Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
21/08/2025
Ruben Wario, Pexels
Kurashiki, Japan, offers a step back in time, centered around its beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter with its willow-lined canals and traditional white-walled storehouses. Many of these historic buildings now house museums, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, inviting visitors to explore. The city is also notably recognized as the birthplace of Japanese denim, with specific areas dedicated to its unique textile heritage.
Opportunities to socialise with other visitors in Kurashiki are mainly found within the Bikan Historical Quarter's numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Strolling along the covered shopping streets, such as Honmachi-dori, also allows for a relaxed immersion in the local atmosphere. There are no dedicated districts known for active nightlife or specific backpacker social hubs.
Top 7 Things to do in Kurashiki
Kurashiki offers a range of activities focused on exploring its preserved historical district, appreciating art and traditional crafts, and discovering its unique denim heritage.
1. Explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Wander through the beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, characterized by its willow-lined canals and white-walled traditional storehouses. Many of these historic buildings now house charming shops, cafes, and small art galleries, offering a relaxing stroll through a picturesque setting. Visitors can find unique souvenirs and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It is recommended to visit in the morning for fewer crowds.
Cost: Free (for walking around)
Transport: The Bikan Historical Quarter is approximately a 10-minute walk southeast from JR Kurashiki Station.
2. Take a Kurashiki River Boat Ride
Experience the Bikan Historical Quarter from a unique perspective by taking a traditional flat-bottomed boat ride along the Kurashiki River. A gondolier, often wearing a traditional straw hat, guides the 20-minute tour, offering views of the historic townscape. This is a popular activity, so purchasing tickets early, especially for morning slots, is advised.
Cost: JPY 500 per adult for daytime rides; JPY 700 per adult for night rides (children's prices are lower). Tickets are purchased on the day at the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Centre.
Transport: The boat ride departure point is within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a short walk from JR Kurashiki Station.
3. Visit the Ohara Museum of Art
Discover Japan's first museum dedicated to Western art, founded in 1930. The Ohara Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Monet, and Picasso, alongside modern Japanese art and Asian artifacts. The museum also includes a Craft Art Gallery and an Asiatic Art Gallery. Allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for a visit.
Cost: JPY 2,000 per adult. The ticket often includes admission to the Kojima Museum in Ivy Square.
Transport: The Ohara Museum of Art is located within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station.
4. Explore Kurashiki Denim Street
As the birthplace of Japanese denim, Kurashiki features a dedicated Denim Street within the Bikan Historical Quarter. Here, you can find a wide range of high-quality denim products, from clothing to unique accessories and souvenirs. Visitors can also try denim-themed snacks, such as denim-colored ice cream.
Cost: Varies depending on purchases. Denim-themed snacks have their own costs.
Transport: Kurashiki Denim Street is about a 12-minute walk from Kurashiki Station and is located in a corner of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
5. Discover Kojima Jeans Street and Betty Smith Jeans Museum
For a deeper dive into Japan's denim industry, visit Kojima Jeans Street in the Kojima district, known as the 'birthplace of domestic jeans.' The street is lined with around 40 shops selling various locally made jeans. Nearby, the Betty Smith Jeans Museum offers insights into the manufacturing process and allows visitors to customize their own pair of jeans in a workshop.
Cost: Varies depending on purchases. Workshop costs for custom jeans apply (specific cost not detailed, but it's a paid class).
Transport: Kojima is about an hour's bus ride (Bus 62 or 51) from Kurashiki Station. Alternatively, take the JR Seto Ohashi Line from Okayama Station to Kojima Station (about 30 minutes from Okayama), then Kojima Jeans Street is a 15-minute walk from Kojima Station. The 'Jeans Bus' operates from JR Kurashiki Station on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
6. Wander through Kurashiki Ivy Square
Explore Kurashiki Ivy Square, a complex of red-brick buildings that were once Japan's first modern cotton mill. These historic structures have been repurposed into shops, restaurants, and a hotel, providing a blend of industrial heritage and modern charm. In warmer months, the red bricks are often covered in vibrant green ivy, creating a picturesque setting. The Kojima Museum, featuring works by Japanese artist Kojima Torajiro, is located here.
Cost: Free to enter the square; costs apply for shops and restaurants.
Transport: Kurashiki Ivy Square is easily accessible within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a short walk from the main canal area.
7. Visit the Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum
Housed in a renovated 18th-century rice granary, this museum showcases a collection of traditional everyday tools and crafts from Japan and around the world. It offers a glimpse into historical lifestyles and the artistry of various functional items, including ceramics, textiles, and basketry.
Cost: JPY 1,200 per adult.
Transport: The Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum is situated within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, about a 15-minute walk from Kurashiki Station.
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