Korakuen is an example of a large Japanese stroll garden from the Edo Period. It was built for the local feudal lord as a place to entertain his family and important guests.

In the late 19th century the garden became the property of the Okayama Prefecture and was opened to the public. Despite damage caused by floods and bombing during WWII the gardens have been restored to their former glory.

Korakuen gardens have a different feel to many other Japanese Gardens in that it is very large with an open, slightly municipal park style.  Western eyes may find the vast open lawn spaces to not be immediately appealing, but it is very worthwhile exploring to gain the overall experience.

It is designed around a huge central lawn area, that includes an attractive pond (Sawa-no-ike) and a man made hill (Yuishinzan Hill). Criss-crossing these areas are many paths that take visitors to other parts of the garden. Overlooking the gardens and viewed from various spots is the 'borrowed view' of Okayama Castle.

The gardens also feature smaller ponds, streams, bridges and attractive tea-houses. Some of the ponds and streams are particularly attractive in summer, especially in late June with Daimyo lotuses in flower and early June sees irises in bloom by Yatsuhashi Bridge.

From the top of Yuishinzan Hill visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the garden. The slopes of the hill have been planted with azalea bushes, with the showy blooms on display from late May to early June.

Sawa-no-ike Pond is the largest water feature in the gardens with three islands. Jarajima, is the smallest with white sand and pine trees. Mino-shima has a beautiful fishing pavillion and Nako-no-shima is joined to the gardens by a classically arched wooden bridge.

Paths take visitors around the edges of groves of many trees, including Maples, famous for their spectacular autumn colour. Ume, plum trees and Cherry trees can be enjoyed in spring for their wonderful tissue paper-like blossoms. It is a shame that, due to fencing, visitors cannot walk amongst these trees as there is something quite special about standing under a tree and viewing leaves or blossom against the sky.

To the east of the garden, the Kako-no-ike Pond was designed to be enjoyed in the spring. Cherry trees heavy with soft pink bloom surround the pond.

The rice fields next to Sawa-no-ike Pond seem rather out of place in these gardens. They have been left here to remind visitors that at at one time rice fields spread throughout the gardens. In spring, the fields are planted with chinese peonies, mid May is the time to enjoy the pinks and whites of these wonderful flowers.

The gardens also include a small tea plantation with rows of perfectly trimmed tea trees, an ancient variety of camellia with a slightly bitter taste. This again seems an odd choice for a public gardens.

Korakeun gardens can be enjoyed all year round, but especially in spring, and even more so if you are getting married, with wedding photos on bridges being the main prize.

In summary the claim that these are "considered to be one of most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan" seems to be a bit over the top.   The main point of difference is the scale, they are large. The design is also specifically to enjoy a stroll. 

In these two points they are both good. 

However as a gardens that invoke strong and special emotions, leaving a lasting impression in the visitor . . . . . no, I'm afraid Korakuen leaves this reviewer a bit underwhelmed.