Kurashiki Travel Guide: 21 Things To Do in Kurashiki Japan as a Solo Traveller

Kurashiki is a small, charming town in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its picturesque canal and weeping willow trees. The city was once a major hub along Japan’s primary distribution route for its most important commodity, rice. Canals were built to allow boats to pass through the town and nearby ports.

Today, restored rice warehouses are converted into shops and restaurants in this beautiful, charming town. With so many things to do in Kurashiki, Japan, it is no wonder this gem of a town is gaining popularity!

If you love getting off the beaten path in Japan and discovering gems, then you must visit Kurashiki. You can walk through the historic district, sample local cuisine, and visit world-class museums. Keep reading and find out what you can see in Kurashiki, Japan.

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What you need to know before visiting Kurashiki Japan

Before visiting all the Kurashiki attractions, look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of information, including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are additional travel tips that you may find useful for travelling to Kurashiki city:

• Kurashiki is a safe city for solo female travellers. I felt completely safe even when walking through the quiet streets at night.
• It is possible to see all the best attractions in Kurashiki in one day.
• Make sure to have cash with you – many restaurants and cafes take cash only.
• ICOCA is the prepaid IC card for Okayama Prefecture. It is a rechargeable smartcard that allows you to take public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis. It is useful, especially for day trips to Kojima, Okayama, Naoshima, Teshima, or other destinations.
• Plan your visit to Kurashiki with the following festivals and events:
  • Kurashiki Spring Light Festival (February 9 – March 31) – various lights brighten up the Bikan Historical Quarter 
  • Kurashiki Tenryo Natsu Matsuri (July) – biggest annual festival in the city to mark the start of summer. 
  • Kurashiki Autumn Festival (mid-October) – celebrating the abundant harvests at Achi Shrine

How to get to Kurashiki City

Plane

Kurashiki is a small town 18km southwest of Okayama in Okayama Prefecture. There are several ways to get to the city from the airport and Okayama City.

If you are flying, domestic (Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo and Okinawa) and international (Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) flights fly into Okayama Momotaro Airport. From the airport, there are non-stop bus services to Kurashiki.

• Non-stop bus service: from Okayama Momotaro Airport to Kurashiki Station (35 minutes; ¥1,150) Check for the bus schedule here.

Train

Kurashiki Station is in the centre of the city. Travellers will arrive at Okayama Station first, then transfer to a local train to Kurashiki.

21 Best Things to Do in Kurashiki Japan for Solo Travellers

Kurashiki is a small town, and everything is within walking distance. Below is a list of all the best things to do in Kurashiki for a solo traveller. It is possible to see all the highlights in one day but definitely stay longer if you can.

Famous Kurashiki Tourist Spots

1. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is the main attraction in the city. When you google “Kurashiki,” you will find images of charming and picturesque photos of houses next to a canal along with weeping willow trees. And that’s exactly what you will see in the city centre.

The original town was built more than 300 years ago. The traditional Japanese townscape was a flourishing distribution hub for goods during the Edo Period. Today, most traditional Japanese rice storehouses along the Kurashiki River are home to retail shops, restaurants and museums.

During the warmer months, you can also take a traditional boat tour of the Kurashiki Canal (20 minutes, ¥700 per person) to see the city from another perspective. Or you can take a rickshaw tour around Kurashiki through the small, narrow streets.

2. Kurashiki Main Street Shopping District

Kurashiki Main Street Shopping District comprises covered pedestrian shopping streets and traditional streets lined with restored rice storehouses.

From Kurashiki Station, walk southeast and follow the sign for “shortcut to Bikan Historical Quarter.” You immediately enter Ebishu Dori Street, which extends to Yebisu Shopping Mall, a covered shopping street from the station to the historical centre.

Honmachi Dori is a traditional Kurashiki street with renovated old rice storehouses at the end of the covered walkway. It extends all the way to the east and includes another street going north to south (I’m not sure why they have the same street name). But all you have to do is wander around the historical quarter, and you will see many cute retail shops.

3. Achi Shrine on Tsuragatayama Hill

There are several pathways that will lead you to the top of Tsuragatayama Hill.

The short and rewarding hike will lead you to Achi Shrine, which has existed for over 1,700 years. The shrine is known for the massive granite rocks known as iwakura rocks, which are sacred rocks with origins related to Korean shamanistic roots.

There are several buildings at the top. Go inside Achi Shrine Emaden and see a panoramic view of Kurashiki from the southwest corner. This is also an excellent spot to watch the sunset.

4. Ohara Museum of Art

As the first Western art museum in Japan, the Ohara Museum of Art has an extensive collection of paintings by French and Japanese artists. Ohara Magosaburo has been collecting art since 1930, making the private collection one of the oldest in Japan.

Today, there are many masterpieces by Japanese and Western artists, like Monet’s Waterlilies, Pablo Picasso’s Bird Cage, and the museum’s most famous painting, Annunciation by El Greco.

Make sure you visit the Shinkei-en Garden at the back before you leave.

Address: 1 Chome-1-15 Central, Kurashiki | Hours: 9am-3pm December to February; 9am-5pm March to November; closed Mondays | Admission: ¥2,000

5. Kurashiki Demin Street

Kojima is a small city 17km south of Kurashiki and is the birthplace of Japanese denim. In Kurashiki, you can find retailers selling denim products like jeans, shirts, dresses, skirts, bags, and other items on Kurashiki Demin Street.

Some vendors even sell food in blue, like blue pork steamed buns, hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, and even craft beer. But don’t worry, the blue colour comes from ai, Japanese indigo, a plant used to colour Japanese denim. It is totally edible!

Address: 1 Chome−10−11, Kurashiki | Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm | Admission: free

6. Ohashi House

The Ohashi House was home to the Ohashi family, a wealthy family. It is a typical merchant house built in the late Edo period (18th century) and represents how people in Kurashiki lived. The townhouse was built in 1796 and survived WWII.

The wooden house has four structures: the main house, nagaya-mon gate, rice storehouse, and inner storehouse, designated important cultural properties.

Address: 3 Chome-21-31 Achi, Kurashiki | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: ¥550

Free things to do in Kurashiki

7. Kurashiki Ivy Square

Kurashiki Ivy Square was formerly a cotton mill factory. The area has been transformed into a multipurpose space which includes a hotel, a pottery workshop, souvenir stores and a cotton mill memorial museum.

Wander around the premise, see the cluster of red brick buildings, and perhaps enjoy a beer in the courtyard.

Address: 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki | Hours: 9am-5pm | Admission: free

8. Admire the traditional architecture in Kurashiki

Kurashiki was a city for merchants, dating back to the Edo Period. The traditional houses have austere white-washed walls with black and white latticework patterns. Many of these typical Kurashiki houses were once rice storehouses back in the day.

Today, you can still see many of these traditional houses with the signature Kurashiki lattice style, but they are now renovated and are home to many retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and museums.

9. Find Pokemon manhole covers in Kurashiki

There are over 240 colourful Pokemon manhole covers all over Japan. Many of these “Poke Lids” are in the countryside and are difficult to reach, but there are three right in the middle of the city centre of Kurashiki.

When you are Kurashiki, look for these fun and whimsical utility hole covers:

• Unfezant – at the south end of Ebisu Dori (covered pedestrian street)
• Grookey and Eldegoss – in front of Kurashiki City Master Oyama Memorial Hall
• Poochyena and Beautifly – in front of Kurashiki Museum of Natural History

Kurashiki Attractions: Museums

10. Traditional museums in Kurashiki

Kurashiki is not just a place of relaxation; you can also learn a thing or two. There are several museums and exhibition places around the city centre where you can learn more about Japanese culture and fun facts about Kurashiki. Here are a few to check out:

• Kurashiki Monogatarikan (9am-7pm; free) – learn about the Japanese heritage and the history and culture of Kurashiki.
• Kurashiki City Art Museum (9am-5:15pm; closed Mondays; ¥210) – originally built as the Kurashiki City Hall, the space is now an art museum with displays of art from the Kurashiki area.
• Kurashiki Museum of Natural History (9am-5:15pm; closed Mondays; ¥150) – learn about animals and plant fossils through displays spanning several levels.
• Kurashiki Archaeological Museum (10am-3pm Friday to Sunday; ¥500) – see thousand-year-old stoneware and earthenware from southern Okayama.

11. Unique museums in Kurashiki

The list of museums in Kurashiki doesn’t just stop there. Besides all the traditional types of museums, there are several fun museums that you might want to check out. Here are some of my favourites:

• Momotaro Karakuri Museum (10am-5pm; ￥600) – see visual tricks and Momotaro materials from the Showa Period in this quirky museum.
• Kurashiki Moneybox Museum (10:30am-5pm; closed Thursdays; ￥300) – on GoogleMaps, it is called “Kurashiki Moneybox Museum”. But it also has a Dog Material Museum and a Toy Museum. The owner has been collecting toys for over 60 years. The ground floor is also an antique store.
• Gangukan (Japanese Folk Toys Museum) (10am-5pm; ￥600) – see folk craft toys from all over Japan from 1600s to the present.
• Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft (10am-5pm; closed Mondays; ¥1,200) – see over 15,000 folk craft pieces like pottery, glass, textiles, ceramics, lacquerware and everyday items.
• Ukiyo-E Kurashiki (10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays; ￥1,300) – see a hundred Japanese woodblock prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, featuring famous samurai and legendary warriors.

Kurashiki Shopping Guide

12. Buy unique Kurashiki souvenirs

Before you leave Kurashiki, pick up some unique souvenirs that you can only get in this quaint city. Here are some suggestions:

• Washi Tape – a roll of masking tape made with washi (Japanese paper) where each roll has aesthetically pleasing designs. Kurashiki is the birthplace of washi tape. Buy from Tanex612 Factory and Nyochiku-do,
• Kurashiki Canvas – the canvas is thick, plain-weave textile made using twisted cotton threads. It is used to make ship sails for hundreds of years. Kurashiki is the largest producer of canvas in Japan. Look for fabric, bags, etc.
• Jeans – one of the most popular brands in Kurashiki is Momotaro Jeans. Or buy other items made with denim.
• Sake – Japanese rice wine produced by omachi rice, which is grown in the mineral-rich soil in Okayama Prefecture

13. Go shopping at the mall and outlet mall

North of Kurashiki Station is Ario Kurashiki, a shopping mall with major Japanese retail brands, a supermarket and a food court. The mall is great for days when it is raining in Kurashiki, plus you can pick up a bit of groceries if you want to prepare food yourself.

When you walk through Ario Kurashiki, you will be led to Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, an outlet mall with many international brand names and local stores. If you are a visitor, bring your passport. When you purchase over ¥5,500 from participating retailers, you can get your tax back.

Both shopping places open late compared to many attractions in Kurashiki. You can visit all the highlights in Kurashiki first and then shop.

Ario Kurashiki Address: 12-２ Kotobukicho, Kurashiki | Hours: 10am-9pm | Admission: free

Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki Address: 12-3 Kotobukicho, Kurashiki | Hours: 10am-8pm | Admission: free

Kurashiki Food Guide: Things to eat in Kurashiki

14. Try well-known Kurashiki food

Kurshiki food features fish and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and local vegetables like lotus roots and snow peas. Below is a list of foods only found in the Kurashiki and Okayama regions.

What to eat in Kurashiki

• Kaeshi sushi – it means “turn over” sushi. It originated from the old frugal era when people ate sushi with thin slices of baked egg on top. But when you turn the box over, a variety of fresh seafood appears. 
• Bara sushi – festival sushi made with fish and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and local vegetables.
• Mamakari – sushi rice topped with sappa, a small Japanese herring fish.
• Demi-katsudon – crispy fried pork cutlet with demi-glace sauce over rice.
• Bukkake Udon – boiled udon noodles with a small portion of soup that is flavourful and sweet. Various toppings and grated ginger are added on top, served hot or cold.

Where to eat in Kurashiki

• Shigeichi (11:30am-2pm & 5-10pm; closed Mondays) – a traditional Japanese restaurant offers Kaeshi sushi and other set meals for lunch.
• Taisho-tei (12—2pm & 6-8pm Tuesday through Saturday; 12-2pm Sundays and Mondays): Choose either bara sushi or three types of sushi, including minakari sushi, grilled Spanish mackerel sushi, and yellow chive rolls.
• Toraiya – many of Okayama’s typical dishes are on the menu, including mamakari sushi.
• Kappa Tonkatsu – get a deep-fried pork cutlet with demi-glaze sauce on rice. A group of women runs the entire kitchen.
• Furuichi Bukkake-an Udon Restaurant (11am-7pm) – many types of hot and cold bukkake udon noodles. English menu available.

15. Try one of several desserts of Kurashiki

There are two sweet treats that Kurashiki is known for.

Many locals and tourists visit Yuurin-an Cafe and try Happy Pudding, a panna cotta made with Okayama Hiruzen’s jersey milk and Okayama eggs. Besides the retro cafe, you can find the pudding with a smiley face at a few other outlets around Kurashiki.

Also, look for Murasuzume, a thin, round, crepe-like pancake in a half-moon shape filled with different fillings. It was originally created in a confectionary shop called Kikkodo, but you can find this dessert at most food souvenir shops.

16. Eat Kurashiki street food

If you are feeling snackish, there are many street foods around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

Look for Kibi-dango, a small sticky millet dumpling with sugar. The treat is made popular by Momotaro, the legendary folk tale character from Okayama. He was born from a giant peach (momo) and befriended a monkey and a dog by offering them kibi-dango. Look for the sweet treat at food souvenir shops. I bought one at Tagaya.

Or look for croquettes at one of the two food stalls in Kurashiki. Initially, I wasn’t going to try it because the croquettes in Kobe were so good that they made a lasting impression on me. But this one is pretty delicious, too.

17. Try the delicious fruits of Kurashiki

Okayama Prefecture produces a lot of fruits because of the great weather and mineral-rich soil. In Kurashiki, you can find white peaches and muscat grapes almost everywhere. And sometimes, you can even find pione grapes as the prefecture produces many grapes.

Definitely try the fruit first. You can find grapes and peaches in small shops in the historical centre or at the supermarket. Plus, there are a variety of desserts in the flavours of white peaches and muscat grapes. Desserts like ice cream, cake, and other food souvenirs.

Places to see outside of Kurashiki

18. Visit Kojima

As mentioned, Kojima is a small city 17km south of Kurashiki. During an excursion to the denim town, you can visit Kojima Jeans Street, a 400m shopping pedestrian retro-looking street lined with retailers selling jeans made locally. There is also a Jeans Museum.

Besides all the denim-related activities, you can see Nozaki’s Historical Residence, a former residence of a merchant from 200 years ago. You can also go on the Seto Ohashi Bridge Sightseeing Boat tour. 

How to get to Kojima: Take bus 62 or 51 from Kurashiki to Kojima. The bus ride is less than an hour. Or take the Amagi Bus line on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays.

19. Day trip to Okayama

Visit the capital city of Okayama Prefecture and see the Okayama Castle along Asahigawa River, nicknamed “ujo” (crow castle) due to its black exterior. Even though it is the reconstructed castle (the original was destroyed during WWII), it is still worth seeing.

Then walk over to Korakuen Garden, one of the best landscape gardens in Japan. Enjoy the beautiful gardens before popping into one of the museums like the Hayashibara Museum of Art. You can see all the major attractions in Okayama in one day.

How to get to Okayama: take either the train on JR Habuki Line or JR San-yo Line. It only takes 20 minutes to get there.

20. Day trip to Naoshima

If the names Yayoi Kusama and Tadao Ando mean anything to you, you must visit Naoshima. Naoshima is a small island with contemporary museums, galleries and art installations. Spend the day visiting the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, and Ando Museum and take photos of Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin.

How to get to Naoshima: take JR Habuki Line or JR San-yo Line from Kurashiki Station to Okayama Station. Then hop on the JR Uno Line from Okayama Station to Uno Station (might need to change trains at Chayamachi Station across the platform). The entire train journey will take about 70+ minutes and cost ¥900. From Uno Station, walk about 5 minutes to Uno Ferry Port and hop on one of the scheduled ferries to Naoshima Miyanoura Port.

21. Day trip to Teshima Island

Just west of Naoshima, Teshima is another modern art island full of contemporary artwork. Spend the day on an electric bicycle and visit Teshima Yokoo House, La Forêt des Murmures, and most of all, you have to see the installation at Teshima Art Museum. It has to be one of the best installations I’ve seen!

How to get to Teshima: similar to directions to Naoshima. Follow the directions above for Kurashiki Station to Uno Station. Once you arrive at Uno Ferry Port, take one of the scheduled ferries to Teshima Ieura Port.

Where to stay in Kurashiki as a solo traveller

A lot of people go to Kurashiki as a day trip, but I think it is a great place to stay overnight and an excellent spot for slow travel.

If you want to stay overnight in Kurashiki, stay between Kurashiki Station and the historical area.

On my last trip, I stayed at the Royal Park Hotel Kurashiki. The newish modern hotel is a 5-minute walk from Kurashiki Station. I really enjoyed the room as it is comfortable and clean. I especially like how the vanity, toilet and shower are separate (unlike typical Japanese bathroom). Also, other public areas like the breakfast area, viewing lounge, and public bath are on the top floor, while the workout room and billiard are on the ground floor. Check prices & reviews on Agoda or Booking.

Is Kurashiki worth visiting as a solo traveller

Most travellers will visit Okayama as it is a bigger and more well-known city. But personally, I enjoyed Kurashiki much more than Okayama! It is off the beaten track, and the town is charming and picturesque. I can see that Kurashiki tourism is starting to flourish compared to the last time I went seven years ago.

So, I absolutely think Kurashiki is worth visiting, especially if you want to explore hidden gems in Japan. It is easy to get around for independent solo travellers and super safe.

I hope you enjoyed my post on Kurashiki and will consider adding this city to your solo trip to Japan. In the comments, let me know which attraction you are most excited to see.

Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Japan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Japan.

Thank you for reading my solo Kurashiki travel guide

I have many posts on Japan and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Chugoku region

• Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
• How to spend one day on Teshima Island
• Top things to do in Onomichi Japan
• Shimanami Kaido Guide: 1-Day Bike & Ferry Itinerary
• Okunoshima Island: 1-Day itinerary on Rabbit Island
• Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
• Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!