Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter


2017.09.08

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

One of the most picturesque areas in all of Okayama Prefecture has to be the Bikan Historical Quarter, a preserved district filled with old storehouses turned into shops and boutiques.

  • The Bikan Historical Quarter dates back to the 17th century, when Kurashiki was a prosperous town thanks to it being a hub for the transportation of various goods, most notably rice and grain. In order to make transport more efficient, an intricate system of canals was built, of which just a small part remains today.

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    What were once warehouses, or “kura”, where all these products were stored, have now been turned into all sorts of smaller businesses.

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Don’t be surprised if within just one block, you manage to find not only a sake brewery dating back hundreds of years, but also a modern espresso bar, a beautiful ryokan, as well as one or two more traditional souvenir shops selling mass produced t-shirts and postcards.

    There are also several local artisans who have set up both studios and shops in this area, so if you’re looking for some interesting or unique handicrafts to bring back home, you’ll most likely be able to find them here.

    The Bikan Historical Quarter is quite touristy - in fact, so much so that we recommend you avoid the weekends altogether, as the narrow streets simply gets too crowded with selfie stick wielding visitors to be enjoyable. Yet at the same time, the area still manages to preserve a bit of the air of a traditional small town where people still live and work within a block's radius.

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    One popular activity one could undertake while exploring this district is to pay a few hundred yen in exchange for the privilege of wearing a “kasa”, a cone shaped Japanese straw hat while being transported back and forth along the narrow canal on a small wooden boat. Touristy as it may be, it does however provide a pleasant experience, as well as a slightly different perspective on this charming area, not to mention several good selfie opportunities.

    The Bikan Historical Quarter is home to several small museums, focusing on topics ranging from folkcraft and archaeology, to vintage toys and western art by masters such as Picasso and Pollock.

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    If you can, we strongly suggest that you stay until after sunset, when most of the other tourists have left the area, and where you’ll be treated to magnificent night views. There are plenty of decent restaurants around here too, mostly serving basic yet delicious Japanese foods such as oden and Yakitori, so if you fancy some dining and drinking with locals, this is a good option.

    The Bikan Historical Quarter is located about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from JR Kurashiki station, there are also several bus lines that will take you there in only a few minutes.

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
    place
    Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Chuou - Hon, Higashi-Achi
    phone
    0864220542
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