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During the Edo period, Kurashiki did heavy trade with [wiki=62413a57c5e3dc51177995fa175d3286]the capital[/wiki] in rice, sugar, and other goods. Later, during the Meiji Restoration, the city became known for textiles. Kurashiki escaped World War II largely unscathed, and as a result, many of the original storehouses, mills, and shops remain in beautiful condition, open to visitors in the Bikan Historic Area.
The effect is delightful - storehouses (倉 kura) with lattice windows share space with weeping willows along the banks of the old canal, which is illuminated at night. The canal has led some overly optimistic tourist associations to call Kurashiki "the Venice of Japan". If not that - the city surrounding the Bikan area is as much a concrete jumble as any other in the country - Kurashiki is still a rare piece of old Japan, one that gives a sense of where people lived and worked, not merely the temples at which they worshipped.
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By plane
A shuttle bus will take you from the [wiki=6a954cc6ab6730a93ce523fd7efb4cd4]Okayama[/wiki] airport to JR Kurashiki Station in approximately 45 minutes (¥1000). Tickets can be purchased from a vending machine outside of the airport. Large luggage is okay; the driver will stow it underneath the seats. Staff at the information booth just beyond baggage claim are very helpful, and will go outside with you to purchase the ticket and get you on the appropriate bus. Like most buses in Japan, the driver will collect the ticket when you disembark.
Connections can also be made with the [wiki=853cfbf8cc7335320da12e9de6287da8]Hiroshima[/wiki] airport, via shuttle bus to Okayama (2 hours, ¥2100).
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By train
Kurashiki is on the San'yo Main Line between Okayama and [wiki=3c9258205a1c2facc4c9308094e52664]Fukuyama[/wiki].
The best way to reach Kurashiki from the San'yo Shinkansen is to transfer to a local train at Okayama; the ride takes about 15 minutes (¥320). Note that the limited express trains between Okayama and Kurashiki are more than twice as expensive, and will only save you a couple of minutes. However, if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take either a local or a limited express; on the latter, hop onto any non-reserved car and simply flash your rail pass to the conductor, declaring Kurashiki as your destination.
The Shinkansen stops at Shin-Kurashiki Station (新倉敷), another 10 minutes down the San'yo Main Line, but only with the all-stops Kodama trains. It's about ten minutes on the local train from JR Kurashiki Station to Shin-Kurashiki Station.
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By bus
Several companies run daytime and overnight bus routes from [wiki=62413a57c5e3dc51177995fa175d3286]Tokyo[/wiki], [wiki=0d70a380fe641d8206c6d43c185b9c23]Osaka[/wiki], [wiki=676c34d7107e519616752eeec31e7305]Kobe[/wiki], [wiki=97ac82e49a093a828a934c7edf7eef95]Matsuyama[/wiki], [wiki=addc6620c097d5dff4db34e6dca770cb]Tokushima[/wiki], [wiki=88908d7435ae656bdf61f4b5482ad325]Kochi[/wiki], [wiki=f5d540492523ba1f8e1516239c6b60fb]Fukuoka[/wiki], and elsewhere. Operators include Chugoku JR Bus Company [url=http://www.chugoku-jrbus.co.jp/]](+81 086-236-1123) and 123bus [http://www.123bus.net/[/url] (050-5805-0383). Buses arrive and depart outside the north exit of JR Kurashiki Station.
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Most of the sights in Kurashiki are in and around the aforementioned Bikan area, which is easily reached on foot from the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station - about a ten minute walk down Chuo-dori or the Ebisu-dori covered arcade.
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Bikan Historic Area
Even if you're not interested in the subject of a certain museum, the chance to explore inside these old warehouses and mills might be worth the price of admission. Note that virtually all of the museums (and many of the stores) are closed on Mondays, which does at least mean fewer crowds and photo hounds competing for that perfect shot at the foot of a bridge.
For a terrific view of the entire Bikan area, head up the granite stairs on Mt. Tsurugata to the Achi Shrine, and have a wander around the park at the top.
* Houses a deservedly renowned collection of classic European and American art, including major works by Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Matisse, and many others. There's another building for exhibitions by modern Japanese artists, which tend to be very good. Set aside some time to wander the grounds as well, with Rodin statues out front, a small sculpture garden out back, and neoclassical columns beatifically out of character with the rest of the area.
* Dedicated to the work of the Japanese artist who directed the acquisition of most of the Ohara Museum's collection.
* Housed in a particularly lovely old rice warehouse, this museum has Japanese, Chinese, and even Incan artifacts on display.
* Has a collection of over 40,000 toys, although only 5,000 or so are generally on display. Most are show-pieces (and occasionally eerie ones at that), but there are some that kids can play with hands-on.
* Hosts excellent seasonal and permanent exhibitions of Japanese folk crafts. Even if you're not captivated by the subject matter, the space in which it's housed - three vintage structures connected by narrow corridors and old stairwells - is worth checking out.
* Kurashiki native Sen'ichi Hoshino was a long-time pitcher and manager for the Chunichi Dragons of Japanese pro baseball; now, as manager and director of the Hanshin Tigers, his open hatred of the Yomiuri Giants has renewed focus. This recently-opened museum collects some of his memorabilia and career highlights.
* Yasuharu Oyama (1923-1992), also a Kurashiki native, was an eighteen time world champion of shogi; upon his retirement, he was crowned the 15th Lifetime Meijin (Grand Master) of the game.
* With the figure of Momotaro outside and souvenirs sold inside, it is often mistaken by foreign tourists as just another shop and a cute photo-op, but this building is actually a "museum of mystery" dedicated to Momotaro, the Peach Boy. The museum features a variety of fun and interactive mind tricks that bear no real connection to the tale but are quite fun, especially for children. From there, prepare yourself for a walk through the dark lair of the ogres that Momotaro defeated before ascending the stairs to see some historical depictions of the tale and other items of nostalgia.
* Memorabilia and artwork from Candy Candy, one of the most popular manga among Japanese girls and a cult favorite overseas. (There is, however, no actual candy here.)
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Tamashima Area
Although the Bikan Historic District is the most popular area to visit in Kurashiki, the Tamashima area is the most easily accessible, with Shin-Kurashiki Station, accessible by Shinkansen, as the main station.
* Entsuji Temple is famous as the site where the famous poet Priest Ryokan wrote many of his most famous poems. From the temple grounds, there is an impressive view of the factories in the Kojima area (which is quite beautiful, despite how it may sound), as well as the [wiki=48e7f7bcc544ebe08ab6477bf0d0355b]Seto Inland Sea[/wiki]. This temple is also the seventh temple along the [wiki=2dca67349d8b3b968e119ce187565128]Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage[/wiki] route.
* This is one of Kurashiki's true hidden gems. The Saisou-tei is where local clan leader, Kumata Ataka committed seppuku, which prevented a war from breaking out in the Tamashima area. What makes it so fascinating is that the building has been preserved so that the actual blood stains from the seppuku remain visible on the ceiling; a rare sight. When you enter, you will be given a short tour in Japanese only however, after reading this, you should be able to follow along and see what they are showing you when they point towards the ceiling.
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Kojima Area
The Kojima area is located along the [wiki=48e7f7bcc544ebe08ab6477bf0d0355b]Seto Inland Sea[/wiki], served by JR Kojima Station, and offers many great views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. If you choose to travel from the Bikan area to the Kojima area by train, you can only reach it via [wiki=6a954cc6ab6730a93ce523fd7efb4cd4]Okayama[/wiki]. Take the Marine Liner from Okayama to Kojima Station. Bus #6 from JR Kurashiki Station runs to JR Kojima Station, if you prefer a street-level view while traveling between the two locations.
* The Kojima area of Kurashiki is known throughout Japan for its high-quality jeans, and the museum displays items made in the factory and the history of Kojima jean production.
* A unique complex composed of both a shrine and a temple. The torii gate is made of Bizen pottery. The shrine is a sister shrine to the famous Konpirasan in [wiki=ebb040e735fa5fa4529be0ab1e2d2b7a]Kotohira[/wiki]. It is also the 6th temple along the [wiki=2dca67349d8b3b968e119ce187565128]Chugoku Pilgrimage Route[/wiki].
* Known as the first museum in the world dedicated to a bridge, it offers information about the Seto Ohashi Bridge, along with general information about bridges and models of famous bridges throughout the world.
* A garden that features over 3000 azalea bushes that bloom during the spring. Like much of the area's attractions, there is also a great view of the Seto Inland Sea from the garden grounds.
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* A popular place for locals to picnic and relax while enjoying one of the best views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the [wiki=48e7f7bcc544ebe08ab6477bf0d0355b]Seto Inland Sea[/wiki].
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A fun Brazil-themed amusement park, with a variety of rides (including the pedal-powered, electricity free SkyCycle), karaoke, roller skating, ice skating, a swimming pool, and live performances. There are two hotels attached: the Washu Highland and Washuzan Shimoden.
* A large sports park with a variety of facilities for those interested in getting in shape (or just for fun), such as tennis courts, a fitness center, park, and more. Inside its precincts is Muscat Stadium, the biggest baseball stadium in Okayama, established in 1965. Entrance to the stadium is only permitted when events are being held there.
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[url=http://kurashikigaigo.jp/en/]Kurashiki Language Academy[/url] (Kurashiki Gaigo Gakuin) offers short and long terms Japanese language courses to foreign students.
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If you have enough money to spend, you'll find some gorgeous traditional souvenirs to buy in Kurashiki. The city has been producing high-end textiles for more than two centuries, but locally-made blown-glass (ガラス) and the famed [wiki=3157031692042007ba4eed299ba81f18]Bizen[/wiki]-yaki (備前焼) pottery are sold as well. Cheaper souvenirs and knick-knacks are available in the Ebisu-dori covered shopping arcade, which runs part of the route between the station and the Bikan area.
* The Food of Life is stocked at this store of delicacies from all over Japan, sold in gift sets. The headquarters of the Morita Shuzo sake brewery (森田酒造株式会社) [http://www.optic.or.jp/com/moritashuzo/moritashuzo_e.html] is on the premises as well.
* If you enjoyed the Toy Museum, stop here for a mix of wooden toys from the cheap & nifty to the expensive & hand-crafted.
* There is some historical charm in this old cotton mill, built of red bricks and covered in green ivy, but it's mainly here to sell high-end art, fabrics, and other traditional wares.
* The favorite sweet of Okayama (and Momotaro), kibi dango (吉備団子), is sold here.
* Directly adjacent to JR Kurashiki Station, this branch of the department store chain has a fair amount of space set aside for local merchants.
* Even if you're not planning to buy, you're welcome to visit for this store's regular exhibitions of bizen-yaki pottery by different sculptors, and looking is free. There are small pieces for sale as low as ¥630, though.
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The Kurashiki brand of udon carries influence from Edo-period [wiki=62413a57c5e3dc51177995fa175d3286]Tokyo[/wiki], courtesy of the local business magnates who did trade with the shogunate. Today, Kurashiki natives will tolerate no other noodles. The sauce is served separately, so customers can pour it (bukkakeru) onto the noodles themselves. This popular chain has eight locations in the city, including four surrounding JR Kurashiki Station; hours vary, but the HQ at 2-3-23 Achi-dori (7AM-9PM) is the easiest to find. Look for the distinctive yellow and black logo.
* Excellent seafood and other Japanese cuisine in an old, traditional restaurant. Let the chef decide (omakase) the sushi for ¥5000, although anago oshizushi (made with eel) is a specialty.
* A noodle shop in the atmospheric surroundings of the Bikan area.
* Japanese pizzerias are famously creative (and sometimes bizarre) with their choice of pizza toppings, but La Cenetta is an exception; chef Sekizen Kohara serves authentic Neapolitan-style pies, made in a small wood oven.
* Umenoki serves a [wiki=10b22625bf8918f4fd3ae2f185bd44c8]Nagoya[/wiki] specialty: breaded, fried (without oil) pork cutlets with a thick, miso-based sauce, usually served over shredded cabbage or noodles.
* Tasty soba noodles and soup during lunch hours.
* A smoky yet fantastic little yakitoriya (grilled chicken kebab joint) in the back alleys of the Bikan Area. Prices are reasonable and the food is fantastic. No English spoken.
* Always packed with locals, Yae serves good seafood and sake, and the talkative staff will be happy to make recommendations.
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Plenty of bars are clustered around the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station. In the Bikan area, Ivy Square (see [wiki=afcacee92540156cb8273c84daef9203#Buy]Buy[/wiki]) has a nice beer garden.
* A nice coffee shop next to the Ohara Art Museum - look for the red awning, and the building covered in ivy. Coffee and blueberry pie is the house specialty. It's named for the Spanish artist, whose The Annunciation is among the major works in the Ohara's collection.
* Food, local microbrews and inventive food (very Japanese) at this friendly pub/drinking hole.
* Get educated and caffeinated in this beautiful, atmospheric coffee shop, managed by people who are serious about their beans. Brewed by French press, the coffee is served straight or mixed with honey and liquers to make their house "Queen of Amber" concoction.
* A cozy pub/coffee shop/clothing store (named for a Cream song) located two minutes south of JR Kurashiki Station - look for the green building. The friendly staff serves good food and desserts until 8PM and drinks until late.
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Although Kurashiki is an easy day-trip from Okayama, it's worth staying overnight to enjoy the late evening and early morning atmosphere of the Bikan area (without the daytime crowds).
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Budget
Rooms contain two sets of bunk beds and a small TV area. There is also a nice commons area with a fireplace and musical instruments, and meals are served. Pick-up may be available if you phone ahead. Otherwise, take bus #6 to Shimin-kaikan-mae (last departure 8:50PM) and walk uphill for ten minutes.
* This hostel is well-situated for exploring the Kojima area, with an excellent view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge - particularly beautiful when lit up at night. There is a 10PM curfew, after which the entrance and shower room is locked. Bathrooms are always open. Reservations can be made online but if you will be arriving sooner than one week, it is better to call. The owner is extremely friendly, but he only speaks Japanese. From JR Kojima Station, take the bus to Yuusuhosteru-mae. Buses leave Kojima station hourly between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
* A large, red-brick hotel with several floors of small, Western-style rooms. It's not very clean by the standards of most Japanese hotels, but it's close to the station and fairly easy to find. The owner speaks a little English. Breakfast (¥600) and dinner (¥2000) are available.
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Mid-range
Warm, pleasant rooms with business hotel amenities but American-style decor. Buffet Western or Japanese-style breakfast available (¥1100).
* Five floors and 111 small rooms slightly more pleasant than the average business hotel. They offer steep discounts for online booking; buffet Japanese breakfasts are available for ¥1000.
* Lodgings are basic at this three-floor minshuku, but it's an excellent value.
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Splurge
Small, decent rooms in a splendid location. All of the amenities of Ivy Square (shopping, a restaurant, a beer garden) are right on hand. Some rooms face a parking lot and some face a grove of palm trees, so you may wish to state your preference between those two alternatives.
* Nice, well-appointed Western-style rooms, with notably spacious bathrooms. Western and Japanese buffet breakfasts are available to mix and match as you please.
* A traditional inn, occupying an atmospheric complex of old buildings, facing the canal in the Bikan section. There are various styles of suites - Western, traditional, mixed - scattered along a maze of corridors. Little English is spoken, but the staff welcomes foreigners, and breakfast is available. Guests should arrive early enough to sip tea by the garden and soak themselves before dinner. It's on the left side of the canal as you walk from the train station, at a bend in the canal.
* Another beautiful ryokan, in business for more than 250 years with eleven Japanese-style rooms. The garden, in particular, is pure Kurashiki atmosphere. Stellar meals of seafood (and nothing but seafood, mind you) are included in the rate, and a little English is spoken.
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Within Okayama Prefecture there are many worthwhile places to travel:
* [wiki=6a954cc6ab6730a93ce523fd7efb4cd4]Okayama[/wiki] is a short train ride away, featuring Koraku-en, one of [wiki=5ad55b1b271aba4503eab2c27efc6e8f]Japan's Top 3[/wiki] gardens, the Kibi Trail, a variety of museums, and all the Momotaro you could possibly want.
* [wiki=d4251a945fbdc26e6411efdf25855269]Soja[/wiki] is a city famous for its Zen temple, Hofukuji Temple where the poet and priest Sesshu once lived, as well as housing the other half of the Kibi Trail.
* [wiki=97b1fd2ac4b03e2bc47a294880490177]Takahashi[/wiki] is a famous castle town with the highlight being Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's only remaining original castles, as well as the highest castle in the country.
*[wiki=9248ed1d2caa77f0592c87fce36a089b]Niimi[/wiki] is famous for its two caves; Ikura Ravine and Maki Cave.
* [wiki=8475881af4d8dcaca2b514c62b6fc074]Tsuyama[/wiki] is famous for Kakuzan Park, where springtime visitors will be treated to Okayama's best place to view cherry blossoms, as well as the beautiful Shurakuen Garden and historic Joto Street.
Outside of Okayama Prefecture, one can easily take daytrips to:
* [wiki=3c9258205a1c2facc4c9308094e52664]Fukuyama[/wiki], known for Fukuyama Castle and a variety of interesting museums
[wiki=d3e5f1baca3a50be9554df6d585303a2]ja:倉敷市[/wiki]
[wiki=ab8390077185a22d4dbbf9d9a67dae13]zh:倉敷市[/wiki]
[wiki=1715b642981bfc9d97bfb79646acfc14]wts:Category:Kurashiki[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Kurashiki, Okayama]]
[wiki=246a65b6227f8ea367da74c1455c2518]wtp:Hiroshima[/wiki]
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