Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter: A Town Where Japanese Culture, History, and Beauty Intertwine
Located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter boasts beautiful townscapes that vividly retain the ambiance of the Edo period. The scenery, woven from white-walled storehouses, weeping willows, and traditional boats gently gliding along the Kurashiki River, will make you feel as if time has stood still. Beyond exploring historical buildings, you can also enjoy shopping at charming cafes and shops. Won’t you create unforgettable travel memories in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where Japanese tradition and modernity merge?
Local Favorites: Casual Spots Recommended by Locals
Kurashiki River Boat Ride
The biggest charm of the Kurashiki River boat ride is the opportunity to experience the Edo-period atmosphere, when riverboats once transported goods, from the water. A boatman, wearing a straw hat, steers the boat with a single pole, offering a leisurely 20-minute journey where you can enjoy the white-walled townscape, willow trees, and stone bridges from a different perspective. The boatman’s commentary will inform you about the history and highlights, providing an extraordinary experience as if you’ve slipped back in time to the Edo period.
Please note that reservations are not accepted; tickets must be purchased on the day from 9:00 AM at the Kurashiki Tourist Information Center.
Exploring the Back Alleys
Step off the main street along the Kurashiki River into the back alleys, and you’ll discover a different charm with numerous shops and restaurants. Finding your favorite shops while exploring these alleys is part of the fun. Take photos against the backdrop of the white-walled townscape, or search for unique Kurashiki folk crafts.
Achi Shrine
Perched on the summit of Mt. Tsurugata, north of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Achi Shrine enshrines the Munakata Sanjojin, goddesses of the sea, and has long been revered as the guardian shrine of Kurashiki. From the shrine grounds, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Bikan Historical Quarter. In spring, the “Achi no Fuji” wisteria, estimated to be 300 to 500 years old, blooms magnificently, captivating many visitors. While the path to the shrine involves climbing some stairs, a breathtaking view and solemn atmosphere await you at the top.
Folk Craft Shops
The folk craft shops in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter are full of charm, conveying the Japanese concept of “beauty in utility.” You’ll find a rich selection of warm, handcrafted items, including Bizen pottery, Kurashiki glass, hand-woven Kurashiki dantsu rugs, and bamboo crafts. These durable and beautiful items, rooted in daily life, grow more appealing with use, allowing you to find a perfect souvenir to cherish long after your trip. We encourage you to discover your favorite piece.
Takata Orimono’s Tatami Edges (Tatami-beri)
Takata Orimono, headquartered in Kurashiki, is a long-established company that boasts the top share of tatami edges in Japan. Its charm lies not only in its lightweight and durable quality but also in its extensive range of over 1,000 patterns, from traditional Japanese to modern designs. While tatami edges were once primarily used to reinforce tatami mats, Takata Orimono now leverages this material to create bags, small accessories, and jewelry. At their directly managed store, “FLAT Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Store,”, you can physically browse and choose from a wide variety of tatami edges and tatami edge products.
Kurashiki Momoko’s Fruit Parfaits
“Kurashiki Momoko” is most famous for its luxurious parfaits that generously use seasonal fruits from Okayama. In summer, parfaits featuring whole, juicy peaches are especially popular.
The parfaits are visually stunning, with glasses brimming with an abundance of seasonal fruits. To bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit, nothing unnecessary is added, allowing you to fully enjoy the fruit’s deliciousness. The diverse parfaits, which change with the seasons, will offer a new delight with every visit.
Furuichi’s Bukkake Udon
When it comes to “bukkake udon” in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the long-established “Furuichi” is famous. Its appeal lies in the exquisite harmony of its carefully crafted noodles and sweet and savory broth.
The homemade noodles, characterized by their firm chewiness and smooth texture, are perfectly complemented by the rich, sweet, and savory special broth, made from Rishiri kelp and bonito flakes. Beyond the simple bukkake udon, there’s a wide variety of toppings like meat and tempura shrimp, allowing you to enjoy different flavors. When you visit Kurashiki, be sure to try this local specialty, “bukkake udon.”
Murasuzume Making Experience & Freshly Made Tasting
The “Murasuzume” hand-baking experience in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers the unique chance to make this traditional Kurashiki confection yourself and savor its freshly made deliciousness right on the spot. The process of baking a thin batter on an iron griddle and wrapping it around a sweet bean paste is captivating for both adults and children. The Murasuzume you make yourself will have a special, memorable taste, distinct from those bought in stores. It makes for a wonderful souvenir of your trip.
We offer tours that let you explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Kojima, a town along the Seto Inland Sea, in one day, accompanied by a guide who knows the local area inside out. You’ll be able to enjoy both traditional culture and natural scenery to the fullest. Click here for tour details and bookings.