Kurashiki

Tourist information can be found at the two main train stations.

• 🌍 Bikan Historic Area (倉敷美観地区), 1-4-8 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-422-0542. 09:00-17:00. 

The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated machine translation.

• Okayama Momotarō Airport (岡山空港 OKJ ^IATA), Okayama. A shuttle bus connects Kurashiki Station with the airport (45 min, ¥1,130). Tickets can be purchased from a vending machine outside of the airport. Large luggage is okay; the driver will stow it underneath the seats. Staff at the information booth just beyond baggage claim are very helpful, and will go outside with you to purchase the ticket and get you on the appropriate bus. Catch a flight there, or take a second shuttle bus to Hiroshima Airport (2 hrs, ¥2,100). (updated Jul 2020)

Kurashiki is on the San'yo Main Line between Okayama and Fukuyama. The best way to reach Kurashiki from the San'yo Shinkansen is to transfer to a local train at Okayama; the ride takes about 15 minutes (¥320). The few express trains between Okayama and Kurashiki are more than twice as expensive, and will only save you a couple of minutes. However, if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take either a local or a limited express; on the latter, hop onto any non-reserved car and flash your rail pass to the conductor, declaring Kurashiki as your destination.

• 🌍 JR Kurashiki Station (倉敷駅), Achi 1-1-1, ☏ +81 86-424-1220. 09:00-17:00. Exit the train station to the south (left from JR ticket collection), overlooking the bus depot. Stay on the upper level, and you'll find the office among the shops to the right (west). 
• 🌍 JR Shin-Kurashiki Station (新倉敷駅), 390-4 Tamashima Tsumasaki, ☏ +81 86-526-8446. 09:00-17:00. The Kodama Shinkansen stops here. 

Several companies run daytime and overnight bus routes from Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Matsuyama, Tokushima, Kochi, Fukuoka, and elsewhere. Operators include Chugoku JR Bus Company (☏ +81 86-236-1123). Buses arrive and depart outside the north exit of JR Kurashiki Station.

The sites in and around the Bikan Historic District can all be reached on foot from the south exit of Kurashiki Station - about a ten minute walk down Chuo-dori or the Ebisu-dori covered arcade. Other areas of the city are spread out too far apart to walk between them. The jeans-related attractions can be reached on foot from Kojima Station but not the Washuzan or Shimotsui areas.

Although the city is all connected by land, in terms of rail travel, it feels disconnected. Shin-Kurashiki and Kurashiki Station are located along the JR Sanyo Main Line, but the other areas require train transfers outside of the city to reach. To get to Kojima Station from Kurashiki Station you need to travel to Okayama Station and transfer to the Marine Liner. Similary, to reach the Makibi area, you need to take a train to Kiyone Station in Soja on the Hakibi Line and transfer to the private Ibara Railway which has three stations in Kurashiki: Kawabejuku Station, Kibinomakibi Station, and Bitchukurese Station.

Mizushima Rinkai Railway is a private railway company that runs from Kurashikishi Station (next to Kurashiki Station) to Mizushima Station (select trains go one stop further to Mizubishijiko-mae Station) in the Mizushima area.

For JR Rail Pass holders, the pass can be used on the Marine Liner to Kojima and to Kiyone Station however, Ibara Railway and Mizushima Rinkai Railway are private railways not covered by the pass.

Some parts of the city are most easily accessed by bus. For access to Washuzan, Washuzan Highland Park, and the Shimotsui area, there is an hourly bus from Kojima Station that does a loop to each of these areas.

The Tamashima area can be reached by bus from Shin-Kurashiki Station. Ikasa Bus and Ryobi Bus can both get you within walking distance of Entsuji and the Saisou-tei.

Although Kojima has a train station, there is a bus that operates twice per hour between Kurashiki Station and Kojima Station in about 50 minutes. If you don't have a rail pass, the bus is cheaper and more convenient than going by train. It also travels directly by the Bikan Historic District and Jeans Street, so you don't have to backtrack to or from any stations to reach them.

Even if you're not interested in the subject of a certain museum, the chance to explore inside these old warehouses and mills might be worth the price of admission. Virtually all of the museums (and many of the stores) are closed on Mondays, which does at least mean fewer crowds and photo hounds competing for that perfect shot at the foot of a bridge.

For a terrific view of the entire Bikan area, head up the granite stairs on Mt. Tsurugata to the Achi Shrine, and have a wander around the park at the top.

• 🌍 Ohara Museum of Art (大原美術館 Ōhara bijutsukan), 1-1-15 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-422-0005. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. The first museum of Western art in Japan,it houses a deservedly renowned collection of classic European and American art, including major works by Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Matisse, and many others. There's another building for exhibitions by modern Japanese artists, which tend to be very good. Set aside some time to wander the grounds as well, with Rodin statues out front, a small sculpture garden out back, and neoclassical columns beatifically out of character with the rest of the area. ¥1300 adults (includes Kojima Torajiro Memorial Hall admission). English audio guide for main hall ¥500. 
• 🌍 Kojima Torajiro Memorial Hall (児島虎次郎記念館), 7-1 Hon-machi (Ivy Square), ☏ +81 86-422-0005. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Dedicated to the work of the Japanese artist who directed the acquisition of most of the Ohara Museum's collection. ¥1300 adults (includes Ohara Museum admission). 
• 🌍 Archaeological Museum (倉敷考古館), 1-3-13 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-422-1542. W-Su 09:00-17:00. Housed in a particularly lovely old rice warehouse, this museum has Japanese, Chinese, and even Incan artifacts on display. ¥400 adults, ¥250 students. 
• 🌍 Japanese Folk Toy Museum (日本郷土玩具館), 1-4-16 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-422-8058. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. A collection of over 40,000 toys, although only 5,000 or so are generally on display. Most are show-pieces (and occasionally eerie ones at that), but there are some that kids can play with hands-on. ¥300 adults, ¥200 teenagers, ¥100 kids. 

• 🌍 Museum of Folkcraft (倉敷民藝館), 1-4-11 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-422-1637. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 (Dec-Feb to 16:15). Hosts excellent seasonal and permanent exhibitions of Japanese folk crafts. Even if you're not captivated by the subject matter, the space in which it's housed — three vintage structures connected by narrow corridors and old stairwells — is worth checking out. ¥700 adults, ¥400 students. (updated May 2017)
• 🌍 Senichi Hoshino Museum (星野仙一記念館 Hoshino sen'ichi kinenkan), 1-10-11 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-430-0001. Apr-Sep 09:30-18:00, Oct-Mar 09:30-17:00. Kurashiki native Sen'ichi Hoshino (1947-2018) was a long-time pitcher and manager for the Chunichi Dragons of Japanese pro baseball noted for his open hatred of the Yomiuri Giants; later led the Hanshin Tigers and Rakuten Golden Eagles. This museum collects some of his memorabilia and career highlights. Adults ¥500, students ¥200. 
• 🌍 Shogi Master Oyama Memorial Museum (大山名人記念館), 1-18-1 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-434-0003. Th-Tu 09:00-17:15, F 09:00-21:00. Yasuharu Oyama (1923-1992), also a Kurashiki native, was an eighteen time champion of shogi; upon his retirement, he was crowned the 15th Lifetime Meijin (Grand Master) of the game. Free. 
• 🌍 Momotaro Museum (桃太郎のからくり博物館), 5-11 Hon-machi, ☏ +81 86-423-2008. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. With the figure of Momotaro outside and souvenirs sold inside, it is often mistaken by foreign tourists as just another shop and a cute photo-op, but this building is actually a "museum of mystery" dedicated to Momotaro, the Peach Boy. The museum features a variety of fun and interactive mind tricks that bear no real connection to the tale but are quite fun, especially for children. From there, prepare yourself for a walk through the dark lair of the ogres that Momotaro defeated before ascending the stairs to see some historical depictions of the tale and other items of nostalgia. Adults ¥600, young students ¥400, children ¥100. 
• 🌍 Yumiko Igarashi Museum (いがらしゆみこ美術館), 9-3 Hon-machi, ☏ +81 86-426-1919. 09:00-18:00. Memorabilia and artwork from Candy Candy, one of the most popular manga among Japanese girls and a cult favorite overseas. (There is, however, no actual candy here.). ¥600 adults, ¥400 students. 

• 🌍 City Art Museum (倉敷市立美術館), 2-6-1 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-425-6034. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Exhibits of work by artists from Kurashiki, with a focus on the renowned painter Yoson Ikeda (1895-1988). The building, designed by Kenzo Tange, is an odd attempt to reinterpret warehouses of the Bikan area in concrete. ¥200 adults, ¥100 students. 
• 🌍 Insect Museum (倉敷昆虫館), 2-30 Saiwai-cho (Shigei Hospital, 8th floor), ☏ +81 86-422-3655. Tu-Sa 14:00-17:00. Local insects, pinned and displayed for your examination. It's about 10 minutes north of the Bikan area, though, so it's only worth seeking out for serious entomology fans. Free. 
• 🌍 Museum of Natural History (倉敷市立自然史博物館), 2-6-1 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-425-6037. Tu-Su 09:00-17:15. Local flora, fauna, insects, and geology; the star attraction is a Naumann's Elephant, a giant prehistoric mammal from southern Japan. ¥150 adults, ¥100 students. 
• 🌍 Ohashi House (大橋家住宅), 3-21-31 Achi-dori, ☏ +81 86-422-0007. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. If you've had it with ordinary merchants, visit the home of this family of retired samurai who went into business in Kurashiki. ¥500 adults, ¥300 kids. 

Although the Bikan Historic District is the most popular area to visit in Kurashiki, the Tamashima area is the most easily accessible, with Shin-Kurashiki Station, accessible by Shinkansen, as the main station.

• 🌍 Entsuji Temple (円通寺 Entsū-ji), ☏ +81 86-522-2444. Entsuji Temple is famous as the site where the famous poet Priest Ryokan wrote many of his most famous poems. From the temple grounds, there is an impressive view of the factories in the Kojima area (which is quite beautiful, despite how it may sound), as well as the Seto Inland Sea. This temple is also the seventh temple along the Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage route. 
• 🌍 Saisou-tei (西爽亭; Yunoki House), 3 Chome Tamashima (for those who do not know Japanese, a taxi is probably the best option for getting here), ☏ +81 86-522-0151. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. This is one of Kurashiki's true hidden gems. The Saisou-tei is where local clan leader, Kumata Ataka committed seppuku, which prevented a war from breaking out in the Tamashima area. What makes it so fascinating is that the building has been preserved so that the actual blood stains from the seppuku remain visible on the ceiling; a rare sight. When you enter, you will be given a short tour in Japanese only however, after reading this, you should be able to follow along and see what they are showing you when they point towards the ceiling. Free. 

The Kojima area is located along the Seto Inland Sea, served by JR Kojima Station, and offers many great views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. If you choose to travel from the Bikan area to the Kojima area by train, you can only reach it via Okayama. Take the Marine Liner from Okayama to Kojima Station. Bus #6 from JR Kurashiki Station runs to JR Kojima Station, if you prefer a street-level view while travelling between the two locations. Rentacycles are available and make the region more accessible for those who want to see the Shimotsui area at their own pace and for much less than a taxi ride.

• 🌍 Nozaki House (旧野﨑家住宅) (15 min walk from Kojima Station), ☏ +81 86-472-2001. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. This building was constructed in 1833 as the home of Buzaemon Nozaki, a wealthy salt farmer. Not only can you roam about the residence, there are also storehouses on site that contain information and tools related to salt farming. ¥500. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Betty Smith Jeans Museum (ジーンズミュージアム), ☏ +81 86-473-4460. 09:00-18:00. The Kojima area of Kurashiki is known throughout Japan for its high-quality jeans, and the museum displays items made in the factory and the history of Kojima jean production. You can also buy or order custom jeans. 
• 🌍 Kojima School Uniform Museum (児島学生服資料館), ☏ +81 86-473-2111. 10:00-17:00. A museum showcasing the history of school uniforms and their development through the years. It's located here because the Kojima area produces a large percentage of the school uniforms worn nationwide. Free. (updated Apr 2016)
• 🌍 Yugasan Rendai-ji (由加山蓮台寺), ☏ +81 86-477-6222. A unique complex composed of both a shrine and a temple. The torii gate is made of Bizen pottery. The shrine is a sister shrine to the famous Konpirasan in Kotohira. It is also the 6th temple along the Chugoku Pilgrimage Route. 
• 🌍 Tsusenen Garden (通仙園). A garden that features over 3,000 azalea bushes that bloom during the spring. Like much of the area's attractions, there is also a great view of the Seto Inland Sea from the garden grounds. 
• 🌍 Shimotsui Castle Ruins (下津井城 Shimotsui-jō). Built as a fort in the late 16th century, it was expanded into a proper castle in 1603. It lasted until the one castle per province edict was implemented in 1639 when the castle was torn down. Today the ruins of some of the castle walls are all that remain. There is also a great view of the Inland Sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge from the castle grounds. 
• 🌍 Washuzan Hill (鷲羽山). A popular place for locals to picnic and relax while enjoying one of the best views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. Free, and large free parking. 

Since the Edo Period, Kurashiki has had an interesting mascot known as Su-inkyo (素隠居) that appears at Achi Shrine's May and October festivals. The Su-inkyo are people wearing masks of an old man and woman carrying fans. If they touch your head, it is said to bring good luck. The masks look jovial and most people approach them for luck, but there are always a few terrified children crying as their parents carry them over to grant them begrudging fortune.

• Kurashiki Hina Meguri (倉敷雛巡り). A display of Hina Dolls for the Girls' Festival from late February to mid-March. The dolls can be viewed in historic buildings in the Bikan area, as well as other areas of the city, such as the Kojima, Tamashima, Mizushima, and Makibi areas. (updated Sep 2017)
• Kojima Textile Festival (せんい児島). Last weekend in Apr. Held in Kurashiki's Kojima area, the textile capital of Japan, the festival features a variety of vendors with the locally-made denim being the star. There are a lot of fun activities for kids and lots of vendors selling local favorites, such as Shimotsui octopus and the jeans ice cream. (updated Feb 2020)
• Heartland Kurashiki (ハートランド倉敷). May 2–6 (during Golden Week). Also known as the Kurashiki Wisteria Story (くらしき藤物語), the festival takes place in the Bikan Historic District. The event features amazake drinking, traditional music performances, and singing. However the highlight of the event is watching the "wisteria maiden", a young bride-to-be, ride on a boat down the canal. As for the wisteria, it is rather secondary to the rest of the festivities, but there is a small wisteria trellis and some wisteria-themed decorations at Achi Shrine. (updated Feb 2020)
• Tenryo Summer Festival (倉敷天領夏祭り). First Sa after Jul 20. A big festival with drums and events during the daytime and a large evening parade to kick off the start of summer and the end of the rainy season. (updated Sep 2017)

• 🌍 Kurashiki Youth Hostel (倉敷ユースホステル), 1537-1 Mukoyama, ☏ +81 86-422-7355. Rooms contain two sets of bunk beds and a small TV area. There is also a nice commons area with a fireplace and musical instruments, and meals are served. Pick-up may be available if you phone ahead. Otherwise, take bus #6 to Shiminkaikan-mae (last departure 20:50) and walk uphill for ten minutes. ¥2,940 per person, ¥6,930 for twin room. 
• 🌍 Hotel Alpha One (ホテル・アルファ－ワン倉敷), 2-2-26 Achi, ☏ +81 864-34-1011. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. A standard hotel with the desk and TV. There are showers in the rooms, but large shared baths are also available. (updated Aug 2017)
• 🌍 Toyoko Inn Kurashiki-Eki Minamiguchi (東横INN倉敷駅南口), 2-10-20 Achi, ☏ +81 86-430-1045. A popular Japanese hotel chain. Singles from ¥5,300. (updated Aug 2017)
• 🌍 Hotel Cent Inn Kurashiki (ホテル セントイン倉敷), 5-203 Shinkurashiki Ekimae (Near Shin-Kurashiki Station), ☏ +81 865-26-8911. A business hotel. ¥5,500. (updated Aug 2017)

• 🌍 Court Hotel Kurashiki (コートホテル倉敷), 2-2-26 Chuo, ☏ +81 86-421-0330. Warm, pleasant rooms with business hotel amenities but American-style decor. Buffet Western or Japanese-style breakfast available (¥1100). Single rooms from ¥7,200, double from ¥10,600 if booked in advance. 
• 🌍 Kurashiki Station Hotel (倉敷ステーションホテル), 2-8-1 Achi-dori, ☏ +81 86-425-2525. Five floors and 111 small rooms slightly more pleasant than the average business hotel. They offer steep discounts for online booking; buffet Japanese breakfasts are available for ¥1000. Rooms from ¥6,300 single, ¥10,500 double. 
• 🌍 Kurashiki Setouchi Kojima Hotel (倉敷せとうち児島ホテル), ☏ +81 86-473-7711. A nice hotel near Washuzan Highland with a large onsen area to enjoy. (updated Aug 2017)

• 🌍 Kurashiki Ivy Square Hotel (倉敷アイビースクエア), 7-2 Hon-machi, ☏ +81 86-422-0011. Small, decent rooms in a splendid location. All of the amenities of Ivy Square (shopping, a restaurant, a beer garden) are on hand. Some rooms face a parking lot and some face a grove of palm trees, so you may wish to state your preference between those two alternatives. Singles ¥10,500, doubles ¥18,900. 
• 🌍 Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel (倉敷ロイヤルアートホテル), 3-21-19 Achi, ☏ +81 86-423-2400. Nice, well-appointed Western-style rooms, with notably spacious bathrooms. Western and Japanese buffet breakfasts are available to mix and match as you please. Singles ¥22,000, twins ¥27,000. 
• 🌍 Ryokan Kurashiki (旅館くらしき), 4-1 Hon-machi, ☏ +81 86-422-0730. A traditional inn, occupying an atmospheric complex of old buildings, facing the canal in the Bikan section. There are various styles of suites — Western, traditional, mixed — scattered along a maze of corridors. Little English is spoken, but the staff welcomes foreigners, and breakfast is available. Guests should arrive early enough to sip tea by the garden and soak themselves before dinner. It's on the left side of the canal as you walk from the train station, at a bend in the canal. ¥28,000 per person including dinner and breakfast. 
• 🌍 Tsurugata (鶴形), 1-3-15 Chuo-dori, ☏ +81 86-424-1635. Another beautiful ryokan, in business for more than 250 years with eleven Japanese-style rooms. The garden, in particular, is pure Kurashiki atmosphere. Stellar meals of seafood (and nothing but seafood, mind you) are included in the rate, and a little English is spoken. ¥12,000-¥30,000.