Korakuen Garden (2)

 The garden covers a total area of approximately 133,000 square meters, with the grassed area covering approximately 18,500 square meters. The length of the stream which runs through the garden is 640 meters

 Yuishinzan Hill offers a panoramic view of the entire garden.

 Seidan (Rice Fields) are just a small sample of the rice fields that in the past were spread throughout the garden.

 Pat & Gina

Tea Fields: Rows of an ancient variety of tea trees stand in rows. This tea is said to have a slightly bitter flavor.

 Ryuten Pavilion: Pebbles of beautiful colors are scattered throughout the stream which passes through the center of the building. It is a rare design in Japan.

Inside Okayama Korakuen Garden

The garden is located on the north bank of the Aashi River on an island between the river and a developed part of the city. The garden was designed in "scenic promenade" style. This presents the visitor with a new view at every turn of the path which connects the lawns, ponds, hills, tea houses, and streams.

With our local guide - Reiko

Pat & Gina

Sawanoike Pond: The largest pond in the Korakuen. Sawanoike Pond contains a Nakanoshima Island, Misoshima Island with a beautiful fishing palace, and Jarijima Island with beautiful white sand and green pine trees. 

Korakuen was built by the order of Ikeda Tsunamasa, the fourth lord of Okayama Castle in 1700. Korakuen was designed in the Chisan Kaiyu Style (landscaped around a large pond) of Japanese Garden.

For a moment looks like a golf course

Such a relaxing stroll

Exterior of Korakuen Garden

Here we are about to visit one of the famous gardens in Japan

Pat all set to soak in the nature sights 

Kōraku-en (後楽園 Kōrakuen?), is a Japanese garden located in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kenroku-en and Kairaku-en. Korakuen was built in 1700 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of Okayama. 

The entrance of the Garden

Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens. Korakuen Garden is located next to Okayama Castle.

Breakfast at Ana Crown Plaza Okayama

Here we are - our 2nd hotel of our trip. Ana Crown Plaza is located in the real heart of Okayama.

Okayama ANA Crowne Plaza is a few steps from the Okayama Convention Centre and the well-known Takashimaya department store. The Koraku-en is a 10-minute taxi ride, and Okayama Airport is a 30-minute drive.

View from our hotel room

Breakfast Time

The yogurt is simply declicious

Omelette with mushroom

Taste of Japanese breakfast

A breakfast buffet with Japanese and Western dishes can be enjoyed at the backdrop of the city skyline, at top-floor Japanese restaurant Kuriya-Sen.

Breakfast spread

Enjoying the view and breakfast