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When in Western Japan...

Ask this member a question. Maneki-neko Ex-pat, 20 years living here!
May 21, 2006
4.0 of 5 stars based on 3 votes
If you're visiting western Japan, yuo will undoubtedly go to Hiroshima or Nagasaki...How about stopping at the charming town of Kurashiki?
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Kurashiki
  • Category: Walking tour
  • Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Never been before, Repeat visitors
  • Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Seniors, Students, Budget travelers, Tourists
  • Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Tags: Japan, Kurashiki, Art, Gardens, Amusement, Shopping, Castle, Sightseeing
1. The Bikan-chiku
This is the historical part of the city of Kurashiki (population 470,000). The Bikan-chiku is a 5-minute walk from Kurashiki station. Kurashiki has many rice granaries lining the canal which runs through the Bikan area, and the canal was used in the Edo era. Today, it is lined with weeping willows and the granaries are still well-preserved. There are many traditional buildings in and around the narrow streets off the main street by the canal. You can visit one of the many shops selling handicrafts or souvenirs, or even drop into a cafe for a cup of coffee or a restaurant for a bowl of noodles.
This is an exact copy of the Tivoli Park in Copenhagen, Denmark. You can stroll through the park and enjoy the flowers, or grab a draft beer adn sit outside on "Old Copenhagen" and enjoy the scenery. In the summer is a large-scale beer garden with nightly musical attractions and fireworks.
The Ohara Museum houses an outstanding collection of western art- Rodin, Buffet, El Greco, Monet, etc. Behind the museum is a seperate section with works by famous Japanese woodblock artist Munagata Shiko.
4. Aeon Kurashiki Shopping Mall
The largest shopping mall in the Okayama area. Has a great selection of clothing stores, a sporting goods store, 100-yen shop, numerous restaurants (even a Starbucks!) and a 5-screen movie theater. Shuttle bus service from Kurashiki station.
5. Korakuen Park and Okayama Castle
15 minutes away by local train and you can visit Korakuen Park, which is noted as being one of the three most famous traditional Japanese gardens. Many seasonal events are held such as moon-viewing during the fall and cherry blossom viewing in the spring. On New Year's Day, admission is free, and they release the giant cranes to stretch their wings and fly around, attracting photographers from all over the country. Nearby is Okayama Castle, also known as "Karasu-jo" ("Crow Castle") as its walls are black and it is somewhat imposing.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Kurashiki