Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,770 reviews
Excellent
815
Very good
770
Average
161
Poor
19
Terrible
5
Lili
Singapore, Singapore118 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Really pretty and atmospheric place. We didn't actually visit any of the shops or museums but we walked through it every day to get to our hotel. We were there on a weekend - it gets really crowded with many domestic tourists. Highly recommend walking through in the evening at around 6 or even 7pm if you want the almost empty photos like mine. Many of the shops are closed on Monday or Tuesday - may want to keep that in mind. Most of the shops also close by 6pm (some close at 5pm) so if you are looking for food for dinner you have to do your research or venture outside of the Bikan. All in all, I would definitely come back again and visit some of the shops this time!
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,082 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Kurashiki's picturesque canal and beautiful houses lining it are sometimes referred to as Japan's Venice - which prompted us to spend a day here.
However, the old town is so small and overly touristy that the area feels more like a small open-air museum.
There are plenty of shops, but apart from shopping, there isn't much to do. Spending a whole day here is way too long.
I would recommend coming here for a day trip from Okayama, which is a 15-minute train ride away and is a much nicer city to stay in.
However, the old town is so small and overly touristy that the area feels more like a small open-air museum.
There are plenty of shops, but apart from shopping, there isn't much to do. Spending a whole day here is way too long.
I would recommend coming here for a day trip from Okayama, which is a 15-minute train ride away and is a much nicer city to stay in.
Written April 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet K
Houston, TX4,277 contributions
May 2019
Oh we loved our stay here! Try to schedule early in your trip to Japan? I would suggest arriving in the evening, checking into the Dormy Inn across the street from the quarter, and then walking around during and just after dusk. It is just magical along the canal. Imagine the miniseries Shogun! Then the next day, checkout, store your luggage and then spend the morning back at the quarter. Take a boat ride, go to the shoguns home..have lunch there before getting on the train to Hiroshima.
Written April 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi O
16 contributions
Apr 2023
We did a free tour through the tourist centre in English with Taka and it was AMAZING. He took us through alleys, gardens, courtyards etc explaining the history, culture and architecture of the historic quarter. It is a stunning, and picturesque location not to be missed!
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celyn T
Luzon, Philippines88 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
I visited in the morning, and there were only a few people walking along the area. It was a nice place, and you would really feel like you've stepped back in time. Not only that, this place is complete. It has museums, restaurants, cafes, snack stalls, shopping areas, and just a generally nice area to stroll around.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJC842
Norwalk, CA36 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
A wonderful historic district. The canal, shrine and historic building were very scenic. Our group enjoyed checking out all the interesting shops and stopping in the cafes and store fronts to try out different foods. It was rainy so it wasn’t very crowded. The selection of fruit desserts was outstanding. Unfortunately we came a little later in the afternoon so the white peach parfaits had already sold out in many of the shops. I was really looking forward to that, but the white peach(白桃) soft cream was a good substitute and very delicious. We sat on the benches in front of the store, ate ice cream and enjoyed the view of the canal. I would definitely recommend this area, just maybe on a rainy day or weekday to stay away from the crowds.
Written June 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeLiNa141
Singapore, Singapore70 contributions
Jun 2023
There are so much to offer in Kurashiki. It was a wet day, but did not stopped us from walking around for hours. We tried snacks, drinks and had lunch along the way. Very enjoyable.
We went to Ohara Museum too. Thrilled to see the originals just hanging right in front of us, without security guards or hundreds of people gathering near you to view the art pieces.
We went to Ohara Museum too. Thrilled to see the originals just hanging right in front of us, without security guards or hundreds of people gathering near you to view the art pieces.
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Construct37
Whittier, CA1,114 contributions
Nov 2022
This photogenic (albeit fairly small) historical district has been called the Venice of Japan. Due to the name I was expecting far more canals and boats but it is roughly a block and a half. The boats (all two of them) were understandably booked for the whole day by the time I got there in the mid-morning. Regardless, the area is a great location full of shops, restaurants and scenery. I am glad I came!
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,973 contributions
Feb 2021
The Kurashiki Bikan District is just gorgeous with a ton to see, eat, and do. I stayed in a hotel nearby so I was lucky enough to walk around this area several times. If you want good photos come early, there will be no one out but later in the day it gets crowded. The canal lined with the white buildings is something I'll never forget. I'm used to many historic towns having a district like this that is maybe a block or two but this area was huge. There are so many side streets here worth checking out. There are souvenir shops, restaurants, pottery shops, and other fun shops scattered throughout the area. I would say, take your time walking around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Written February 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quzc0
Malaysia165 contributions
Jan 2023
Visited the picturesque canal in January and the stillness of the winter makes it even more dramatic - looks like coming out of a painting. The area is pretty small, a row of shops along the canal, and two rows beside the canal. Need to transfer to the local Kurashiki train station, if you are taking the Shinkansen. It is quite a bit of a walk from the Kurashiki train station, but worth a visit.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi... I plan to arrive in Kurashiki on 28 Jan 2024 at about 4.30 pm, driving down from Nara, with a stop at Himeji castle. We plan to stay 2 nights in Kurashiki. What time do shops and restaurants close? As it is winter then, we are concerned that will be without dinner on the first night!!! Thank you very much for responding.
Written May 29, 2023
If I arrive in Kurashiki at 5.30pm, are the shops still open?
Written February 1, 2020
Frankly, they close relatively early so 5:30 is not early enough to look around. Give yourself a couple hours before closing.
Written February 1, 2020
Which station should I get off the Shinkansen (from Kyoto) for the Kurashiki waterways, and how do I get from the Shinkansen to the waterways?
Written April 15, 2019
You get off the Shinkansen at Okayama and then take a local train to Kurashiki. When you leave the station in Kurashiki make sure you use the exit to your left when you come into the station.( If you go right you will be walking toward the Ario mall which is the wrong direction), Walk down the stairs and keep the station at your back and walk down the main road. The Bikan will be on your left about 10 minutes walk down the road
Written April 15, 2019
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