Kurashiki

Kurashiki

The aesthetic area of Kurashiki located along the Kurashiki River that flows in the central part of the city near JR Kurashiki Station is still filled with an atmosphere from the Edo period.
During then, Kurashiki flourished as a Tenryo (area directly controlled by the Edo government). Many supplies including rice and cotton were gathered here and buildings such as white-walled warehouses and residential houses were built. Many of such still remain standing today and the area is designated as a traditional architecture preservation district.
Willows are planted along the river while houses with warehouses featuring white Namako walls and beautiful black roof tiles stand next to each other. Here, you will find many warehouses that have been remodeled into artistically-designed stores, galleries, dining establishments, and cafes. There are many museums as well such as Ohara Museum of Art with its impressive building that looks like a Greek temple, Nihon Kyodo Gangukan where collections of old-fashioned folk toys are exhibited, Museum of Folkcraft made by remodeling an old rice warehouse, and the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum. Moreover, you will also find many tradesmen's houses built in the Edo-style architectural form such as the residences that belonged respectively to the Ohara Family and Ohashi Family.
Right near the Kura-style streets, there is also the Kurashiki Ivy Square with its ivy-covered red bricks which used to be Kurashiki Boseki's factory built in the Meiji era. Indeed, you are sure to experience the history of Kurashiki in this area.