The main attraction in the city of Kurashiki is its historical and preserved Edo and Meiji-era canal district. Initially, it was the merchant quarter during its earlier history, and even now, it still maintains almost the same appearance as over 400 years ago. It’s popularly known for its converted storehouses, traditional architecture, and beautiful canals.
These several blocks of preservation and instant appeal have made Kurashiki a well-known tourist destination, nicknamed “Venice of Japan” by most. However, that does not mean it is not worth seeing with your own eyes. Here, you have a combination of history, culture, and art. It’s all part of the travel experience you want to have in Japan. These are our recommendations for a fantastic day trip here.
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Walking Tour
The locals love talking about the extensive history of this trading hub and sharing personal stories. Suppose you don’t feel like going off on your own. In that case, several walking tours will take you around the historical quarter and other nearby parts of Kurashiki, such as the Achi Shrine and Tsurugatayama Park.
It feels more personal, and you will receive much good information on what was happening here back in the day. Ensure that your guide is multilingual, as some only speak Japanese, and you will need to get an additional translator if it is a private tour.
Kurashiki Canal
The highlight of the historical district is undoubtedly the canals. On either side, wooden storehouses that originally housed rice, an essential commodity in Japan’s regional economy, are lined up. The weeping willow trees and stone bridges make it all very picturesque.
Traditional boats are still used as a tourist experience here. They offer a different perspective as you go through the calm waters under the stone bridges. It’s very relaxing, and you can see how things were done like the locals a few hundred years ago. This is especially wonderful on a perfect spring day when the weather is just right.
Take a Rickshaw
A nostalgic way of seeing Japan is available in Kurashiki. These friendly and fit pullers will take you through the narrow streets and alleyways, offering 30-minute and 60-minute tour options. This will give you another local perspective and a behind-the-scenes look.
Listen to their guided commentary and recommendations on where to go after for a more authentic experience. Similar to the canal tours, they can get booked quickly—a great memory to have before you leave.
Ohara Museum of Art
It consists of three adjacent buildings and is Japan’s first privately owned museum to showcase Western Art (which some may not understand is a huge deal). Its main gallery highlights include masterpieces and various art from many different periods and artists worldwide.
The second building, Craft & Asian Asian Art Gallery, focuses on local modern art, woodwork, and ceramics. The third building, the Annex, also contains Japanese and Western paintings and sculptures but is currently closed for renovation.
A bonus is that there is also a memorial hall dedicated to the painter Kojima Torajiro. He assisted in forming the collection for private owner Magosaburo Ohara, who also owned the local paper mill in what is now Ivy Square. Here, you have a gallery of his Western works.
Ivy Square
Another first for Japan was that this area was originally a modern paper mill in the 1890s, and before that, it was the administrative offices of the local magistrate. Those brick buildings added to the mill have been converted into hotels, museums, and restaurants. Its name derives from the forest green ivy that grows all over the square, especially on the buildings.
The Kurabo Museum focuses on the history and industrial techniques of the company that ran the first cotton mill in Japan. The walk around the garden and waterway is nice but not impressive if you don’t feel like going to this small corner of the district.
Inoue House and Ohashi House
Both townhouses are historical landmarks, just five minutes apart, that help showcase the living conditions and architecture of the wealthy merchant class here in Kurashiki. You can see the private quarters, guest quarters, and storage rooms through the traditional wooden framed, paper-covered sliding doors (fusuma) and woven straw mats (tatami). You will have interior decorations on the wall and small well-tended gardens in the inner walls.
While the Ohashi is a more well-known attraction outside Kurashiki, Inoue is a hidden gem. The Inoue House is older, as it was designated the oldest building in the Bikan Historical Area, but the Ohashi were considered more particularly important citizens in comparison. This is reflected in how their home was structured, showcasing the standards at the time of a socially higher-class citizen in contrast to their lower-status origins.
Kurashiki Shopping
When all else is done, pick up some items to take home. There is a wide variety of traditional Japanese crafts at boutique and souvenir shops in the converted storehouses parallel to the canal. The textile goods of old Kurashiki were dyed initially in indigo, and you can see that it is continued today in some of their products, especially denim apparel. Denim apparel is so popular in the Japanese jeans industry that they have a whole street named after it, with different apparel and accessories brands.
Conclusion
The entire historical quarter of Kurashiki is traditional and modern, making it very appealing. You can stroll at your leisure in a serene atmosphere. Even with its popularity, you will never find it crowded. And it is easy to explore. Compared to other parts of Japan, this destination is a gem among gems and a must on your travel itinerary. You will not be disappointed.