When we think of autumn, we might imagine "the season of arts" or "the season of appetite."
A perfect event for such autumn is Art de Furatto Kurashiki 2023.
Kurashiki, strongly connected to art, is home to the Ohara Museum of Art.
In fact, you can enjoy art not only in the Bikan Historical Area.
Kojima, Tamashima, Mabi, Mizushima... there are many spots to enjoy art throughout Kurashiki City.
However, it can take a bit of courage to visit a museum or gallery for the first time.
This event, now in its fourth year in 2023, encourages you to take the first step to experience Kurashiki's art through sweets and puzzles.
As someone who loves sweets and often explores cafes in Kurashiki, I visited various art spots and sweet spots.
What is Art de Furatto Kurashiki?
Art de Furatto Kurashiki is a campaign organized by the "Art Town Kurashiki" executive committee.
It started in 2019, was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2022, making this the fourth year in 2023.
The event runs from October 3, 2023 (Tuesday) to November 30, 2023 (Thursday).
During this period, you can solve puzzles at "art spots" where you can enjoy art and savor sweets related to the works held by the Ohara Museum of Art at "sweet spots," earning points by eating the designated sweets.
By collecting points and applying, you might win luxurious prizes related to Kurashiki.
A significant change from previous years is that the element of puzzle-solving has been added.
Even those who think art is a bit daunting can enjoy going to solve puzzles first.
Touring Art Spots and Sweet Spots
There are 25 art spots and 16 sweet spots participating in the event.
The participating spots are as follows.
- Ohara Museum of Art
- Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts Kake Museum of Art
- Kurashiki City Art Museum
- Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
- Kibibi Museum
- Kurashiki International Hotel
- Ragalt Plus
- MAGO GALARRY KURASHIKI
- Café & Gallery Aoi Tori
- Gallery Merino
- Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
- Ohara House Katalyzer
- Machiya Space VOMN
- UKIYO-E KURASHIKI/KUNIYOSHI
- Art Space Jiji
- Yumiko Igarashi Museum
- Igusa-ya Kaen
- Kurashiki Ivy Square
- Kurashiki City Minki Isozaki Memorial Hall
- Nozaki's Historical Residence
- Kojima Community Center
- Yumi Kobo
- Old Yunoki House (Saiso-tei)
- Mabi Showa-kan Second Exhibition Gallery Yugen
- Mabi Showa-kan
Some spots may have an admission fee. Please check their websites.
| Sweet Spot | Target Sweets |
|---|---|
| Future 100 Cafe | Water Bath Cezanne-style Jelly Punch Float |
| Sweets cafe & bar Moon grace | Apple and Mont Blanc Parfait |
| Garden and Bunga | Earth's Blessing |
| Kimuraya | Sleeping Young Model |
| Coffee & more Scarecrow | Apple Dish |
| QINOCO | Adult's Circumstances |
| Confectionery Workshop Kana no Mori | Caramel Pom |
| Bunkindo | Morning Glory |
| Patisserie Piaget | Water Lily |
| Confectionery Seishodo | Lotus Sleep |
| Tea Room Aura | Melon Landscape Plate |
| Patisserie ALBa | Stacked Straw |
| Patisserie La Biche | Japanese Miserable |
| Mark Ole Cafe | Modigliani Cake Parfait |
| Confectionery Tamai-do | Canal of Auvers |
| CAFE & DINING GLITTER | Dancers' Tea Time Set |
Notably, there are spots not only in the Bikan Historical Area and around Kurashiki Station, but also in Kojima, Tamashima, Mizushima, and Mabi, covering a wide area of Kurashiki City.
For those who rarely have the opportunity to visit the center of Kurashiki City, or for those who want to take this chance to explore areas outside the city center, you can enjoy art.
Obtain a Brochure
First, let's obtain a brochure.
Brochures are available at various art facilities, restaurants, tourist information offices in Kurashiki City, tourist facilities, and Kurashiki Station.
You can also download a PDF from the website and print it out for use.
Art at a Hotel!? Kurashiki International Hotel
I started my tour at the art spots.
The first spot is Kurashiki International Hotel.
You might think, "It's hard to enter since I'm not staying at the hotel," but that's okay.
Even if you are not staying, customers who want to solve puzzles are also welcome.
In the lobby of Kurashiki International Hotel, you are greeted by an impactful work by Munakata Shiko.
I had never thought of the connection between hotels and art, but this event allowed me to take a closer look at the works.
Not only staying or dining, but also pondering questions like "What is this depicting?" and "What was the intention behind this work?" is one way to enjoy Kurashiki International Hotel.
Art Amidst Japan Heritage Exhibits: Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan
The next spot is Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
While Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan is strongly associated with exhibits related to Kurashiki's Japan Heritage, you can actually enjoy art here as well.
I quickly made a discovery.
Let's try solving puzzles at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan as well.
I have visited Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan many times, but I had never looked at it with an eye for art.
I noticed, "Wow, it was painted with such delicate touches, and the colors are charming, gentle yet not overly bright," focusing on the expressive techniques.
Dive into Words: Ohara House Katalyzer
When thinking of the Ohara family and art, the first thing that comes to mind is the Ohara Museum of Art.
However, you can also enjoy art at the Ohara House Katalyzer located across the street.
This is a paid facility, so you will need to pay the entrance fee before entering.
As soon as you enter the building, you will be greeted by art of words.
Many people stand in the middle to take photos.
As I appreciated the artwork while savoring the weight of each word, I felt a greater impact.
Water Lily Painting in Sweets!? Patisserie PIAGET
Next, let's visit a sweets spot.
Located in Kojima Shimo-no-machi, Patisserie PIAGET.
Here, you can enjoy sweets inspired by Claude Monet's Water Lilies.
Inside the store, there are also replicas of the Water Lilies.
▼ Here is the target sweet, the Water Lilies.
The exterior recreates the color scheme and world view of the painting 'Water Lilies'.
▼ This is what it looks like from above.
Now, let's give it a try.
When you take a bite, the sweetness of white chocolate and the tartness of raspberry blend together.
As you chew, you experience not only the fluffy texture of the mousse but also various textures from the rice puffs, the crunchy yet moist crumble base, and the crispy pearl cracker.
At first, I expected the crumble to have a crunchy texture like biscuit dough, but it was a fresh and mysterious texture that was crunchy yet moist.
In fact, this crumble is said to be made from chocolate-flavored white bean paste.
Additionally, there is another clever touch related to the Water Lilies.
Crème brûlée extracted from lotus leaves grown in Okayama Prefecture is hidden inside.
Knowing the care and attention of the creator, not just the appearance and taste, adds depth to the experience, and I felt a strong connection to the charm shared with art.
Let's Apply When Points Accumulate
When you accumulate points, send in a postcard to apply.
The dedicated application boxes are set up at Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office, Kurashiki City Tourist Rest Area, and Kurashiki Ekimae Tourist Information Office.
You can apply from the application box without affixing a stamp.
Of course, you can also apply by affixing a 63 yen stamp and submitting it to a mailbox.
Winning luxurious prizes is one of the highlights of this event.
Winners can receive a pair of accommodation vouchers for the Kurayado Tsuchiya, overlooking the Kurashiki River, glass products made by Yukiko Nakano, and a collection of local specialties.
I submitted my postcard to the dedicated application box with a wish of "I hope I win."
While enjoying art, I wonder what led to this event being held?
I interviewed Kazuki Utagawa from the Kurashiki City Tourism Division, who is organizing the stamp rally.
Data for Art de Furatto Kurashiki 2023
| Name | Art de Furatto Kurashiki 2023 |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 3, 2023 - November 30, 2023 |
| Location | Kurashiki, Kojima, Mizushima, Tamashima, Mabi |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Depends on the entrance fee of the facility |
| Website | Art de Furatto Kurashiki 2023 |
