Culture
Dusk in the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter
Leslie TaylorAs the sun goes down and the colors of dusk appear, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture becomes a perfect place to explore and relax.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区, Kurashiki Bikan Chiku) is a historic merchant quarter which used its central canal for delivering goods.
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As the sun goes down and the colors of dusk appear, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture becomes a perfect place to explore and relax.
Sometimes known as the "Venice of Japan," the Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki City lives up to the title. Though it is much smaller than the real Venice, don't let its size fool you! This hidden travel gem is one of Japan's finest historical sites.
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical area in Kurashiki City, Okayama is a traditional Edo era townscape. It and the surrounding river area has been designated as an Important Preservations District for Groups of Historic Buildings. There are many restaurants and souvenir stores.
The Bikan district in Kurashiki has a long history. It is home to many 17th century warehouses that sit along a picturesque river lined with weeping willows.
Kurashiki spun good from bad with its lucky choice to grow cotton when rice crops failed. It is now Japan's leading producer of cotton goods and a historic tourist destination.
Experience a night of luxury in one of Japan's most beautiful canal towns
"Experience" guesthouse located in the heart of Kurashiki's historical quarter. U-Rin-An is the only budget accommodation in a 100-year old building in the old town.
A quiet restaurant just off Kurashiki's canal that serves up some of the freshest sardines from the Seto Inland Sea
I grew up in one of New Zealand’s big wine growing areas but to be honest never really acquired a taste for drinking wine. To my surprise Mascat wine was delicious.
Udon is one of the best kind of noodles you can eat in Japan. A very hearty meal yet it makes you feel you have eaten healthy. Served in multiple combinations.
Bitchu Kokubunji Temple (備中国分寺, Bitchū Kokubunji) was founded in 741. Destroyed by fire in the 14th century civil war the existing temple has been rebuilt in the Edo period and its five story pagoda at a height of 34.32ｍ is said to be the last one built in Japan in 1884.
In central Japan's Okayama prefecture, Kurashiki is a handsome historical town. After sunset, its Bikan district is illuminated by landscape lighting, with lights shimmering on the surface of the Kurashiki river, and willow trees swaying in the wind.
HONMACHI is one of those places where you walk around and imagine where the water might have been. Here you find coffee shops, cafes, sake makers and guest houses.