Korakuen is what puts Okayama on the map. It's ranked as one of Japan's top three gardens. As the other two on that list lay beyond my route, I had to go for this one, although the guidebook suggested that the other two are more interesting. And that is likely to be the case: what makes Korakuen special is that it makes use of big lawns, which is uncommon in Japanese gardens. But how exotic is grass for a European? And grass that is still more brown than green after a long winter?

Nevertheless, the garden did offer some good photo opportunities. And something happened with the light during my time in the park. I've kept the pictures in the order I took them, but you will find that the later pictures are more exciting.