11 Days in Chūgoku & Kyushu – Day 07 – Kurashiki – Bikan Historical Quarter

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Then most important spot in Kurashiki is the Bikan Historical Quarter, which surrounds the first stretch of the Kurashiki river. The district was once an important location for the transportation of goods, and today is a popular place for visitors to see and experience 17th century Japan. The area is fairly big, and aside from the large number of shops, there is also the Ohara Museum of Art, Ohashi House, Ivy Square, Shinkei-en garden, and the an assortment of small museums. You could easily spend a full day checking out everything the district has to offer. I spent about seven hours here, arriving in the late morning and staying till sunset for evening photos.

The colours here should be really popping during the right season.
Several wooden boats lining one side of the Kurashiki river.
Overhanging willow trees making the place look really scenic.
Numerous shops offering a variety of wares, local delicacies and confectionary.
There were quIte a few people milling about, but oddly not nearly as many foreigners as I’d expect. There were just a few ang mohs and a few Chinese nationals here and there, but most visitors were locals.
A small rectangular pond in Ivy Square.
A spot to take a rest.
This is the makeshift ticketing counter for the boat ride while their actual office is undergoing renovation.
There are numerous rickshaw drivers at several spots in the Quarter looking to pick up customers.
The boat ride framed with flora.
Pond near the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum.
Entrance to an artisan hall in Ivy Square
It didn’t rain for a change, compared to yesterday’s drizzle at Miyajima.
I could spend all day just taking pictures of shop houses.
There was an ang moh dude selling ice cream and thrilling the kids with his comic routines.
Found a spot on the bridge nearest the boat tour embarkation spot and waited almost thirty minutes to get this shot of the two boats touring the canal in opposite directions.

Summary: get your boat tour tickets as soon as you get to this spot. Spend as long as you can manage in this district.

Next post on the boat tour!