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Kurashiki: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Japan
As a National Geography Journalist, I have travelled extensively around the world, but I must say, my recent trip to Kurashiki, a city in western Japan, left me spellbound. The city’s ancient heritage and immaculately preserved historic district make it a treasure trove for travellers seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture. Kurashiki is nestled at the foot of Mt. Tsurugata, and its natural beauty adds to its charm.
The Scenery of Kurashiki
Kurashiki is a delightful blend of the old and the new, with picturesque canals and stunning architecture that provides a glimpse into the city’s history. The most attractive feature about the city is the beautifully preserved “Bikan” district, a historic district with cosy streets along the riverbank, lined with rows of traditional Japanese architecture with black lacquer walls, slatted windows, and tiled roofs, which is particularly enchanting when viewed from a boat.
What I liked most
Kurashiki’s history is preserved beautifully, and one of the city’s must-sees is the Ohara Museum of Art. There is also the Kurashiki Ivy Square which offers visitors a charming experience of sitting under an ivy-covered arbor with a cup of tea. The city also has many modern shops and boutiques selling the latest fashion and accessories.
What I disliked
I must say that the only negative aspect of Kurashiki was the crowds of tourists, particularly at peak travel times.
The Average Cost of Living in a Day
The average cost of living in Kurashiki is relatively inexpensive. An affordable budget for a daily trip would be around $50 – $75 per day, including meals and transportation.
20 Most Popular Points of Interest
1. Ohara Museum of Art, 3-1-10, Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama +81 86 422 0005, http://www.ohara.or.jp/eng/
2. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 423 0012, https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp
3. Kurashiki Canal Area, Kurashiki, Okayama
4. Ivy Square, 1-1, Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 423 0012
5. Yumiko Igarashi’s Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 473 5555
6. Mingei House, Kurashiki, Okayama
7. Kurashiki City Art Museum, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 424 6811
8. Furusato no Kuchi, 7-12 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama
9. Kojima Jeans Street, 11 Kojima-Nakamachi, Kojima, Okayama
10. Kurashiki Momoko Museum, 1-23 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama
11. Senichi Hoshino Memorial Museum, 964-1 Tsuji, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 462 0602
12. Musée Café, 3-3 Terashimahigashi, Kurashiki, Okayama
13. Kanryuji Temple, Kurashiki, Okayama
14. Ohashi House, Kurashiki, Okayama
15. Bikan Yume-dokoro, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 423 0012
16. The Waterfront Area, Kurashiki, Okayama
17. Ujo Park, Kurashiki, Okayama
18. Karakuri Museum, 3-8, Chuo, Kurashiki, Okayama, +81 86 434 0011
19. National Treasure – Great Pagoda of Kibitsu Shrine, Okayama
20. Nogyo Monument, 1-1 Hinokinai, Kurashiki, Okayama
Top 20 Popular Street Food & Prices
Kurashiki is renowned for its street food. You can find a variety of local delicacies throughout the city. Here are some popular ones with pricing:
1. Okayama Momoyaki (a sweet filled bun) – ¥140
2. Manju (steamed or baked filled bun) – ¥140
3. Oden – ¥100 to ¥200 per piece
4. Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) – ¥100 to ¥200 per skewer
5. Takoyaki (octopus balls) – ¥500 to ¥600
6. Kurashiki ramen – ¥700 to ¥900
7. Kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) – ¥100 to ¥200 per skewer
8. Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with a filling) – ¥140
9. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki – ¥700 to ¥900
10. Tamagoyaki (Japanese-style egg omelette) – ¥140
11. Kakigori (shaved ice) – ¥300 to ¥500
12. Ika-no-shiokara (salted squid) – ¥300 to ¥500
13. Hakuto Jelly (peach jelly) – ¥220
14. Zenzai (sweet red bean soup) – ¥300 to ¥500
15. Mitsumame (dessert of boiled beans, agar, and fruit) – ¥500 to ¥600
16. Dango (rice dumplings) – ¥200 to ¥300
17. Kuroge Wagyu beef skewers – ¥500 to ¥600
18. Warabimochi (bracken-starch dumpling) – ¥300 to ¥400
19. Mitarashi Dango (sweet soy glaze dumplings) – ¥300 to ¥400
20. Yakisoba (grilled buckwheat noodles) – ¥700 to ¥900
Top 10 Popular Hotels and 10 Most Popular Airbnb Listings
Hotels
1. Hotel Granvia Okayama – US $100 – 9/10
2. Richmond Hotel Kurashiki Ekimae – US $76 – 8.6/10
3. Kurashiki Kokyu Hotel – US $84 – 8.6/10
4. APA Hotel Kurashiki-Ekimae – US $93 – 8.3/10
5. Dormy Inn Kurashiki – US $86 – 8.2/10
6. Toyoko Inn Okayama-Eki Higashi-Guchi – US $65 – 8/10
7. Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama – US $80 – 8/10
8. Kurashiki Ivy Square – US $113 – 8/10
9. Hotel Crown Hills Kurashiki – US $48 – 7.7/10
10. Courtyard by Marriott Okayama Station – US $97 – 8.4/10
Airbnb
1. Tadaima Japan Kurashiki Kojima House – US $125 – 5/5
2. Private Room in Stylish Home (Kurashiki Bikan Area) – US $27 – 4.72/5
3. Kurashiki Old House – US $98 – 5/5
4. Guest House Araki-ya Annex – US $160 – 4.9/5
5. Kurashiki Countryside Guest House – US $46 – 4.95/5
6. The House of Kurashiki Bikan – US $107 – 4.88/5
7. Beautiful Kurashiki – US $111 – 4.84/5
8. Kurashiki Town House – US $107 – 5/5
9. Japanese Style House in Kurashiki – US $138 – 4.9/5
10. Hotel Crown Hills Kurashiki – US $48 – 4.75/5
Top 5 Hotels & Airbnb Recommendations
1. Hotel Granvia Okayama – US $100 – 9/10 – This hotel is conveniently located near the train station and provides easy access to popular attractions.
2. Airbnb Tadaima Japan Kurashiki Kojima House – US $125 – 5/5 – This Airbnb offers traditional Japanese accommodation with modern amenities in a quiet village near Kurashiki.
3. Kurashiki Old House – US $98 – 5/5 – This hotel offers guests a unique and authentic Japanese experience in an old mansion that has been transformed into a hotel.
4. Courtyard by Marriott Okayama Station – US $97 – 8.4/10 – This is a modern hotel located close to the train station, and it is the perfect place for travellers who are looking for a comfortable and convenient stay.
5. Kurashiki Countryside Guest House – US $46 – 4.95/5 – This Airbnb offers a peaceful retreat in a rural setting and is perfect for those who are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Recommended 3-Day Trip & where to Eat
Day 1
-Morning: Visit Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
-Lunch: Try some local delicacies from Furusato no Kuchi
-Afternoon: Visit Ivy Square and Kurashiki Canal Area
-Dinner: Delicious French cuisine from Kanryuji Temple Garden Restaurant
Day 2
-Morning: Walk around Senichi Hoshino Memorial Museum
-Lunch: Traditional Japanese lunch at Musée Café
-Afternoon: Visit Kojima Jeans Street and National Treasure – Great Pagoda of Kibitsu Shrine
-Dinner: Enjoy exceptional seafood from the Waterfront Area
Day 3
-Morning: Visit Karakuri Museum
-Lunch: Enjoy some Kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables)
-Afternoon: Visit Ujo Park and Bikan Yume-dokoro
-Dinner: Try some famous Okayama ramen from Zou-ya
Bottom Line
Kurashiki is a hidden gem in Japan that blends ancient heritage, natural beauty, and modernity into one package. It is an excellent place for travellers looking for a unique and traditional Japanese experience. Kurashiki deserves a stellar rating, 9/10.
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