During the Edo Period, rice from the fertile areas around Okayama were gathered in the town of Kurashiki, then distributed to Osaka, Edo, and other important cities. A series of canals were built and warehouses set up along them. In fact, the name “Kurashiki” translates as “town of warehouses.” It was a thriving merchant center under the control of the Shogunate.
Kurashiki
Today, the canal area has been preserved as the Bikan Historical Quarter. The canals are lined with weeping willow trees, and storehouses have been converted into restaurants, boutiques, and museums. Their distinct white walls with black trim make Kurashiki very photogenic. Enjoy a walk beside the canals or take a short ride on a pole boat to see the town from a different perspective. Be sure to explore off the main canal, because there are many interesting small stores and restaurants in the back streets, many selling regional, handmade crafts.
Kurashiki canal
Bizan pottery, a famous traditional craft, is produced in Okayama Prefecture not far from Kurashiki, so there are many galleries displaying the wares. Japan’s first blue jeans factory was in Kurashiki, so many denim products such as jeans, purses, and jackets make good local souvenirs and travel better than blown glass, another regional craft.
Kurashiki denim – Eternal 883 railway track 3
Kibi dango, a sweet favored by the local fable hero Momotaro, is sold in many stores. It has a short shelf life, but can be enjoyed while browsing around town as well as giving as gifts.
Kurashiki buildings
Kurashiki is only a 15-minute train ride from Okayama Station on the JR Sanyo line to JR Kurashiki Station. The best way to reach Kurashiki from the San’yo Shinkansen is to transfer to a local train at Okayama Station. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take either a local or a limited express. From the station you can walk to the Bikan Historical Quarter in about 10 minutes. Take the south exit and follow the main road south, Motomachi-dori.
Bikan-chiku in Kurashiki
There is also a shopping arcade parallel to the street that has many interesting shops and is about the same distance.
Kurashiki ceramics
If you prefer public transportation, take the bus from Kurashiki Station to stop #2, Ohara Bijutsukan. This is in front of the Ohara Museum near the central part of the historical quarter.
For more information: http://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/for/en/
photos by:
PhoTones_TAKUMA &
offreco,
Perry Goh,
xiquinhosilva,
Yuki Yaginuma,
Thilo Hilberer
