Experience the Canal by Boat: A Picturesque Journey
Kurashiki (倉敷) ⭐⭐is worth visiting if you're drawn to historical settings, art, and want a quieter, more traditional Japanese town experience. Its charm lies in its ability to offer a serene, picturesque setting with cultural depth.
Historical Charm:
Kurashiki is known for its well-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where you can experience the Edo period's architecture along the scenic Kurashiki River. The area is lined with traditional white-walled warehouses, now turned into shops, cafes, and museums, offering a step back in time.
Cultural Experience:
Ohara Museum of Art: One of Japan's first museums of Western art, featuring works by Picasso, Monet, and others.
Former Ohara Residence reflects the industrious spirit of the Ohara family. In 1971, the government recognized its historical significance, designating it as an Important Cultural Property. This honor preserves not just the architecture, but the rich legacy of the Ohara family, capturing the essence of a traditional Kurashiki townhouse.
Art and Crafts:
Kurashiki is also known as the "jeans capital" of Japan, with Kojima being famous for denim production. There are shops where you can buy custom-made jeans or learn about the history of denim in Japan.
Scenic Beauty:
The picturesque canals, willow trees, and traditional architecture make for beautiful strolls, especially during different seasons when festivals or illuminations take place.
Food and Shopping:
Experience local cuisine, including specialties like Momotaro peaches from Okayama.
Kurashiki After Dark: A Magical Transformation (YouTube link)
Preserving History: The Ohara Residence in Kurashiki (YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
On December 1, 2024, a cloudy day, I visited Kurashiki for its charm and tranquility. During the day, it was a bit crowded. However, one could still find quiet corners in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. In the evening, lights illuminated the canal, making it even more enchanting than during the day.
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
TL;DR: T‑10 is gone — Barcelona now uses the T‑mobilitat system. The best tourist ticket is the T‑Casual (10 rides, Zone 1), but it does not cover the Airport Metro (L9 Sud) or the Aerobús. If you land at T1, skip buying transit tickets at the airport and take the Aerobús into the city first. Once you reach the city center and drop your bags, buy your T‑Casual from any Metro station vending machine and start using it for all your Barcelona travel. How to Buy and Use Barcelona's NEW Contactless Transport Cards (YouTube link) Barcelona has officially retired the old T‑10 paper ticket . Since 2020, the city has transitioned to T‑mobilitat , a modern contactless system used across the metro, buses, trams, FGC, and RENFE trains. If you’re reading older guides, you’ll still see references to the T‑10 — but as of 2026, the T‑Casual and other T‑mobilitat tickets have fully replaced it. For most visitors, the T‑Casual remains the easiest and most affordable way to get around Barcelona. Th...
