Explore the beautiful white-walled streetscape of “Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter” steeped in history and art, “Ohara Museum of Art” – Japan’s first private Western art museum, and “Okayama Korakuen Garden” – one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter → Ohara Museum of Art → Okayama Korakuen Garden → Okayama Station
A premier tourist destination in Okayama Prefecture that attracts over 3 million visitors annually. The area features a harmonious blend of white-walled traditional storehouses (kura) from the Edo period and Western-style architecture creating a stunning townscape. Visitors can enjoy shopping at unique stores housed in renovated traditional townhouses and strolling along the scenic Kurashiki River. There’s also an abundance of street food options including colorful dango, soft-serve ice cream and steamed buns with denim motifs, and sweets made with fruits. Travel column about Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter available here
Travel: 10 minutes on foot
Ohara Museum of Art (80 minutes)
Located within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, this museum was Japan’s first private museum dedicated primarily to Western art and houses numerous world-renowned masterpieces. The museum building itself holds significant historical value.
Travel: 60 minutes by car
Okayama Korakuen Garden (60 minutes)
This grand garden was created by the second lord of the Okayama domain. The garden preserves its Edo-period appearance and offers seasonal attractions with flowers that change throughout the four seasons.
