Chukoku 《Summer》 {Kurashiki - 倉敷} ~Shopping mall ARIO • Yurinan Smiling Pudding • Important Buildings Preservation Area • Ivy Square ~

In the southern plains of Okayama Prefecture lies the town of Kurashiki. During the Edo period, it became a territory of the shogunate in spark of its shipping prosperity. The beautiful Edo warehouses and merchants streetscape is well-preserved, hence designated by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs as "Important Buildings Preservation Area" .

********

Walk 20 mins from JR station to the ' Important Buildings Preservation Area'

********

The North Exit is the Mitsui Outlet and  shopping mall  ARIO.

I couldn't get anything from the Outlet but ARIO.
It is better to check if the outlet got the brands you are interested before going.

South Exit to the  ' Important Buildings Preservation Area' / Town Centre

The architecture and landscape design along the main road is extraordinarily sophisticated.
It's worth  taking a close look on these when wandering in this city ~

Kurashiki Bizenyaki 倉敷備前燒

First found in Kamakura Period, commonly used as clay  teapots.

The famous smiling pudding from Yurinan (有鄰庵).
On sale starting from 11am with 100 cups per day.
But apparently, one would be reserved for you if you are one of their residents.

Japanese Western-Modern style architecture of 
Bank of China and Kurashiki Community Centre.

********

Important Buildings Preservation Area

The western building by the corner is a tourist information centre.

Can enjoy a river trip as well

The sun set sunlight is beautiful 

Much appreciate the Japanese natural edging of river.

The end of the street

A symetrical river mirror with rows of trees

Traditional wooden houses

White-wall houses

Well selected set of lamp post and call box.A well blend in of landscape and architecture 

All shops are very unique and special, selling local products, blue print clothing and the cat store

And wine cellar

Amazed by this green climber wall

Kurashiki Taiyuan Art Museum 太原美術館
Closes on every Sunday.
Famous paintings by El Greco and  Monet

IVY Square has a different atmosphere, time to chill in a cafe or the music box museum.

********

The night view

Tripod is a MUST for nightscape taking

********

At the JR station, there's a pastry shop with SUPER tasty  collection of breads. Must TRY!

********

Touring Time

Just walking around the preserved area only takes you 1 hr.

However, counting in the shops, tea shops and museums, May take you over 4 or even 5 hrs.

Transportation
JR Kurashiki 倉敷

Walk 20mins from JR station to the preserved area

主要景點

Mitsui Outlet Park and ARIO shopping mall (Station Noth Exit)
Important Builing Preserved Area (Plus Nightscape)
River boat tour
Taiyuan Art Museum (大原美術館 )
Ivy Square (倉敷アイビースクエア)

Tonnes of Museums 

********

上一站 姬路 - Himeji 姬路城	下一站 岡山 - Okayama 岡山城 • 後樂園
Back to Chukoku Main Page