After three fun days in Osaka, we headed down the coast for Hiroshima. But first we made a stop in a town called Kurashiki.
Dating from the 17th century, the area surrounding the city’s canal was made into a merchant’s quarter. During this time Kurashiki became very prosperous by trading sugar and rice with other cities. That prosperity created a lasting impact on the city, which has been voted the most picturesque town in Japan due to its beautiful natural scenery and architecture.
It is also known, strangely, as a center for denim manufacturing. There is a canal that runs through the center of town on which you can go punting.
The old center of town is called the Bikan District, which translates directly to the “aesthetic district”. It is filled with period warehouses that are filled with shops and restaurants that are very popular with tourists on weekends.
We spent a few hours walking around the Bikan District before getting back onto our bullet train for Hiroshima.
2 comments
Aww, you should have told me. One of my favorite ryokans in all Japan is there, run by a close friend. Fabulous food, right on the canal…and where I’ll be next Mon-Tues!
Beautiful town
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