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Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

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In the Edo period, Kurashiki was put under the direct control of the shogunate, and underwent massive development.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter as the center of the city keeps maintaining an ambient traditional Japanese beauty.
The namako-kabe (walls with square tiles and raised plaster) of white-walled storehouses and merchant houses (machiya) with latticed-windows line the streets, next to a row of willows. The moment you step into this area, a nostalgic townscape spreads in front of you.

The Kurashiki River used to be busy with traffic from riverboats carrying goods. Sightseeing riverboats now run, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into the atmosphere of times gone by. Sit down and enjoy the view of the white-walled buildings as you slowly drift down the river. You can only get this kind of view from the riverboats.

The road that runs from east to west at the foot of Mount Tsurugata used to be a place of hustle and bustle, with tradesmen coming and going, and streets lined with artisan’s studios. The town has a nostalgic vibe, with streets lined with houses and stores with latticed-windows just like the past. The people who occupy these buildings still lead their lives here. In recent years, storehouses and townhouses have been renovated and reopened as cafés, galleries, and stores, bringing a new type of charm to the neighborhood.

Location

Name Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Web Sites https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/for/en/bikan.htmlOpens in a new window. In the case of an external site, it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.
Address Honmachi, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama
Hours Canal Boat Ride:
9:30–17:00 (Boats depart every 30 minutes)
Closed every second Monday of the month from March to November
Monday to Friday from December to February (Except public holidays)
Inquiries 086-421-0224 (Kurashiki Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Access 15 minutes from Kurashiki Station
Price Canal Boat Ride:
Adult: 500 yen
Child: 250 yen (From 5 years old to end of elementary school age)