A Retro-Modern Town of White-Walled Beauty | Okayama, Japan Travel

A Retro-Modern Town of White-Walled Beauty | Okayama, Japan Travel

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is located in the center of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Once a prosperous merchant town, it still retains the atmosphere of its past. The historic buildings that line the streets feature white plaster walls, “namako” walls,
and black lattice windows. Along the river, rows of willow trees create a picturesque scene, with riverboats gliding slowly, adding to the charm. As night falls, the streetlights illuminate the area, creating a magical atmosphere different from daytime. This blend of retro and modern aesthetics continues to captivate visitors. Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan. Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan. If you like this video, give us a thumbs up. Your comments are also welcome. The Kurashiki River, which flows through the center of the Bikan Historical Quarter, was once used for transporting goods. For this reason, merchants gathered along the river, and the area was bustling with wholesalers and traders. Many wealthy merchants built grand residences and storehouses, forming the beautiful townscape seen today. The Bikan Historical Quarter is home to many museums and art galleries. Among them, the Ohara Museum of Art is particularly famous as Japan’s first private museum dedicated to Western art. It showcases masterpieces by Monet, Gauguin, and others. On the northern side of the district, along Honmachi Street, you will find old houses renovated into cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. Enjoy a stroll through this charming town where history and modernity coexist. The “Kurashiki Riverboat Tour” recreates the boats that once carried goods through the town. It offers a unique opportunity to view Kurashiki’s beautiful townscape from the water. The sight of the boatmen and the reflection of the white-walled buildings on the river
make it feel as if you have stepped back in time. Although the course is short, the tour lasts about 20 minutes, taking you along the central river of the Bikan Historical Quarter. Reservations are not available. Since the number of seats is limited and the tour is popular, tickets may sell out early in the day. Kurashiki City, where the Bikan Historical Quarter is located, is known as the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans and is one of the country’s top denim-producing regions. Kurashiki Denim Street and other shops within the historical quarter offer a variety of jeans and denim-related items. There are also unique food items inspired by denim blue, which are worth trying if you are interested. At dusk, the Bikan Historical Quarter transforms into a magical setting. The white-walled buildings are illuminated, creating a different charm from the daytime scenery. The lights along the river are particularly beautiful, with their reflections shimmering on the water. A peaceful evening stroll here is a truly special experience. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers a variety of local Okayama specialties. Kurashiki Momoko is a popular shop known for its fruit parfaits made with seasonal fruits. Okayama is famous for producing various kinds of fruit. Their fruit parfaits showcase the freshness of locally sourced produce. Other popular menu items include fruit juices and tarts. With multiple locations within the historical quarter, it is an extremely popular shop. Bara-zushi is a traditional Okayama-style chirashi sushi dish. It features various beautifully arranged ingredients. Each ingredient is carefully prepared, making this a labor-intensive dish. Since it takes a lot of effort to make, Taishotei is likely the only place in the Bikan Historical Quarter where you can try it. Mamakari is another specialty of Okayama. It is a type of small fish, often pickled in vinegar and served as sushi. Another popular dish is “octopus rice”, a flavorful rice dish made with fresh octopus from the nearby sea. These dishes can be enjoyed at Fukiya Honpo in the Bikan Historical Quarter. For a sweet treat, kibi dango is a must-try local specialty. Koeido is a historic Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1856. Although kibi dango is often sold as a packaged souvenir, at this shop, you can enjoy it freshly made on the premises. It has a soft, chewy texture and a mild sweetness. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a captivating destination where you can enjoy historic townscapes, traditional culture, and delicious local cuisine. Why not spend a memorable time in this charming district? Thank you for watching the video until the end. Please subscribe to this channel, give us a thumbs up, and leave a comment. Various links are listed in the overview. We welcome your recommendations and requests in the comments and on the social media.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is known for its white-walled buildings and scenic canals — a charming town that preserves a sense of the past.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
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00:00 Opening
00:19 About Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
07:48 Kurashiki River Boat Tour
09:38 Kurashiki Denim Street
10:47 Nighttime Illumination
11:58 Local Cuisine
17:24Closing