Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter was directly administered by the Edo shogunate.　You can enjoy strolling around this picturesque historic district with its willow lined river, white walled houses and Namakoko kabe. Namako (sea cucumber In Japanese) - Kabe (wall in Japanese) is a kind of exterior wall used in Japanese architecture, which is composed of black square roof tiles jointed with white raised plaster. "Namako Kabe" was named for the shape of its semicircular white plaster frames, which bear a strong resemblance to a sea cucumber.

JR Kurashiki Station is the entrance to Kurashiki city and also the terminal location for many local buses.　We’ll start our tour from here.

The Ohara Museum of Art was the very first museum in Japan that exhibited western and modern art. In the main building, themed after a Greek edifice, a collection of western and modern works of art by great world masters is shown. Entering the gate, an ivy covered stone wall, statues of “John the Baptist” and “The Burghers of Calais“ by Rodin welcome you.

Walking along the Kurashiki river leads you to the Kurashiki Archeological Museum, which was once a rice store house in the Edo era.

The traditional façade of the building is famous and the archeological finds from the Kibi area should not be missed.

Honnmachi and HIgashimachi, found in the back streets of a lively area along Kurashiki river provide visitors with an ambiance of life lived in a “machiya”、a unique urban environment composed of traditional Japanese style townhouses、which is only found in Kurashiki, and no other areas of Japan. After walking the streets and enjoying the classic structures and white walled buildings, it’s a perfect time to take lunch. Outside the window of the restaurant ‘Oishiimono boutique‘, you can enjoy the view of a garden and sake brewery, both of which are common in a town of store house mansions.

A great collection of rural toys such as tops, Hina dolls, Japanese kites, and many more toys made all over Japan from the Edo era to the Showa era are exhibited. A gallery, museum shop and a café surround the courtyard.

A short distance from the Kurashiki river district lies Ivy square. The red brick building covered with ivy was built in the Meiji era and was used then as a spinning factory.

The building makes the visitors feel nostalgic. The hotel and the restaurant in the building are local favorites, while other parts of the building contain a music box museum, a candle shop, a hands-on craft shop and much more.

The cityscape in daytime is wonderful but the view after dawn is also worth seeing.

Once the sun sets, the Kursshiki river district in Bikan historical quarter is lit up by gentle light. The silhouette of the buildings against the darkness of the night provides a fantastic scene.

In addition to our ideas above, you'll find Kurashiki also has abundant tourist resources thanks to the delicious local food from both land and sea, and the many kinds of fruits grown in a mild climate.

With its charm and grace, Kurashiki's beauty will touch your heart!

Read about Kurashiki's must-see facilities, souvenirs, and access to Kurashiki next.

Read next page

View Japan-i Kurasiki in a larger map