During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Kurashiki was an important regional trade hub for Japan's most important commodity, rice. Large quantities of rice from the surrounding area were brought into Kurashiki and stored there in storehouses before being shipped to Osaka and Edo. Because of the city's importance in the rice trade, Kurashiki was put under direct control of the shogunate, and the city was even named after its many storehouses (kura).
Canals were built to allow boats and barges to navigate between the city's storehouses and the nearby port. A central section of the city's former canal system has been preserved in the Bikan Historical Quarter (q~ϒn, Kurashiki Bikan Chiku). The weeping willow trees that line the canal and the stone bridges that cross over the water make for a picturesque scene.
Along the canal, there are many of the original storehouses that were so central to the city's identity. Recognizable by their white walls and black tiles, the former storehouses have been converted into cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and a number of museums:
Ratings:
best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding
Getting there and around
The canal area is a 10-15 minute walk from Kurashiki Station's south exit. A main road, Motomachi-dori, leads south from the station to the canal area, but walking through the parallel shopping arcade is more enjoyable and almost as fast.
Travelers, who would rather not walk from the station, can take a bus to the Ohara Bijutsukan bus stop (2 minutes, 170 yen), which is located just beside the Ohara Museum.
How to get to and around Kurashiki
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Kurashiki
Top rated in Kurashiki
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Temari Inn YukikaiView on Booking.comSpacious Accommodation
Temari Inn Yukikai in Kurashiki offers spacious rooms with sea or city views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a terrace, and a private bathroom equipped with a bath and bidet.Modern Amenities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a washing machine, and a dining table. Additional amenities include a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Convenient Location
Located 23 km from Okayama Airport, the guest house is situated on a quiet street. Nearby attractions include Kurashiki Castle and Bikando Park.Exceptional Service
Highly rated for its attentive staff and excellent service support. Free off-site private parking and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay. -
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Ryori Ryokan TsurugataLocated in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata offers Japanese-style accommodations in a historical building from the Edo period since 1744. Free Wi-Fi is available in the building and guests can relax in the public baths. JR Kurashiki Train Station is a 15 minutes walk away The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each comes with a seating area with low tables and a flat-screen TV. All rooms with a hairdryer. Japanese Yukata robes and toothbrush sets are provided for all guests Massages can be requested for an extra cost. Luggage storage is offered at the front desk. Guests can leave the outside world behind and unwind in a peaceful atmosphere. A traditional multi-course dinner is served, and a Japanese-style set breakfast is provided. If you are staying in a room on the second floor, meals are served in the restaurant. Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata is a 2-minute walk from Ohara Museum of Art and a 5-minute walk from Kurashiki Ivy Square. Achi Shrine is also a 5-minute walk away. In 2017, the Shogi Meijin Tournament was also held at our venue. We also provided meals for the G7 Ministerial Meeting.View on Booking.com -
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Royal Park Hotel KurashikiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Royal Park Hotel Kurashiki in Kurashiki offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, bidets, and free toiletries. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and work desk, ensuring a pleasant stay.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, restaurant, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a fitness room, lounge, public bath, and 24-hour front desk. Private check-in and check-out services enhance convenience.Delicious Breakfast
A buffet breakfast is available, featuring Italian and Asian options. The hotel also provides a daily housekeeping service and luggage storage for added comfort.Prime Location
Located 23 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location and excellent public transport options. Nearby attractions include Kurashiki Castle and the Kurashiki Museum of Art. -
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Nagi Kurashiki Hotel&LoungeLocated in Kurashiki and with Shinkeien Garden reachable within 1 km, Nagi Kurashiki Hotel&Lounge provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, free bikes, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is situated 10 km from Tanematsuyama Park, 10 km from Mizushima Ryokuchi Fukuda Park and 25 km from Daitsu-ji Temple. The hotel features family rooms. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. The rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. With staff speaking English, Spanish, Japanese and Korean, guidance is available at the reception. Popular points of interest near Nagi Kurashiki Hotel&Lounge include Kanryuji Temple, Yumiko Igarashi Museum and Ohara Museum of Art. The nearest airport is Okayama Airport, 28 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Kurashiki Ivy SquareOriginally built in 1889 as a red-brick cotton mill, this historical hotel is just 300 metres from the Bikan Historical Quarter. It features 2 restaurants, a bar and gift shop. The air-conditioned rooms at Kurashiki Ivy Square feature cherry-wood furniture and a flat-screen cable TV. Ohara Museum, Yurinso Villa and Kyodo Gangukan (Japanese Folk Toy Museum) are all about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. JR Kurashiki Train Station is a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away. Kurashiki Ivy Square Hotel is an official Heritage of Industrial Modernisation site. The hotel features an art gallery. Tsuta Restaurant serves Japanese dishes in Japanese decor. Restaurant Ivy offers Western foods. Bar Akarenga pours drinks in a relaxed setting.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Grand Cocoe KurashikiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Grand Cocoe Kurashiki in Kurashiki offers rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and wardrobe, ensuring a pleasant stay.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can relax in the sauna, enjoy the restaurant, and unwind in the public bath. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 23 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is near a car park. Public transport options are highly rated by guests, making it easy to explore the area. -
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Kurashiki Royal Art HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel in Kurashiki offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests appreciate the room size and comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay.Dining and Leisure
The hotel features a restaurant serving French and international cuisines for lunch and dinner, alongside a bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, enhancing guest convenience.Convenient Location
Located 23 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel is situated in Kurashiki. Nearby attractions include Kurashiki Castle and the Kurashiki Museum of Art, providing ample opportunities for exploration. -
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Dormy Inn Kurashiki Natural Hot SpringDormy Inn Kurashiki is a 10-minute walk from Kurashiki Train Station and a 40-minute drive from Okayama Airport. It features a restaurant, free wired internet and free wifi and a public bath with hot spring water. Air-conditioned guestrooms are fitted with a fridge and a TV with satellite channels. Communal bath facilities are available. The hotel features a large open-air bath and an indoor public bath on the top floor. A coin launderette, massage services and sauna facilities are also available. English speaking staff can be found at the front desk. Dormy Inn Kurashiki is within 500 metres from Kanryuji Temple and Yumiko Igarashi Museum.View on Booking.com -
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Vessel Hotel KurashikiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Vessel Hotel Kurashiki in Kurashiki offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, and a TV.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast with Japanese cuisine restaurant serves breakfast, free bicycles are available for guests to explore the area, the hotel provides free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, child-friendly buffet, full-day security, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, and TV.Convenient Location
Located 18 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel offers free on-site private parking and is highly rated for its breakfast, room comfort, and room size. -
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Hotel Route-Inn Kurashiki MizushimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Route-Inn Kurashiki Mizushima in Kurashiki offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, TV, and sofa.Dining Options
Guests can enjoy Japanese and European cuisines at the on-site restaurant. A buffet breakfast is available each morning. The hotel also provides free on-site private parking and complimentary WiFi throughout the property.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, TV, and sofa.Location and Access
Located 41 km from Okayama Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions. Highly rated by guests, it ensures a pleasant stay with excellent service.
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