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.
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
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...
Koyasan (高野山), a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries, has been connected to the outside world by a network of pilgrimage trails. While most visitors enter the mountain by cable car nowadays, many of the pilgrimage trails still remain in use. Koyasan Travel—Temple Lodging (Shukubo; YouTube link ) Part of the pilgrimage trails, the Fudozaka Trail (不動坂; click the map to enlarge), leads to Koyasan from Gokurakubashi Station, the lower station of the Koyasan Cablecar. The steep, paved trail is 2.5 kilometers long and takes about an hour to ascend and less time to descend. The trail ends at the Nyonindo temple (女人堂). [1] On 11/27/2016, I have decided to descend from Fudozaka Trail instead of riding the cable car. I was the only person on the trail at beginning. However, in the middle of the trail, another young blonde girl passed me by swiftly with a big smile on her face. I was really surprised to see another soul on that rainy day. Althoug...
