This photogenic (albeit fairly small) historical district has been called the Venice of Japan. Due to the name I was expecting far more canals and boats but it is roughly a block and a half. The boats (all two of them) were understandably booked for the whole day by the time I got there in the mid-morning. Regardless, the area is a great location full of shops, restaurants and scenery. I am glad I came!

Pretty spot with a decent amount of stores to pop your head into. Relaxing atmosphere and much more laid back than other tourist destinations you might visit. There's also a shrine nearby and many museums to visit. Expect to spend around an hour here just for the historical area and perhaps more if you're into the museums.

Beautiful landscape and good food. I do not recommend going during the winter, because the tree leaves would fall so not much greenery around. They do not have the boat experience during New Year. If you want to take picture of yourself, try to go early to avoid crowd.

Beautiful riverside shopping in a historical quarter of the city. It’s great for taking photos, spending an afternoon here relaxing and eating street snacks or having a meal in one of the many restaurants. Must see site and recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

This charming, old neighborhood is Okayama’s gem. Visiting this historical area is like going back in time to the Edo era, but with a twist of modernity. Full of cafes, restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, museums and shops - there is a lot to see and do - I stayed here for two days but could easily stay a couple more because I didn’t visited any museum (yes, they have Monet, Picasso and lots of Japanese paintings here). Lovely place!

A calm and easy walking area with historical houses. You can visit art museum, local information center and shops. The better time would be morning and weekend if you want more indoor visit. Evening in week days, you can enjoy the whole beautiful scene without crowded people. There are few Japanese bars opening in week days (there are more nearby train station). Deserve to take a walk!

Beautiful place and my first time visit. It's a time lapse area and also know as Venice of Japan. Looks beautiful in the night as well. There this little area called Denim street worth visiting.

In addition to the pretty stretch of canal, the shops are a joy to visit. Just make sure you go during manageble weather. But even during the summer, if you get tired, just go into a shop to rest/look around. (I guess the same for getting cold in the winter.) Try to time your 1~2 hour tour before a meal so you can end with lunch or dinner. It helps you choose a restaurant.

Great place to spend a day. Lots of good eateries, shopping and exploring to do. Tips: - Get canal boat ride ticket from the tourist information center (it's right opposite the boarding area) - Go early to get the canal ticket first, before exploring the town because there might be a long wait time during peak period - Some shops offer tax refund, some don't. Check before you are start purchasing - Worthwhile buying made in Japan jean products

There are plenty of shops as well as museums. Photo shooting scene are also very good. Sometimes couples took pre-wedding photos. A lot of things to enjoy at there.

This is a cute area along the small river, with shops and restaurants on both sides and side streets. The houses well maintained and extremely clean. The old architectures look great and interesting. Somewhat too commercialized though. We came after sunset and almost all shops closed at 6pm. I would suggest arriving after lunch and walk leisurely around for a few hours and enjoy the sunset lighting in this area.

(Translated by Google) A taxi waiting for customers makes the scenery unfortunate (Original) せっかくの風情が客待ちのタクシーで残念な風景に

Though some people might not like this “touristy” place, it did have a quaint and scenic milieu. Not to mention there were some quite wonderful authentic Japanese restaurants in the surrounding area! Try to get there morning as tourists keep streaming in the area as the day progresses (it is especially as when the weather is fine)!

Love this old town. Feel so blessed I can visit here with cooling weather. Walk around almost 2 hours and find oyster dumpling for snack and jelly was delicious. All those old shop house was so nice and clean a place you shall come visit and spend time here

(Translated by Google) No matter how many times you come, it will be an old-fashioned painting. (Original) 何度来てみても昔風情の絵になる所です。

Such a beautiful area! We saw koi fish and a swan! The swan was very unexpected and came out of no where. Very peaceful, you can sit by the water and eat your snacks there. All the shops are fun so make sure to explore around.

Kurashiki is only around half an hour away from Okayama by train, and the Bikan Historical Quarter is around 15 minutes walk from the station. Recommended visit if in the Okayama area as it's a beautifully preserved area that really captures the feel of 'old' Japan with its shops and the canal that runs through it.

Traveling around in August 2023, it was a hot, sunny yet pleasantly cool day. The air was fresh, and the merchandise there was uniquely captivating. Strolling along the street felt like being immersed in the Edo era. The blend of history and modern atmosphere was truly fascinating.

Great historical centre, would have been nice if the canal was longer but plenty of shops and alleyways to explore with some lovely coffee shops. Kurashiki and the local area is known for it's jeans and specifically denim and there are plenty of shops to have a look around at genuinely reasonable prices ¥5000 for a pair of men's jeans.

It was chill and super relaxing place to go if you go to Okayama you shouldn’t miss this place. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to ride the canal even when we reached there at 1-2pm ish, so if you are planning to ride that please go early and get your ticket first and walk around because the ticket will not be exactly the time you purchase until u are there when it just opens. Surprisingly cheap street food, not all but comparing to Tokyo or Osaka street food Kurashiki’s is not such a ripped off unless u go on in the fancy dessert store. We spent the evening watching the sunset over the shrine on the hill that can be access by Kurashiki’s street and it was beautiful.

If you are in Okayama , this is a must-see area . Canal is beautifully lined by weeping willow trees and stone bridges . Also, there are many storehouses converted into cafes , sweets, souvenir shops, and museum .

A very nice place to visit with friends and family. It was very nice seeing the old style buildings. There are many types of shops and all sorts of products available. The streets are narrow but it is a very enjoyable walk. The canal is very nice and boat cruise looks enjoyable but I didn't do it on this occasion. There are many kinds of restaurants available for every budget. There is a very large carpark nearby. I would recommend comming here for a visit as I enjoyed my visit and I will return in the future. 2 or 3 hours is probably enough time on each visit.

The Bikan historic quarter has a unique beauty that cannot be found anywhere in Japan. Great local cafes and restaurants are located along the canal and the main street. One of my favourite cafes here would be the Momoko Cafe, which sells Japanese desserts made using local fruits such as peaches and grapes. The area can be easily reached from Kurashiki station (about a 15-20 minute walk), and despite being a touristy area during the summer and the holiday season, it is less hectic during the colder months. The famous boat tour only operates on weekends and national holidays during winter, and I recommend that you purchase the tickets (sold at the tourist information center) the day before on national holidays as these boats only fit 8 people.

Great preserved old buildings/shops in what used to be a cotton industry area. Good day visit from Okayama.

Can get busy at times but it is a wonderful place to be. Make sure to go around all the back streets and hit the museums. A snipit of real Japan.

As japan is steeped in a rich culture and old buildings this historical quarter is a bit like the one in Kyoto really . This area has nicely retained its architecture of the old buildings and is a pleasant stroll along the river where you can get a short river cruise for 500 yen per person. It’s filled with souvenir and snack shops so there’s plenty to do. While we where looking for a public toilet we came across one that was situated in the public hall. What a bit of a find as it was situated in a beautiful mature garden. Place was as tranquil as can be .

Somewhat like the Venice of Japan. This place is one of the most symbollic of Okayama tourism, if not the most. Definitely worth a quick visit - to stroll around the old streets filled with architecture dating many decades ago, and passy by or ride a boat on the canals, consume some delicacies (which seems to always be changing depending on what’s in fashion) from a few of the many food stalls in the side streets, or catch some traditional souvenirs to bring home.

This place was serene. Willow along the canal , the river making the place so calm. This town is famous for Japanese white wall architecture. You can also enjoy the traditional boat ride. Boat ride cost around 500 yen. For the tickets you have to collect at tourist center .There’s also shopping street nearby. If you go early before the shops open , you might get some nice pics. The people were friendly. Among one of them , introduced us to Achi shrine. We had some nice experience. We visited in March . There was spring event called Kurashiki haruyoi Akari. The umbrellas were lit along the canal. The night view was spectacular.

We enjoyed our time visiting the district. Took the little boat ride. Wish I knew the language, so I could understand the history that was shared on the ride. It was still pleasant. Denim street is small but so cute.

It's really beautiful place, but too crowded. When avoiding busy hour, we should have a good time

Small little cute town, selling all sorts of local products and food (kinda pricey). I was expecting to be a bit bigger but it worths the nice walk around.

If you want get the pottery items, there were lots of Bizenyaki. I bought a couple of mugs to take home as souvenirs. I enjoyed black sesame ice cream,too!

It wasn’t that busy considering it was a public holiday Monday. The buildings were traditional and gave off a Kyoto vibe. Really cute areas! Lots of shopping places to shop and eat also.

One of the highlights of our trip. Quaint buildings very olde world. Fabulous for shopping, authentic Japanese crafts and fabrics, interesting shops just gorgeous 😍. Beautiful canals, bridges, museum. So much to see and do. People very friendly and polite. Loved the glass pen shop. Could have bought it all! 🙂❤️❤️❤️

Super nice place. Walking along the river is gorgeous and the architecture of the building seems very authentic. A little bit far, but totaly worth it. I recommand going around 4-7pm and do a little shopping, and wait for the sunset.

Quite place to visit (Thursday afternoon). Very nice streets to walk around in, some cute boutique shops in the alley way, make sure to spend some time find them. ☺️ We bought a leather wallet and coin purse (Made in Japan) and would love to come back and visit some more shops. Nice quality, fair price. Would recommend, would come back.

Many souvenir and denim shops all around and.. I can tell it's a decent place for fashion shopping too. But I guess I wasn't too interested However, it's great to enjoy the cool fall weather and pretty streets and river strolling around. Many japanese couples are dressed in kimono and the atmosphere can be enjoyed by anyone!

A truly beautiful area to visit. I went there recently and loved it alot. It has everything you could possibly want if you want a taste of traditional Japan. Whether it's eating, drinking, shopping, having a quiet meander down the canal in a boat, seeing world famous art or just wanting to feel a little of old style Japan and find out about the history then this is a brilliant place to visit and experience it. There's lots to see and do here so you definitely need a few days, at least, to take it all in. The summers can be VERY hot, not sure how winters are here but I'm sure if you head into one of the many warm and inviting restaurants then you'll feel better. I've already reviewed some of my favourites restaurants here so please check them out. I'd highly recommend a trip to Kurashiki and would love to go there again in the future.

A very pretty and quaint old quarter. The park and shrine are also worth a visit. However, most people visit for the lanes full of cafes and craft shops and also the canal area

Very cool place to visit. They have tons of shops not only on the main pretty street with trees, but all over. You can find great food too!

you can spend whole day to walking around town. Some are traditional, some others are managed by young owners. You can touch and enjoy both of the history and new age’s vibes!

I decided to visit this instead of the castle. I am glad I did that, the walk was very nice but it's not somewhere I'd spend the whole day as there is not much happening around. I came in the morning and left after I saw most of it to get to Naoshima which was ideally the best I could do.

unique place, worth to visit. historical, artsy, scenic. recommended to come early to book canoe tour. halal souvenir is available! food/snacks are tasty.

It was really hot day. For July I wont recommend taking the boat for none Japanese speakers. Looking around for 1 hour is enough. It is a optional half a day trip.

The place is a Must for those who travel to Kurashiki or nearby town. It is still not so crowded during morning. We enjoy walking around and taking picture. Highly recommened.

This is a place worth visiting. It has a romantic atmosphere especially after 5pm when stores close and people fill restaurants and you have he streets to yourself. The canal with the swans seem a scene from a painting. Definitely worth visiting

A blissful walking experience, just hold on tight to the purse strings: you will find it hard not to spend money from the very first shop you come across in this lovely Bikan quarter. I am a shopaholic and had to restrain myself with difficulty. Managed to do it 60% successfully only because there was was so much to photograph. Love the bustling energy in the whole area. There are many restaurants around but we did not go to the highly rated ones, we picked an unobtrusive looking one and very glad we did as it was a family run Izakaya: Mikaku. Loved the food. I find such restaurants all around the cities I travel to and try them out. They have different taste to their cooking compared to big restaurants. Look out for people dressed in traditional costumes who walk around leisurely, like tourists 😉 Oh there are a few shops where you can rent clothes and walk around in them for a fee and specific time. Enjoy the special area around the canal as you will see a boat with passengers “sailing” gently up and down with a boatman at the end. Very picturesque! I loved all the antiquity of these old houses, shops and food. Very glad I went there.

One of most famous and popular tourist venue in Japan. Must visit place in Okayama/Kurashiki. Many shops, cafes, restaurants, venues to visit and enjoy.

(Translated by Google) Currently, there are many stores that are open only on Saturdays and Sundays because it is called Corona Whirlpool. We recommend that you do a preliminary survey and go sightseeing. I think each store was able to take measures against infection. It is ★ 5 with the desire to do your best! (Original) 現在コロナ渦と言うことで、土日のみの営業の店舗が多数あります。下調べして観光する事をおすすめします。各店舗、感染対策出来ていたように思います。頑張ってほしいという思いも込めて★5です！

(Translated by Google) Kurashiki was able to avoid the bombing of the US military during the Pacific War, thanks to the collection of world-famous paintings such as the Annunciation of El Greco and Claude Monet at the Ohara Museum of Art. (Original) 大原美術館にエルグレコの受胎告知やクロードモネ等の世界的名画が所蔵されているおかげで、倉敷は太平洋戦争下、アメリカ軍の爆撃を回避できたのです。

(Translated by Google) Beautiful scenery (Original) 美しい景観

(Translated by Google) Many shops are closed because of Corona, so I'm a little sorry. It was good that there were few tourists and it was easy to walk. (Original) コロナのせいかお店が閉まっているところが多く少しざんねん。観光客が少ないのは歩きやすく良かった。

(Translated by Google) I went sightseeing last year ✨ I was healed by the beautiful cityscape and ate a parfait full of strawberries at the Kurashiki Momoko I was looking for 💕 🍓 I bought a pair of cute grapes at a glass accessory shop and used it habitually, but my husband broke it I want to go buy it again because it's gone \ (^ o ^) / (Original) 去年観光しました✨美しい街並みで癒され、お目当ての倉敷桃子で苺いっぱいのパフェを食べました💕🍓ガラス小物のお店で可愛いブドウのペアグラスを買って愛用してましたが主人が割ってしまったのでまた買いに行きたいです＼(^o^)／

(Translated by Google) I took a walk in the afternoon on weekdays, but I felt a little lonely because there weren't many shops. but The scenery is outstanding! (Original) 平日の昼に散策してみたのですが、あまりお店あいておらず少し寂しい感じでした。けど 景観は抜群です！

(Translated by Google) It has the atmosphere of the Edo period. Also, the blue denim was delicious. (Original) 江戸時代にきたような風情がある。あと青色したデニムまんおいしかったです。

(Translated by Google) The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture has a history of prospering as a distribution center for supplies in the southern part of Btsuchu during the Edo period, and the beautiful townscape still remains today. Among them is the Ohara Museum of Art, which is said to have been built by a businessman who built the Ohara conglomerate called Magosaburo Ohara, and the surrounding area is an area where you can feel the history. It was raining and it was raining on the day. I'm glad I came from Shikoku. (Original) 岡山県倉敷美観地区は、江戸時代に備中南部の物資の集散地として栄えた歴史を持ち、現在もその美しい町並みが残存する場所です。その中に、大原孫三郎という大原財閥を築いた実業家が造ったとされる大原美術館があり、周囲一体が歴史を感じられるエリアになっています。当日はシトシトと雨が降っており 風情がありました。四国から来てよかったです。

(Translated by Google) The tourist destination that Kurashiki is proud of (Original) 倉敷が誇るザ・観光地

(Translated by Google) Limited to this time of year. Is beautiful. (Original) 毎年この時期限定です。綺麗です。

(Translated by Google) It's strangely calming when you come here. If you walk around the backside as well as along the river, you will find new discoveries every time you go. Due to the influence of the corona, there are few people and it is easier to walk. (Original) ここに来ると妙に落ち着きます。川沿いだけでなく、裏側を歩き回ると、行く度に新しい発見があるところです。コロナの影響で人も少なく、歩きやすくなっています。

(Translated by Google) Yeah, good place (Original) うん、良い所

倉敷美観地区。白壁の町とも言われてるみたいです。風情もあってそぞろ歩くには最適なんじゃないでしょうか。 倉敷駅から歩いても10分位で到着するので便もいいです。商店街を歩いても到着するのでオススメです。 アイビースクエアや美術館も見どころですね。 どこにしようか悩む位に飲食店もあるのでそれも楽しいでしょう。季節や時間で雰囲気変わるのでそれも魅力の一つだと思います。

2021春宵あかりの初日に訪れました。 幻想的でとても良かったです。

カップルや家族が多いので独りで行く時は注意しましょう。景色と食べ物は最高です。

昨年、仕事の関係で広島県へ行った帰り道に！愛犬と一緒に伺わせて頂きました。良く環境整備されていまして❗綺麗な旧町並をじっくりと拝見させて頂きました。平日の昼間にも関わらず⁉️沢山の観光客さんがみえているのにも感心しました‼️ これからも、あの美観を皆様に拝見してもらう為にも❗綺麗に維持されて下さいませ！ ありがとうございました。

春宵あかりに来ました🤩綺麗です✨👍

Not sure about this place, in someways the whole thing feels like a bit of a tourist trap, but there are some great shops in there too. The right place for a break, not your destination was my first thought.

Beautiful old town. Absolutely worth a trip!

Fantastic place to spend an afternoon or early evening away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. The canal district is very quaint with its own distinct charm. Be sure to wander around and checkout the denim stores in the area!

It's fascinating how they preserve the beauty of Japan's history in this place. It's like going back and experiencing the past life of Japan. I'm glad I visit this place. ❤️

Very calm and interesting place for those who love art. A lot of variety Japanese crafts that can be bought, better than Kyoto.

(Translated by Google) I went to the Bikan Historical Quarter for the first time in a while, but the number of people was sparse due to the influence of Corona. In addition, many stores were closed. It's a shame that I feel lonely somehow. (Original) 久々に美観地区にいきましたが、コロナの影響で人もまばらでした。 また、お店も閉店休業している店が多くみられました。なんとなく寂しい気持ちになり残念です。

(Translated by Google) A calm city where time is flowing slowly. It has a different face from the daytime scenery, nighttime scenery, and morning scenery. Staying at Ivy Square and sightseeing is the best 😃⤴⤴ (Original) ゆっくりとした時間が流れているような落ち着いた街。昼の風景、夜の風景、朝の風景とまた違った顔を持つ。 アイビースクエアに宿泊して観光をするのが最高😃⤴⤴

(Translated by Google) The cityscape is beautiful. Great for a leisurely stroll. Walk about 10 minutes from Kurashiki station. (Original) 街並みは綺麗です。 ゆっくり散策するのには最適。 倉敷駅からは１０分程度歩きます。

(Translated by Google) Take your time slowly. Otherwise, just look at the stream. The food is not so expensive, so you should eat it on the street in front of the station. (Original) ゆっくり時間を取るといい。でなければ、ただの小川を見るだけ。 食べ物は高い割にはそれほどでもないので、駅前通りで食べて来た方がいい。

(Translated by Google) Very suitable for taking pictures! Very beautiful landscape area! (Original) 很適合拍照！非常美的景觀地區！

(Translated by Google) It feels a little too much for me (Original) 自分にはちょっと量が多すぎた感じです

(Translated by Google) Today, there were more people than usual 😁 The shop staff seemed happy 😉👍 (Original) 今日は、いつもより人が出てたなぁ😁お店の人も嬉しそうだった😉👍

(Translated by Google) The weather was nice and I was able to relax and explore. It was good that the building had a taste. (Original) 天気も良く、まったりと探索できました。 建物が風情があって良かった。

(Translated by Google) It ’s a calming place (Original) 落ち着く場所ですね

(Translated by Google) When I was young, I wasn't really impressed with it, but when I lived outside the prefecture, I realized the goodness of the local area 😅 After all, Kurashiki is good 🙆✨ (Original) 若い頃は近くてあまり感心なかったけど、県外とかに住んでみて地元の良さ解ったよ😅 やっぱり、倉敷は良い🙆✨

(Translated by Google) The shops are closed in Corona and it is not lively, but the streets are beautiful and calm. (Original) コロナでお店が閉まっていて活気がありませんが町並みは、綺麗で和みます。

Would definitely recommend going to this place during golden hour so you can feel the vibe and old era. You'll get immersed into the old days. I wish shops are still open during night time as it looks better and way vibey during that time. Nightlife is amazing here, long quiet walk will be nice here

Beautiful place!

(Translated by Google) The retro townscape was the best. (Original) レトロな町並みが最高でした。

(Translated by Google) I ate ramen, which is probably the signboard menu that says it's stewed vegetables and chicken + soy sauce soup The noodles are straight thin noodles I think the taste is polite and uncompromising. It was delicious. (Original) 野菜と鶏を煮込んだ＋醤油スープだと書いてある 看板メニューであろうラーメンを食べた 麺はストレート細麺 丁寧で妥協のない味だと思います 旨かったです

(Translated by Google) Please come by all means lol (Original) 是非是非いらして下さい笑

(Translated by Google) The beauty district at night also has a nice atmosphere. (Original) 夜の美観地区も雰囲気あって素敵ですよ。

(Translated by Google) The cityscape was very beautiful! I was impressed to see the location of the movie version of the wanderer Kenshin. Rickshaw is kinder, so it is recommended to ride it. (Original) 街並みがとても綺麗でした！ 流浪人剣心の映画版のロケ地が見られて、感動しました。人力車の方が優しいので乗るのがお勧め。

(Translated by Google) It's a lonely atmosphere in winter. (Original) 冬だつたのて淋しい雰囲気。

(Translated by Google) Nowadays, the number of people is decreasing even on Sundays and holidays, and it is easy for me as a hobby to walk. I think the shop staff is hard. (Original) 今は日祝でも適当に人が減って写真が趣味の私としては歩きやすいです。お店の人は大変だと思いますが。

(Translated by Google) Fun (Original) たのしい