Kurashiki is one of the famous sightseeing spots in Okayama Prefecture. It is the capital of Japanese denim where you can see indigo-dyed items from famous jeans brands around the world.
Kurashiki has preserved some of its houses and buildings from the time it has prospered as a trading center. Visit Kurashiki and experience one of the few popular historical hotspots in Japan!
KURASHIKI BIKAN HISTORICAL QUARTER
Take a stroll through the old-fashioned streets and lined willow trees along the banks of Kurashiki river at Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter. This historically attractive quarter reveals a calm and harmonious atmosphere.
Enjoy the dateless area by riding a traditional boat tour where you can relax while glancing at the leaves of willow trees dancing and swaying with the wind. You can opt to wear a yukata or kimono while walking through the historic streets.
The area was once a destination for transportation of goods and became a trade center & merchant’s quarter. The traditional white-walled houses give a glimpse into Japanese daily life. It gives a sense of how the Japanese living in Kurashiki spent their daily routines in the past.
At sundown, gentle lights appear along the Kurashiki canal, emanating an old-time Japanese landscape. For those who want to indulge further in the world of Kurashiki, lodges & guest houses are available within the vicinity. Staying at the nearby establishments allows serene night walks around the quarters, with street lights illuminating the buildings, giving off a nostalgic vibe.
Cafes, museum galleries, izakayas, and general shops are also available within Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
KURASHIKI IVY SQUARE
This place is a building complex made with red bricks covered in ivy, thus the name “Kurashiki Ivy Square”. The structures and exteriors give off a European vibe.
Within the premises are a museum, souvenir shop, courtyard, restaurant, and hotel. Even those without hotel reservations, non-guests can roam freely around the courtyard – which used to be a cafeteria, the museum, and the souvenir shop.
At one corner of the grounds near the souvenir shop is a pond imitating Monet’s “Water Lilies” painting. The ivy square was once a plant of Kurabo Industries. The factory plant structure years ago is evident as part of the building wasn’t reformed and remains the same.
Traditional Japanese houses surround this European-like square.
KURASHIKI DENIM STREET
In the historical quarter, there’s an alley that sells not only denim brands but also unique denim-themed food called Kurashiki Denim Street.
Available in the menu are the denim-colored steamed bun, denim hamburger (wherein the buns are dyed in indigo blue), denim soft serve, and blue lemonade.
Don’t miss out and try these unique local delectable!
KOJIMA JEANS STREET: A HAVEN FOR DENIM FANS
Why not try visiting the birthplace of jeans in Japan? A number of shops line up at Kojima Jeans Street. From Kojima Station, you will be greeted by pairs of jeans hanging at the front of the station.
Kojima jeans street is a 10-minute walk from the train station. Some artworks related to the city are found on the path along the way. Among those are Kandako (Shimotsui Octopus), Seto Ohashi Bridge, and Shimotsui Islands.
A huge denim jeans signage is plastered on the wall of the building at Kojima Jeans Street. There are about 39 shops and some of those have reformed storefronts creating a mixture of playful vibe & elegant atmosphere. What’s more interesting within the area is the denim-themed vending machine and the restroom that has a jeans mural.
There is a resting area beside the restroom that is perfect for that Instagramable shot. While walking around the streets, expect stray cats wandering nearby and more hanging jeans. Denim fans would be delighted to visit this place.
Arisa in Wanderland 