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| Tranquility by the Canal: Kurashiki After Dark |
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is definitely worth visiting! It's a charming district known for its well-preserved traditional buildings, canals, and beautiful gardens.
Here are some of the highlights of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter:
- Preserved Architecture: The district features many traditional Japanese-style buildings, including warehouses, shops, and residences, that have been beautifully preserved.
- Canals and Bridges: Kurashiki is known for its network of canals, which create a picturesque and serene atmosphere. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canals or take a boat tour.
- Museums and Art Galleries: The district is home to several museums and art galleries, showcasing traditional crafts, art, and local history.
- Shopping and Dining: Kurashiki offers a variety of shops selling local products, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. You can also find a selection of restaurants serving delicious Japanese cuisine.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a must-see destination in Okayama, offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture and architecture. For those interested in exploring more, nearby Kanryuji Hondo and Achi Shrine are worth visiting.
Kurashiki Okayama / Japanese Street Food / Japan Travel Vlog (YouTube link)
Shopping and Dining: A Culinary Adventure
Kurashiki offers a delightful array of food shops, each with its own unique specialties. Keep in mind that many shops in Kurashiki close around 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Here's a summary of some must-visit establishments based on the above video:
- Unakita
- Specialty: Eel dishes
- Must-try: Eel onigiri with sansho pepper and rich sauce
- Hours: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Koeido (廣榮堂)
- Specialty: Traditional Japanese confectionery
- Must-try: Kibi-dango (rice cake flavored with millet) and Kibi-Daifuku (Kibi-dango with red bean paste)
- Hours: 9 AM–6 PM
- Kurashiki Denim Street
- Specialty: Denim products and street food
- Must-try: Denim bun filled with pork and cabbage. When you go to the narrow alley next to the shop, you'll find a takeout counter.
- Hours: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Kurashiki Pudding
- Specialty: Pudding
- Must-try: Pudding with Kibi-dango or blue jelly
- Hours: 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Kurashiki Meigen
- Specialty: Udon
- Must-try: Self-service udon with beef, green onions, and wakame seaweed
- Hours: 10 AM–2 PM
- Kurashiki Momoko Kurashiki Chuo Store
- Specialty: Sweets made with seasonal fruits
- Must-try: Soft-serve ice cream made with Shimizu white peaches. Shimizu white peaches are the highest quality peaches in Okayama, known for their incredibly juicy and soft, melty texture.
- Hours: 10 AM–5 PM (or 5:30 PM on weekend)
- Setouchi-an (website)
- Specialty: Seafood and local ingredients
- Must-try: Oyster buns and Chimaki (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves)
- Hours: Permanently closed
- HAREMOKEMO
- Specialty: Sweets
- Must-try: Basque cheesecake and chocolate sandwich
- Hours: 11 AM–5 PM
- Gold Prize Croquette (金賞コロッケ)
- Specialty: Croquettes
- Must-try: Cheese Corn Dog, a popular item that sells over 1,000 units daily.
- Highlights: Light and crispy coating, flavorful Wagyu minced meat and onions, affordable price.
- Hours: 9 AM–5 PM
- Miffy Kitchen Kurashiki (みっふぃー蔵のきっちん)
- Specialty: Miffy-themed bread and merchandise
- Must-try: Anpan (アンパン; bread shaped like Miffy's face), custard cream bread, and strawberry chocolate bread.
- Highlights: Freshly baked bread, adorable Miffy designs, exclusive items available only at this location.
- Hours: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Kurashiki Sandwich Kitchen
- Specialty: Sandwiches
- Must-try: Pork Cutlet Sandwich and Egg Sandwich
- Highlights: Freshly cooked sandwiches, flavorful ingredients, popular with locals and tourists.
- Hours: 11 AM–3 PM
- Tono no Bacon
- Specialty: Smoked foods
- Must-try: Pork bacon skewer, Okayama brand pork bacon, salmon onigiri, and bacon onigiri with yuzu and miso.
- Highlights: High-quality ingredients, unique flavors, and addictive textures.
- Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
- Kurashiki Momoko (くらしき桃子 総本店)
- Specialty: Sweets
- Must-try: Gelato made with Shine Muscat grapes and canned cake with peaches and whipped cream.
- Highlights: Freshly made desserts, high-quality ingredients, and delicious flavors.
- Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
See Also
- Ohara Museum—The oldest Western art museum in Japan
- Ohashi House—A former merchant house open to the public
- Ivy Square—Former site of a cotton mill factory
- A number of other museums are located within and around Ivy Square: Kurabo Museum, Momotaro Karakuri Museum, and Piggybank Museum.
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