Lewis' Japan Retrospective #3: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.

Kurashiki will make it three… (Get it?)

Yes, next up, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. This will be the last for Okayama for now, until I’m able to travel up to the northern cities. It’s a place I’ve only recently spent time in, despite it being just fifteen minutes or so away from Okayama Station. 

It’s a little bit of a contrast to Okayama in that more of the traditional side of Japan is noticeable in the townscape and architecture. Most notably, the Bikan Historical District, which is often playfully referred to as the ‘Venice of Japan’ due to having a beautiful canal. Within the area is the Ohara Museum of Art. The entry fee for an adult is around 2,000 yen, which is quite steep until you see what they actually have inside. There are some beautiful works, and even a Monet original, if that’s your kind of thing. 

My favourite place is Achi Shrine. Once you get up the million stairs it’s quite a sight to behold, and a charming place to pray for your family’s health and educational success. 

There is a small bamboo grove located right in the heart of the town which is nicely decorated, the canals at night are adorned with lit, colorful parasols, making it the perfect place for an evening stroll or romantic date. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the ‘Denim-man’ or Denim coloured pork buns from the tucked away ‘Denim Street’, they look like something from the Avatar franchise, but taste quite delicious. If that isn’t your thing, there are plenty of food stalls around, including one that makes fresh Senbei crackers. 

To conclude, Kurashiki City is probably the ‘must see’ place of Okayama Prefecture, narrowly edging the capital with its uniqueness and tranquility. You can easily make a one day detour here if you travel through the region.

Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture is written as 倉敷市、岡山県. (くらしきし、おかやまけん).