Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area (倉敷美観地区) is located at southern part of Okayama Prefecture, that saves the old landscape of Japan. The buildings in this area have white walls and it’ very beautiful. The rickshaws are running and you can ride them and sightseeing. Denim shops unique to Kurashiki, which is famous for denim, and cafes in renovated townhouses are also lined up. Many cultural facilities such as “Ohara Museum of Art” and “Ivy Square” so you can enjoy all day in this area.
Attractions
The old landscape
You can enjoy the old Japanese landscape of the Edo (江戸) and Meiji (明治) eras (about 1600 ～ 1900), centering on the Kurashiki River. One of the best part of sightseeing in this area is seeing the landscape while leisurely going down the river on a boat.
Time : about 20 minutes
Fare : 500 yen (Adult)
250 yen (Child 5 ～ 12 years old)
Free (Child under 5 years)
The streets are lined with white-walled buildings. The black and white contrast is very beautiful.
Of course, there are also many good nostalgic Japanese buildings made of wood other than white walls. At night, you can enjoy a more historical atmospheric landscape.
You can also ride a rickshaw and tour the Bikan Historical Area. It might be a good idea to get a taste of what it was like to be an old Japanese aristocrat while riding a rickshaw.
Okayama’s folk crafts are on display at the Kurashiki Folk Craft Museum and Folk Craft Square. You can enjoy Japanese “Wa (和)” by experiencing the pottery culture of Kurashiki.
Shopping and eating
There are many souvenir shops and food shops in this area. The photo above is of a chopstick specialty store. How about buying your favorite chopsticks as a memory of your visit to Kurashiki?
There are many other shops such as Japanese sandals and rice crackers, but it would be better to actually visit and take a walk.
Denim Street
The Kojima district of Kurashiki is known as the birthplace of domestic jeans. At Denim Street in the Bikan Historical Area, you can find Kurashiki denim products and denim accessories.
At the take-out section, ramune-flavored “denim ice cream” and “denim buns” and so on are sold. These foods are blue, imitating the color of denim. When you visit to the Bikan Historical Area, stop by Denim Street and try this unique food.
Ohara Museum of Art (大原美術館)
Ohara Museum of Art is Japan’s first private Western art museum, and various works of art, including masterpieces from around the world are exhibited. In addition, about 3,000 works of art are stored, including ancient Egyptian art, Western contemporary art, and modern and contemporary Japanese art. This is one of the sightseeing spots that you definitely want to stop by when you visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area.
Opening time : 9:00 – 17:00 (Last admission time : 16:30)
9:00 – 15:00 (December to February)
Admission fee : 1500 yen (Adult)
500 yen (Child – 18 years old)
You can’t enter at night, but the illuminated museum is worth a visit.
Ivy Square
Ivy Square is a complex tourist facility with a hotel and cultural facilities located in the Bikan Historical Area. There are also hands-on facilities and shops where you can purchase souvenirs such as Kurashiki crafts, folk crafts, and famous sweets. It is a modern red brick building that stands out in the Bikan Historical Area with its white walls buildings.
At the Restaurant Ivy, you can enjoy Japanese and Western dishes elegantly.
It’s nice to relax in the square on a sunny day.
You can also experience pottery
There is also a kimono experience. You can also wear a kimono on the day without a reservation. It is recommended to wear a kimono and walk around the streets of Kurashiki.
There are exhibitions of Japanese culture, and there are souvenir shops. It might be a good idea to use Ivy Square as a base to enjoy the Bikan Historical Area.
Access
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area is located at the south side of JR Kurashiki Station. You can reach Bikan Historical Area just by walking 5 minutes south from Kurashiki Station.
Each number on the map above is a tourist destination in the Bikan Historical Area.
① Ohara Museum of Art
② Riverboat platform
③ Denim Street
④ Kurashiki Folk Craft Museum
⑤ Ivy Square
Summary
In the Bikan Historical Area, you can feel a variety of “Wa”. By eating, shopping, and walking, you will be able to experience Japanese culture and have a excellent time. There are many attractions that are not introduced here. How about actually visiting the Bikan Historical Area and experiencing Japanese culture, and looking for your own favorites?
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