Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter - Okayama

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区) is a preserved historic Edo period area in the heart of Kurashiki City. It is located in Central Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区)
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Details

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a charming slice of Japan's Edo period preserved in Kurashiki City. It's famous for its picturesque Kurashiki River, flanked by graceful willow trees, and is honored as an Important Preservation District for its traditional buildings. In the 1600s, Kurashiki thrived as a key trading hub, and today, it still exudes a peaceful and historically rich ambiance.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter - Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter - Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

Explore a wealth of cultural treasures within the quarter, including the renowned Ohara Museum of Art showcasing international masterpieces, the nostalgic Kurashiki Ivy Square housed in a former textile factory, the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft boasting a vast collection of handicrafts, and the intriguing Kurashiki Archeological Museum.

Kurashiki Station Area Guide Map
Kurashiki Station Area Guide Map


Stroll through the serene streets of the Honmachi and Higashimachi areas, where time seems to stand still amidst well-preserved historical sites, including the approach from the ancient Achi Shrine. Here, you'll find a harmonious blend of restaurants, galleries, and quaint stores.

Kurashiki River
Kurashiki River

Kurashiki River Boat Tour
Kurashiki River Boat Tour 

A highlight of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is the Kurashiki River, once a vital artery for rice transportation during the Edo Period. Today, it offers a picturesque setting with preserved canals, adorned with weeping willow trees and charming stone bridges.

Photos around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Denim Street
Kurashiki Denim Street

Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Former Ohara's Residence
Former Ohara's Residence

Cafe El Greco - Kurashiki City
Cafe El Greco

Yurin-so
Yurin-so

Yurin-so (有隣荘)

Kurashiki Community Center
Kurashiki Community Center

Inside Kurashiki Community Center
Inside Kurashiki Community Center

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurabo Memorial Hall
Kurabo Memorial Hall

Kurashiki Ivy Square
Kurashiki Ivy Square

Kurashiki Ivy Square

Kurashiki Ivy Square

七国山 - Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
七国山 - Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Miffy Kitchen - Kurashiki City
Miffy Kitchen - Kurashiki City

Kurashikimon
Kurashikimon

Embark on a Kurashiki River Boat Tour to experience the town's beauty from a different perspective. It's a popular activity that allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and natural splendor of this enchanting quarter.

Team Nicerio visits the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Team Nicerio visits the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Team Nicerio visits the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter


Team Nicerio visits the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Team Nicerio visits the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Team Nicerio visits the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

On December 25, 2022, my family and I had the opportunity to visit and explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter for the first time during our 3-day Hiroshima Road Trip with our Japanese family. This trip marked my 419th day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) participating in the JET Programme. It wasn’t originally in our itinerary today but since Mr. Toshi knew I love visiting historical places and we happened to talk about it on our way to Hiroshima from Osaka, he decided to show it to me and my family. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a beautiful place and a full day wouldn’t be enough to fully experience everything. Since it was just a side trip, we were only able to visit a handful of places. Given a chance, I would surely come back in the future. 


Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Fees

It’s FREE to explore Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter but some of the museums have entrance fees. Aside from that you also need to pay if you want to experience the Kurashiki River Traditional Boat Tour.


Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Operating Hours

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter remains accessible round-the-clock, but it's essential to note the operating hours of museums, and shops. and restaurants may differ, requiring individual checks.

The Kurashiki River Traditional Boat Tour operates daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, providing visitors with a scenic experience along the waterways.

Please be aware that tours are not available on the second Monday of each month from March to November, except on holidays. Additionally, the tour is suspended during the New Year holidays and may be canceled in case of inclement weather, such as heavy rain or strong winds.


Why visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter?

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers visitors the chance to see what the area was like during the Edo Period. There are plenty of museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants in the area worth checking out. 


Getting to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarters

 

To get from Kansai International Airport to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarters, you have a few transportation options:

Train:

Take the JR Haruka Limited Express train from Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station.

Transfer to a Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Okayama Station.

From Okayama Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Kurashiki Station.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is within walking distance from Kurashiki Station (approximately 10-15 minutes).

Bus:

There are bus services available from Kansai Airport to Okayama Station. Look for buses operated by companies like Limousine Bus or Airport Limousine.

Once you arrive at Okayama Station, you can take the JR Sanyo Line to Kurashiki Station.

From Kurashiki Station, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is within walking distance.

Taxi:

Taxis are also available from Kansai Airport, but this option can be quite expensive for the long journey to Kurashiki.

It's recommended to use trains or buses unless you're comfortable with the cost of a taxi.

Rental Car:

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at Kansai Airport and drive to Kurashiki. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Choose the option that best suits your preferences and schedule. The train is often the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation for this route.


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