The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a charming little town with a relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere. As you walk along the Kurashiki River, willow trees sway in the breeze on both banks, and small boats slowly pass along the water from time to time, creating a particularly picturesque scene. Turn into one of the nearby alleys and you’ll see rickshaws traveling through them, adding even more Edo-period charm. The well-preserved white-walled storehouses and traditional machiya townhouses lining the streets now house cafés, dessert shops, souvenir stores, and distinctive little shops in all kinds of styles. Around every corner, you may find another place that makes you want to stop.
Besides enjoying the streetscape, it’s also a great place to browse the shops at a leisurely pace or sit down and rest at a café. I recommend setting aside at least half a day so you can truly experience the charm of the Kurashiki Bikan
Historical Quarter. Also, anyone who likes washi tape shouldn’t miss it! The familiar MT washi tape originated in Kurashiki, and while walking around the Bikan Historical Quarter, you’ll often see shops displaying an astonishing amount of washi tape. From classic designs to limited-edition, collaborative, and special patterns, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Some shops even offer free craft activities where you can create something with washi tape yourself, which is a lot of fun. Many special designs can only be found locally, so for washi tape fans, it feels like discovering treasure. As you browse, you really can’t help but exclaim, “I never knew washi tape could be this much fun!” It added an unexpected surprise to this trip to Kurashiki.
