Including the Kurashiki Bikan District, Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture where the old atmosphere of the city still remains. Let’s slip back to the Edo period!
Kurashiki is located in Okayama Prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea. If you travel from the Kansai area, it’s possible to take a one-day trip.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter where the storehouses with Namako-kabe (walls with grid patterns) walls and wooden houses are standing along the river. A popular spot in Kurashiki where you can experience the atmosphere of Edo and Meiji period.
Here you can experience how the people used to live here in Kurashiki.
- Train
- Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Kansai area to Okayama. From Okayama, transfer to JR Sanyo Main Line, then get off at Kurashiki.
- OR
- Bus
- From Osaka Station or Namba Station, you can travel with Ryobi Express and Kibi Express operates. There are many buses to Okayama Station, and you can also take a bus ride to Kurashiki Station. The bus ride takes about 3 hours.
Kurashiki Station
From Okayama Station, you’ll be arriving in about 15 minutes. This is the entrance to Kurashiki City. MAP
- Walk
- From the South Exit of station, walk straight on the main street in front of the station for about 15 minutes.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a fascinating cityscape with a spectacular view just like a scene from a movie, a famous spot that represents Kurashiki.
If you stroll along the willow trees planted along the stream and see the eaves of old-fashioned shops, it’s like slip back in time to Edo period.
A stroll or a boat ride along the river, both are fun to do while you’re here. Have a taste of Fruit Parfait and Kibidango, the Okayama’s popular lip-smacking treats. Both your stomach and heart will be satisfied. MAP
- Walk
- Only a short walk along the river.
Ohara Art Museum
Located at the heart of Kurashiki Bikan Historical District, the appearance of Ohara Art Museum looks like a Greek temple.
The museum own collection of El Greco to post-impressionism arts, art enthusiasts can’t miss this museum.
(Opening hour: 9.00 to 17.00, closed days: every Monday and the end of the year, admission: general 1,300 yen, university student: 800 yen, under 18 years: 500 yen) MAP
- Walk
- Cross the bridge from the Ohara Art Museum, then walk for about 5 minutes.
Kurashiki Ivy Square
Located just behind the Bikan Chiku (scenic district), an impressive complex of brick buildings covered in Ivy leaves.
Kurashiki Ivy Square was a cotton mill built in 1889, the buildings renovated into a multi-purpose complex including hotel, restaurants, and shops.
If you walk around the premises, you can see and enjoy the difference between the eastern and western atmosphere of Bikan Chiku’s. MAP
- Walk
- Back to the main street, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Ohashi House
The residence of Ohashi family will give you insight into the life of the upper class in the Edo period.
If you don’t look carefully at the sign, you might walk past the house, because it’s located at an ordinary alley that’s not very noticeable.
As you enter from the entrance, you’ll be surprised by the size of the area. The Tatami room is also spacious, so you can imagine how much the Ohashi family’s wealth was.
(Opening hours: 9.00 to 17.00, admission: adult 550 yen, seniors & juniors: 350 yen)MAP
Although in the future there will be more and more new buildings in the city, Kurashiki is also preserving its old, historic buildings.
- Train
- To the Kansai area, take JR Sanyo Line to Okayama, then take the Sanyo Shinkansen.
- OR
- Bus
- Take a bus from Kurashiki Station or Okayama Station.