Cherry blossom viewing stroll in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a tasteful townscape

Cherry blossom viewing stroll in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a tasteful townscape

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

The season of bright sunshine and warm comfortable weather is finally here.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture is filled with premium contents that can only be experienced in spring.
The elegant town is filled with springtime attractions such as "Hanami" (cherry blossom viewing), which attracts tourists with different atmospheres during the day and night, limited-time "gourmet events," and "Kurashiki Haruiyoi Akari," which beautifully decorates the nighttime hours.
The new Kurashiki SOLA complex is also attracting attention.

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Directions to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

  • From Okayama Airport : Approx. 35 min. by airport shuttle bus
  • From Okayama Station : Approx. 17 min. by JR Sanyo Main Line local train (or approx. 11 min. by express train)
  • From Kurashiki Station : Approx. 13 min. on foot or approx. 2 min. by Ryobi Bus or Shimoden Bus (get off at Ohara Bijutsukan-mae stop)

Gorgeous and Graceful! Cherry blossom viewing in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The cherry blossom season heralds the arrival of spring in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Usually from mid to late March, cherry blossoms begin to turn light pink, giving the historical and cultural town an even more elegant appearance.
Cherry blossom viewing spots are scattered throughout the area, including along the “Kurashiki River” and a cherry blossom path that can be passed through on the north side of the “Kurashiki Ivy Square” building.

Cherry blossoms add color to the elegant townscape
Cherry blossoms add color to the elegant townscape

The cherry blossoms standing next to the stairs leading to the Kanryu-ji Temple are also beautiful.
Although there are not so many cherry trees in the area, they all bloom magnificently when the time is right.
You can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the view from the river on a sightseeing riverboat, or take a rickshaw ride around the area.
Enjoy the gorgeous time in your own way.

"Traditional Boat Tour of Kurashiki Canal" operates on the Kurashiki River in the heart of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Boats depart every 30 minutes from the first departure at 9:30 am
"Traditional Boat Tour of Kurashiki Canal" operates on the Kurashiki River in the heart of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Boats depart every 30 minutes from the first departure at 9:30 am

Experience the wonder of Japanese evenings with Japanese-style lighting

When viewing cherry blossoms in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter, you can take pictures of swans swimming in the river, willows in fresh green, and plastered buildings that match the cherry blossoms no matter where you point your camera.
As the sun goes down and the curtain of night falls, the atmosphere is updated to a romantic one.
The nighttime cherry blossoms illuminated by the lights of the street lamps attract tourists with a different beauty than during the day.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter at night offers a romantic nighttime cherry blossom viewing experience
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter at night offers a romantic nighttime cherry blossom viewing experience

Along with cherry blossom viewing, check out the "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari", a springtime tradition.
In March 9th to March 31st 2024, the festival will be held from mid-February to mid-March. During the period, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter will be lit up throughout the area.
About 100 colorful Japanese umbrellas will be lined up along the Kurashiki River, and shadow pictures will be projected onto the windows of buildings and facilities around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, making it possible to rediscover the charm of the area at night.
Experience the wonder of the Japanese evening at this event, where you will be enveloped in warm Japanese colors as dusk falls.

"Kiriko Akari", a beautiful bonbori lantern with fine and elegant patterns, is lit from 6:00 pm to around 9:00 pm.
"Kiriko Akari", a beautiful bonbori lantern with fine and elegant patterns, is lit from 6:00 pm to around 9:00 pm.
A scene from "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari".
The warm colors that match the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, including the colorful Japanese umbrellas, are an attractive feature of this event.
A scene from "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari".
The warm colors that match the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, including the colorful Japanese umbrellas, are an attractive feature of this event.

A wide variety of trendy stores and gastronomy

There are plenty of spots in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter to stop by between cherry blossom viewing and other spring events.
Among them, Kurashiki SOLA, which opened in 2022, is a hot spot among trend-conscious influencers.

The hotspot to stop by on your way to cherry-blossom-viewing stroll
The hotspot to stop by on your way to cherry-blossom-viewing stroll

A variety of trendy stores await you at this new complex, which is based on the concept of "fusion of Okayama technology and art.
"Aoki Hifuku," a store that aims to fuse denim and the Japanese world, "MARUGO KURASHIKI," a Tabi Shoes manufacturer with a 100-year history, and others are currently open for business.
Also of note are "Balaton," a restaurant that proposes "Kurashiki Western cuisine," and "Japanese Restaurant Kumo," where you can enjoy both elegant folk art and Japanese cuisine at the same time.
You can also visit the "Nihon Kyodo Gangu-kan (Japan Folk Toy Museum)" and "Kurashiki Museum of Folk Craft" adjacent to the facility to catch the charms of the old and new spots in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter!

The adjacent plaza "Mingei Hiroba" is equipped with benches, perfect for taking a break during a stroll.
The adjacent plaza "Mingei Hiroba" is equipped with benches, perfect for taking a break during a stroll.

Enjoy the prefecture's fruit at afternoon tea

Okayama Prefecture has many sunny days throughout the year.
Agriculture thrives in Okayama Prefecture, taking advantage of its mild and pleasant climate. It is even called the "Kingdom of Fruits," and a wide variety of fruits are grown here.
"Kurashiki Afternoon Tea" is recommended for those who want to taste the fruits of Okayama Prefecture, which are sweet and fresh, and are highly regarded brands even overseas.

"The Kamon" in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter offers afternoon tea with a view of a Japanese garden for an elegant moment
"The Kamon" in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter offers afternoon tea with a view of a Japanese garden for an elegant moment

This gourmet event is well known as a casual way to experience afternoon tea, an elegant tea party style originating in England and arranged in the Kurashiki style with local fruits.
Cafes, coffee shops, and hotels in the prefecture offer special event-only menus.
In the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a total of 15 stores are participating, each offering a luxurious tea time with their own elaborate and particular delicacies.

Each store offers special menus only for this season
Photo: Afternoon tea at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel
Each store offers special menus only for this season
Photo: Afternoon tea at Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel