Located in the Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki is a historic town that is the perfect spot for a day trip from the hustle and bustle of Osaka or Kyoto. It’s a peaceful town known for its historical quarter that showcases picturesque canals lined with weeping willows and adorable shops. Nicknamed “the Venice of Japan”, Kurashiki is such a fun spot to explore for a day.
How to get to Kurashiki, Japan
With Japan’s extensive train network, you can easily get to Kurashiki from Osaka or Kyoto. From Osaka, it’s about a 1.5-hour journey from Shin-Osaka Station. Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station (45 minutes to an hour), then from there transfer to the JR Sanyo Line or the JR Hakubi Line to Kurashiki Station (15-20 minutes).
From Kyoto, the journey will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station (50-60 minutes), from there, take the JR Sanyo Line or JR Hakubi Line to Kurashiki Station (15-20 minutes).
What to do in Kurashiki, Japan
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
This is the main attraction of the city and where you’ll spend the bulk of your time. It has beautifully preserved streetscapes and stone bridges over the canals. It’s truly beautiful, and you can spend the day enjoying the views, shops, and cafes.
Some of my fav spots were:
- Tsuneki Tea Shop (the sweetest older man ran this shop and was so proud to show me his famous sencha tea)
- Kurashiki Cafe Anzu (a great spot to grab a local lunch)
- YAMAU coffee stand (for a latte or coffee)
- caféつむぐ (for a matcha latte)
Boat Ride Down the Kurashiki River
This is a short, but must-do activity. When you arrive in the historical area, purchase tickets at the Kurashiki Tourist Centre, which opens at 9 am. They sell out early, so make sure you arrive there first thing.
Piggey Bank Museum
Located just up the street from the historical quarter, this Piggy Bank Museum is truly unique. Loaded with vintage piggy banks, toys, and more. It’s definitely a quirky museum and worth a visit.
Kanryuji Temple
Located on a hill just a short walk from the historical quarter, this temple offers a tranquil escape with city views. It was founded in 985 AD and is a serene Buddhist site that’s worth checking out.
Achi Shrine
Achi Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine that is a popular spot for visitors to climb the stone steps for a panoramic view of the town’s canals and rooftops. The shrine is also famous for its centuries-old wisteria trees, which bloom beautifully in late spring.
Kurashiki Denim Street
Kurashiki has a history in textiles, most specifically, denim. Its infamous “Denim Street” is located in the historical quarter and is lined with shops selling high-quality Japanese-made denim, and even denim-themed treats like blue ice cream and steamed buns.
Ohara Museum of Art
This is one of Japan’s most famous private art museums, which is totally unexpected in a small town. It houses Western masterpieces from artists like Monet and Picasso.
Japan Folk Toy Museum
Another quirky museum displaying thousands of traditional folk toys from all over Japan and the world. We really loved exploring this unique spot in the historical centre.
Kurashiki Ivy Square
This area is a converted red-brick cotton mill, and is home to a hotel, craft shops, and a beautiful garden covered in ivy. When we were there, there was a market happening in this area.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Kurashiki, Japan?
Kurashiki is great any time of year, but spring (late March to early April) is fantastic for the cherry blossoms, or late spring (late April to early May) when the Achi Shrine wisteria are in bloom.
What is the Bikan Historical Quarter?
The Bikan Historical Quarter is in the heart of the city and is a beautifully preserved historic district famous for its canals, white-walled warehouses, and willow trees. It’s where all the main attractions are in the city.
Is Kurashiki walkable?
Yes, the town is very walkable. All the major sights, the main train station, and the historic quarter are all walkable.
Can you do Kurashiki in a day, or should you spend the night?
You can easily do Kurashiki in a day, especially from towns like Kyoto, Okayama, Hiroshima, or Osaka. You should plan to spend about 4-6 hours in the town.
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