This week I would like to introduce one of my favourite day trip destinations from Osaka : the old district of Kurashiki in Okayama.
I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful place during two of the best seasons of the year (in my opinion) : autumn and spring ! Let me tell you about my experiences – it might help you decide on whether to add this stop to your itinerary, and when to go.
The Legacy of the “Town of Warehouses”
To understand the charm of the Bikan Historical Quarter, you have to look back to the Edo Period (1603–1867). During this time, Kurashiki served as a vital “tenryo”—an area under the direct control of the Shogunate.
The name “Kurashiki” roughly translates to “town of warehouses,” referring to the iconic white-walled storehouses (called kura) that still line the canal today. These were used to store rice, sugar, and cotton, which were transported by boat along the river to be shipped across Japan.
Today, Kurashiki is famous because it is one of the few places in Japan where this historical merchant atmosphere has been perfectly preserved. Unlike many other cities, it was spared from the destruction of WWII, allowing us to walk through the same streets that merchants and samurai walked centuries ago. It’s often called the “Venice of Japan” because of the picturesque stone bridges and the traditional boat rides that still take visitors along the peaceful canal.
Autumn: Golden Hues and Vibrant Canals
The first time I visited was in autumn, which is also a very popular season for visiting Japan since it offers a wonderful display of bright orange and red foliage. In some more popular areas, it can get quite crowded, which was the case when I visited Kurashiki in November.
However, this did not impede my experience as it was a truly wonderful location to stroll around, stop for snacks and enjoy taking pictures of.
Autumn in Japan also usually offers beautiful weather conditions for such day trips with nice not-yet-chilly temperatures and clear blue skies. When being lucky to visit with such perfect weather, I highly recommend getting a snack to eat while sitting on the side of the canal. Visiting in autumn is also the chance to catch the sunset hitting the red and golden hues of the surrounding foliage.
Spring: A Serene Alternative to bigger cities
Spring offers a different vibe in Kurashiki. Surprisingly, it was less crowded than when I visited in autumn, the reason maybe being that there are not as many Sakura trees as in other more popular places for the season.
In turn, this makes it the perfect escape from the overcrowded Kyoto streets, while still offering the opportunity for beautiful pictures and more serene moments. This time, I sat down at a cafe along the canal and snacked on some kibidango – Okayama’s specialty!
Must-See Spots and Local Delights:
- The Museums: Explore the various museums scattered around the district for a touch of art and history.
- Edo-Era Shopping: Visit the traditional buildings housing local shops, notably those selling denim products, since Kurashiki is the birthplace of jeans here in Japan!
- Local Treats: Eat the most famous sweets in Okayama—kibidango—which are small, delicious mochi balls.
- Achi Shrine: Visit the shrine grounds to escape the crowds and catch a panoramic view of the city below.
Getting There from Osaka
Leaving from Shin-Osaka Station, you want to first get to Okayama Station, which you can do by riding the Shinkansen for a bit under an hour. From Okayama Station simply catch the local San-yo line until Kurashiki Station. In a bit less than 2 hours you will be at the Kurashiki Bikan, ready for a stroll.
My pop-culture touch
If you’re a fan of Pokémon, then maybe you already know that there are manhole covers found all over Japan decorated with Pokémon hanging around famous spots. These are called Poké-Lids ! In Kurashiki, there are four that you can look for. I was only able to get to three of them, but I always find it to be a fun treasure hunt to do with friends and family. Why not give it a try yourself ?
Autumn is my favourite season all-around, especially here in Japan, but I have to say that spring in Kurashiki also did not disappoint.
Which season strikes your fancy for a stroll along the river banks?
Written by Salomé