There are plenty of exciting activities in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, from a canal boat tour, exploring museums, and shopping.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, also known as Bikan Historical Area, is a historic tourist destination in Kurashiki, Japan. This area preserves the traditional Japanese atmosphere, evident in its streets and well-preserved buildings.
Some people call Kurashiki the "Venice of Japan" due to its canals reminiscent of those in Venice, Italy. What are the interesting places to visit here? Read the following article for things to do, ticket prices, location, and opening hours of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Things to Do in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
1. Kurashiki Archaeological Museum
The Kurashiki Archaeological Museum houses a collection of Okayama's (formerly Kibi's) artifacts that are thousands of years old. Established in 1950, this museum was once a rice storehouse. In addition to ancient Japanese items, visitors can also find artifacts from the Andes, Iran, China, and other countries.
Location: 1 Chome-3-13 Central, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0046, Japan Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday (10:00-15:00) Ticket Prices: 500 Yen (adults), 400 Yen (high school and college students), and 300 Yen (elementary and junior high school students)
2. Kurashiki Canal Boat Tour
The main activity here is the boat tour on the Kurashiki River, departing every 30 minutes. The river used to be a major trade route. Riding these boats, you can relax while admiring the beauty of the historic buildings around you.
Location: 1 Chome-4-8 Central, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054, Japan Opening Hours: Daily (09:30-17:00) Ticket Prices: 500 Yen (adults) and 250 Yen (children)
3. Kurashiki Monogatarikan
To experience the Edo period atmosphere more deeply, visit Kurashiki Monogatarikan, a former residence of the Higashi-Ohashi family. From its architecture, you can see the history of Japan. Not only that, visitors can also try playing Tosenkyo (a traditional Japanese game) here.
Location: 2 Chome-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0055, Japan Opening Hours: Daily (09:00-19:00) Ticket Prices: Free
4. Hayashi Genjuro Shouten
Hayashi Genjuro Shouten is a unique complex selling everyday necessities, canvas, tape, and denim special suits. There is also a cafe and a memorial room for the Hayashi family, who contributed to the building of Kurashiki. To get a view of Kurashiki Bikan, try going up to the balcony on the 3rd floor.
Location: 2 Chome-23-10 Achi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0055, Japan Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (10:00-18:00)
5. Momotaro's Karakuri Museum
Who would have thought that in Kurashiki, we could see the Momotaro museum up close? Not only filled with various peach boy decorations, but this Momotaro Museum also has a mini theater, cave exploration rides, and interesting illusions.
Location: 5-11 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054, Japan Opening Hours: Daily (10:00-17:00) Ticket Prices: 600 Yen (adults), 400 Yen (elementary-high school students), and 100 Yen (children over 5 years old)
Those are the interesting places in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Let's go there and explore all the attractions within it!