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Photo: Hitoxu.Chiki(Kajiro), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle (津山城), once considered to be the most spectacular Japanese castle. Since the castle was decommissioned during the Meiji Period, all that remains₨ are the castle walls however, they are truly well-preserved, and a walk around the castle grounds offers many great views of the city and a feel for the castle's former grandeur. The small turret, the only castle structure in the park, was reconstructed in 2004 out of wood to stay true to the original to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Tsuyama Castle. The park has gained fame as not only being the best place in Okayama but also as the best place in the entire Chugoku region for viewing cherry blossoms due to its 1,000 cherry blossom trees, scenic ruins, and festive atmosphere. It is also a great place to view the changing leaves in the fall. There is a heart-shaped stone in the walls of the former honmaru that is a popular photo-op, particularly among women. It is even featured on some of the souvenirs.
Tsuyama Castle is a Japanese castle located in the Sange neighborhood of the city of Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, in the San'in region of Japan. Tsuyama considered one of Japan's three major hirayama style castles along with Himeji Castle and Matsuyama Castle, which were all constructed around the same time. During the Edo period, Tsuyama castle served as the primary residence of the daimyō of the Tsuyama Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. The castle was also called Kakuzan Castle . It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1963.
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つやま自然ふしぎ館 Tsuyama shizen fushigikan
Also, known as Tsuyama Wonder Museum, it's a great destination for those traveling with children. The science museum features a variety of exhibits, from body organs to wildlife displays.
津山郷土博物館
As Tsuyama has been the center of Mimasaka culture since the province was established, the museum displays artifacts and information from the founding of Mimasaka to the present, including a replica of the original Tsuyama Castle.
津山洋学資料館 Tsuyama yogaku shiryokan
A museum with information and artifacts relating the Japan's first contact with the West. It also gives information about the important role the city of Tsuyama played in interacting with the West.
徳守神社, Tokumori-jinja
Dating back to 1664, this shrine was built by Tsuyama's first daimyo, Mori Tadamasa. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and it houses one of Japan's Three Great Mikoshi (portable shrines).
箕作阮甫旧宅 Mitsukuri genpo kyuutaku
Mitsukuri Genpo was an important figure during the time when Japan first encountered the West. He translated many Western texts into Japanese and helped create policies in dealing with the Western powers. His former residence is on Joto Street — look for the prominent signs.
衆楽園 Shūraku-en
Constructed in 1657 by Mori Nagatsugu, one of Tsuyama's feudal lords, Shurakuen is a strolling garden used as a place to entertain guests. While the current garden is sizable, the original was three times larger. The garden is considered worthwhile in every season with cherry blossoms in the spring, lillies in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and snow in the winter (if you're lucky).