Kurashiki & Okayama, Go Deeper
A merchant town of white-walled storehouses along a willow-lined canal, where Japan's first museum of Western art hangs an El Greco. Nearby Okayama guards one of the country's three great gardens and a jet-black castle, while the coast looks out over the Inland Sea's great bridge.
- Tap Open in Google Maps on any place for live directions, transit, hours & reviews.
- Get an ICOCA / Suica IC card — tap on/off trains, subways & buses, no ticket needed.
- Carry some cash (¥) — many small shops, shrines & old streets are cash-only.
- Go early: the famous spots are calm and beautiful before ~9am.
Bikan Historical Quarter
A canal lined with white-plaster, black-tiled rice storehouses from the Edo era, now cafes, craft shops and galleries. Ride a wooden punt under the willows, or come at dusk when the lanterns light the water.
Ohara Museum of Art
Japan's first museum of Western art, opened in 1930 by a local textile magnate — El Greco, Monet, Gauguin and Matisse behind a Greek-temple facade in a canal town. An improbable, wonderful collection.
Achi Shrine
The old town's guardian shrine, set on Tsurugatayama hill with an ancient wisteria and long views over the grey-tiled roofs of Bikan. A quiet climb away from the canal crowds.
Korakuen Garden
One of Japan's 'three great gardens,' laid out for the Okayama lords with broad lawns, ponds and tea houses framing the black castle across the river. Rare among old gardens for its open, spacious feel.
Okayama Castle (Crow Castle)
Nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its black-lacquered walls, standing across the river from Korakuen. The keep is a modern rebuild, but the gilded roof-fish and riverside setting are pure Momoyama drama.
Kibitsu Shrine
A grand shrine tied to the legend behind Momotaro, the Peach Boy, with a sweeping 400-metre roofed corridor running along the hillside. Its unique twin-gabled roof is a national treasure.
Kojima Jeans Street
The birthplace of Japanese denim, where the country's first domestic jeans were sewn. A street of indigo workshops and denim shops — even the vending machines and banners are made of jeans.
Washuzan Viewpoint
A low headland looking out over the island-strewn Inland Sea and the vast Seto Ohashi bridge striding across it — especially fine at sunset. The classic view of Japan's bridged inland waters.
Kibi Dango
Soft, chewy millet dumplings, the sweet Momotaro is said to have shared with his animal companions — Okayama's signature souvenir. Look too for the region's white peaches and Muscat grapes in season.
Crafts of this region
Authentic pieces made near here — learn the story, then bring one home.
Bizen Ware
備前焼 · Bizen, Okayama
Hagi Ware
萩焼 · Hagi, Yamaguchi
Kumano Brushes
熊野筆 · Kumano, Hiroshima
Plan this trip
Curated experiences (tea ceremonies, guided walks) and places to stay for this route.
Coming soon