[Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter] White-walled warehouse street, river boats, hipster boutiques, a beautiful town for a slow walk

The first time I came to Kurashiki, Okayama, was for the "Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter" with its white-walled warehouse street and weeping willows. It's about a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. The neighborhood is really charming, quaint but not overly commercialized, and suitable for strolling around and taking photos while daydreaming. Kurashiki was the territory of the shogunate during the Edo period, and merchants gathered there. Warehouses and townhouses built along the river are still preserved today. Later, during the Meiji period, the textile industry flourished, and cultural assets such as the Ivy Square red brick warehouse group and the collection of Western paintings in the Ohara Museum of Art are left behind. More than 90% of the buildings in the area are pre-war originals, and the lighting design at night is also beautiful, and the atmosphere is even better after dusk. We bought a Bikan Historical Quarter Tour Pass, which includes major attractions such as the Ohara Museum of Art and the garden buildings, and it's just right to arrange a full day of slow travel. For the river boat tour, you need to buy a ticket on site. There are limited trips every day. It is recommended to go early to queue for tickets. The 20-minute water journey is really pleasant to see the white walls and willow banks from the water. The boatman will explain the historical stories along the way, which is very interesting. There are many specialty shops here. Kurashiki Canvas is a century-old canvas brand with perfect texture; Tsunagu Kurashiki is a recycled glass and handmade selection store, and you can also make an appointment for a trial class. Kurashiki Kojima is a famous denim brand. There are also many Denim brand direct stores here. Those who love to wear denim can go shopping. For dessert shops, you must eat Kurashiki Peach. The seasonal fruit sundae is very sincere. The white peach version we ordered is so delicious that we don’t want to share it! Walking along the river bank in the evening, watching the reflection of the white wall lights, and drinking in the izakaya is really the most relaxing moment in the trip. A small reminder: It is not recommended to come on Mondays. The Ohara Museum of Art, the river boat, and many specialty shops are also closed, and it will be mostly empty. This time I specially arranged to come on the weekend, luckily all the shops were open! Next time if I have the chance, I want to arrange to stay for a night and take good pictures of the beautiful town at night and in the morning. #Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter #White Wall Warehouse Street #くらしき桃子 #Kurashiki Denim #Kurashiki Tour Ticket #Okayama Free Travel #Literary Youth Stroll #Monday Closed Day Note #Night View Town