A Walking Tour of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Kurashiki, Japan

The city of Kurashiki, in Okayama Prefecture, was once a bustling trade town during the Edo period. The traditional buildings, concentrated along the willow-lined Kurashiki River, have been preserved in an area known as the Bikan Historical Quarter. Featuring white-washed, black-tiled walls, tiled roofs, and latticed windows, the townscape is known for it’s retro scenery. The old mills, merchant houses, and textile factories have since been converted into charming shops, museums, and cafes, bringing Edo-period ambience to the modern day. And just a short ride from Okayama City, it makes a great day-trip destination for visitors to the area. Here’s a quick guide.

The Bikan Historical Quarter is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. Head towards the covered shopping arcade, Kurashiki Center Street, and turn off onto Ebisu Dori. Keep walking and you’ll soon stumble upon an organic tea cafe called nagomi-Natulure. This is a great spot to grab a quick meal especially if it’s early morning, as it’s one of the few places around that opens before 10 am. I treated myself to their waffles and ginger latte, which I can’t recommend enough. The cafe also serves a light lunch, and if you like the tea you order, you can buy some at the counter to take home. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).