What’s Kurashiki Like?
Kurashiki, in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, is famous for its historic district and picturesque canal. Dating back to the Edo period, it features traditional buildings and merchant houses. The Bikan Historical Quarter offers canal-side walks, white-walled warehouses, and charming shops. The Ohara Museum of Art showcases Western masterpieces.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Kurashiki River and rickshaw tours. Kurashiki is a blend of history, art, and scenic beauty, offering a unique glimpse of Japan.
Traditional Wall in KURASHIKI
The ‘namako’ wall refers to a sea cucumber wall. This technique involves affixing flat tiles to the exterior wall and filling the joints with plaster (shikkui).
The plaster is applied in a semicircular cross-section, resembling the shape of a sea cucumber, hence the name ‘namako’ (sea cucumber) wall.
Canal-side Walks
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is lined with unique cafes and general stores that are housed in renovated townhouses. At the cafe, parfaits made with seasonal fruits from Okayama and Kurashiki afternoon tea menus are popular. There are many restaurants where you can take out food, so you can enjoy eating while walking.
You can also enjoy shopping unique to Kurashiki at shops such as masking tape, which originated in Kurashiki, Kurashiki Hanpu, which produces about 70% of Japan’s canvas, and domestic jeans, which originated in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
KURASHIKI IVY SQUARE
Kurashiki Ivy Square is a charming blend of history and culture. Housed in a former spinning mill, its red-brick buildings draped in ivy create a picturesque atmosphere. Visitors can explore artisan shops, galleries, and cafes, or enjoy events and exhibitions throughout the year. Guided tours offer insights into the area’s rich history.
Also, you can stay here! I stayed around the Christmas season which was gorgeous and cozy. The shops offered a variety of items including food, accessories, and Christmas decorations.
There were also workshops where visitors could make small bags and Christmas trees which was so fun!
KURASHIKI at Night
After sunset, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is lit up and the white-walled buildings are reflected on the river surface.
Produced by world-famous lighting designer Mikiko Ishii, who also worked on the illumination of Tokyo Tower.
OHARA MUSEUM OF ART
Ohara Museum of Art was established in 1930, it holds the distinction of being Japan’s first private Western art museum.
The museum’s extensive collection includes a wide range of Western masterpieces, making it a prominent cultural destination in Japan. You can see Monet’s Waterlilies here.
KURASHIKI Riverboats
Kurashiki Kawafunagashi, a recreation of the riverboats that carried goods during the Edo period, is a popular experience that allows you to view the white-walled townscape from the water.
Tickets are only available on the day of the event, so we recommend purchasing them at the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center upon arrival.
Sightseeing in OKAYAMA
From Kurashiki Station to Okayama Station, it takes 20 minutes by train, and there are plenty of souvenirs from Okayama around the station. You can take a tram to access Okayama Castle and explore Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens.
“Kakioko”is one of Okonomiyaki including oysters (Japanese savory pancake ) and Demi-katsu (pork cutlet with demi-glace sauce) are famous dishes.
I hope this article helps you enjoy your trip to Japan!
Let’s enjoy vocal lessons and learning Japanese with Japanese teacher and Japanese music by using mobile phones or tablet devices.
This is a music school made up of Japanese musicians, offering music lessons online.
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