiles, which contrast with the nearby 'White Heron Castle' (Himeji Castle). The original main keep was destroyed by American bombing in 1945 and was reconstructed in reinforced concrete in 1966.
help Okayama Castle FAQ
Where is Okayama Castle?
Okayama Castle is in Okayama city in Okayama Prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu. It stands near the Asahi River and the Korakuen garden.
When was the main keep of Okayama Castle completed?
The main keep was completed in 1597 under the daimyo Ukita Hideie. That places the castle in Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Why is Okayama Castle called Crow Castle?
It is nicknamed Crow Castle, or Ujo, because its exterior is notably dark in contrast to the white appearance of castles such as Himeji. The black cladding gives the keep a distinctive silhouette.
Was Okayama Castle rebuilt after World War II?
Yes, the original main keep was destroyed by bombing in 1945 and later reconstructed. The present keep is a postwar rebuild that preserves the castle’s historic dark exterior and general form.
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