Sightseeing of Kurashiki
Kurashiki City is blessed with a gentle climate from the Seto Inland Sea
and rich soils from the Takahashi River,and is unwavering in its development
of culture,tourism and industry. With expressways like the Sanyo,Okayama
and Yonago,and the Seto Chuo expressways,running from all points of the
compass and covering in Kurashiki,it is expected that this city will surge
even more as an important junction.
Surrounding the Kurashiki Canal in the center of town,are many traditional
buildings dating from the Edo Period(1615-1868). Selected as an Important
Traditional Structures Conservation Area by the national government,this
historical quarter with its many museums and galleries,provides the visitor
with a glimpse into the atmosphere of the prosperous Edo era.
Immediately north of JR Kurashiki Station is Kurashiki Tivoli Park - "the
theme park of dreams,emotions and serenity." Based on its namesake
in Copenhagen,Denmark which has been loved by Europeans for about 150 years,this
urban-type park offers lush seasonal trees and flowers and a wide range
of entertainment such as musicals,parades and stage shows.
The south of Kurashiki fronts onto the Seto Inland Sea National Park which
is accentuated by the world's longest suspension bridge,the Seto-ohashi
Bridge.
Attracting many tourists,the bridge has become an integral part of the
scenery,along with the picturesque hills of Washuzan,Ojigadake,and Yugasan.
to the west,Kurashiki also boasts many renowned religious edifices,such
as Kumano Shrine,and Entsuji,An-yoji,and Rendaiji Temples,which bring to
life the history of the area.
Blessed with a mild climate,scenic and historical interest,and delicious
delicacies from land and sea,Kurashiki guarantees a most enjoyable visit
whatever the season.
Kurashiki Bikan Area (Old Town)
・倉敷館 Kurashiki-kan Information Office
This wooden building was originally constructed as the Kurashiki Town Council
in 1916. It manifests the characteristics of the Occidental-style building
of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). On the ground floor are the tourist information
center and free lounge.
・大原美術館 Ohara Museum of Art
The Ohara Museum of Art was established in 1930 as Japan's first gallery
of modern Western art. In this comprehensive gallery one can find contemporary
paintings by famous impressionists such as El Greco,Western style paintings
by Japanese artists,ceramics,lithographs and Oriental antiques.
・今橋 Imabashi Bridge
The present bridge was built in 1926,on the occasion of the visit of His
Majesty the Emperor Showa (then His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince)
. The embossed dragons were designed by locally renowned artist Torajiro
Kojima.
・旧大原家住宅 Ohara House
Built in 1796,it is a typical urban house,with "Kurashiki windows"
on the second floor,and "Kurashiki lattice windows",similar to
Ohashi House. It was designated as an Important National Cultural Property
in 1971.
・有隣荘（緑御殿） Yurinso (Green Palace)
This mansion was built in 1928 as the guest house of the Ohara family.
It's foundation stones are the remainder of Takahashi Castle,and its green
roof tiles were specially made at Tanigawa Kiln in Sakai,Osaka.
・大橋家住宅 Ohashi House
Built in 1796,it is one of the typical urban house of Kurashiki,and the
only one with a "nagayamon"(a gate with tenements). It was designated
as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1978. It was repaired on
a large scale in the spring of 1995.
・井上家 Inoue House
The main house is thought to have been built in the late 17th century,making
it the oldest house in Kurashiki. The house's unique feature is its "Kurashiki
windows" with shutters for fire prevention on the second floor.
・井上家横の路地 Side street next to Inoue House
Two roes of long stones were laid for carts carrying straw bags of rice
to prevent them from falling into the mud. The paving stones are vestiges
of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
・倉敷アイビースクエア Kurashiki Ivy Square
Originally the site of the governor's residence in the Edo Period,the
Kurashiki Spinning Mill was established here in 1889. In 1974,the ivy-covered
former mill was remodeled into a hotel and restaurant complex with unique
shops and courtyard.
・倉敷考古館 Kurashiki Archaeological Museum
Opened in 1950 in a remodeled merchant's granary,this museum displays
ancient artifacts excavated mainly from the Kibi district and provides
a fascinating look into Kurashiki's past for both the tourist and scholar.
・倉敷民芸館 Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
Founded in 1948,this museum houses one of the finest collections of folkcrafts
in Japan. About 800 items handcrafted for use in daily life,from Japan
and all over the world,are on display.
・日本郷土玩具館 Rural Toy Museum
Opened in 1967,this museum has a collection of some 40,000 toys and dolls
from Japan and all around the world,approximately 8,000 of which are on
display.
Kurashiki sightseen Home page : Official homepage of Kurashiki City.
Culture facilities
Sightseeing bus service