A picturesque corner of the Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki is Ivy Square 日本語: 倉敷アイビースクエア, 岡山県倉敷市. In the Edo Period, the local magistrate had his offices in this prime location, but in 1889 Kurashiki Bosekijo, the textile company referred to as Kurabo, built the first modern cotton mill in Japan. The new spinning and production techniques revolutionized the industry and brought a generous income to the founder, Magosaburo Ohara, who also founded the Ohara Museum with the artwork he collected. Kurabo is still an active company in textile and other industries.
Kurashiki Ivy Square
Today Ivy Square is notable for the brick buildings from the original mill, now covered with lush green ivy. The buildings have been converted in to restaurants, museums, and a hotel, the Kurashiki Ivy Square. The Kojima Museum is part of the Ohara Museum, open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Ohara Museum in Kurashiki Ivy Square
The Kurabo Museum is a memorial to the textile industry, though the English information is limited. There are 5 rooms showing different time periods. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm with a last admission at 4:30. It costs 350 yen. Even if you do not plan to visit the museums, it is recommended to step inside the courtyard and enjoy the beautiful greenery during your visit to Kurashiki.
photo by:
RobWhiteJapan
