Autumn in Japan

Illumination at Okayama Castle

Autumn is one of the best seasons travelling to Japan. The shades of yellow to orange to red foliage have made the garden, castle and the shrines look more beautiful. Not only the day, but also at night. Some major tourist destinations would organize specials events and illumination at night for the visitors.

Okayama Castle is the symbol of Okayama Prefecture in Japan. The main tower was completed in 1597 but completely destroyed during World War II. Then it was replicated in 1966 with concrete and built in an elevator for easy access to the top.

With a black exterior, the castle is also called the Crow Castle. Please do not confuse it with Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, Japan, which is called the Crow Castle. Matsuomoto Castle is named “karasu-jō” in Japanese while Okayama Castle is “U-jō”. While they may all look similar yet different in many way, particularly the interior, the moat and surrounding environment, making each one of them unique in its own way.

Visiting Okayama in autumn, the best time is to catch the illumination and event period which was November 17 to 26, 2017. I am grateful to be able to take some great photos on the last date of the event. The dates are different every year, please check online if you are interested next year.

Okayama Castle 岡山城
The main tower will open till 20:30 (last entrance at 20:00) during the event. Special lighting was set up outside the castle. The atmosphere was different from the day time.
節日期間,岡山城會開放至晚上20:30(最後入場20:00)。 城堡外面亮起特別燈光,非常漂亮。和白天是不一樣的感覺。
Okayama Castle 岡山城
The maple trees on the side of the front lawn and the stone lamp were lit up. That’s where people gathered to take photos of the illuminated maple leaves.
城堡前大草地旁邊的楓樹和石燈籠都亮起,這裡亦是遊人聚集拍夜楓的地方。
Okayama Castle 岡山城
One of the remaining watch towers of Okayama Castle. The decoration on the front was part of the bamboo exhibition made by an artist 「竹吉」 竹あかり.
岡山城其中一座櫓。前面的擺設是藝術家「竹吉」竹あかり作品。
Okayama Castle 岡山城
The entrance to the main tower was lit up with lanterns on the side. The rest of the castle area was pretty dark though. Please pay attention to the direction if you plan to visit next year.
進入天守閣前的入口也亮起了燈,兩旁有燈籠。但徒步入岡山城的路段非常黑,如果你明年想來看夜楓要注意方向。
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