Kurashiki City has many facilities rich in history and culture, including the “Ohara Museum of Art,” Kurabo Memorial Hall, and Nozaki's Historical Residence.
There are surprisingly many facilities we know about but have never actually visited.
To boost tourism in Kurashiki City during winter, the Kurashiki City Tourism Division has organized a program offering free admission to 12 cultural tourism facilities in the city.
I took this opportunity to visit a variety of cultural tourism facilities, and would like to introduce them.
The information in this article was current when it was published in January 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Cultural Tourism Facilities Offering Free Admission
For five weekdays only, from January 16 to 20, 2023, cultural tourism facilities in Kurashiki City are offering free admission.
The 12 facilities offering free admission are listed below.
Please note that some facilities are closed on certain days during this period.
▼Bikan Historical Area
- Ohara Museum of Art
- Ohara House Katalyzer
- Ohashi House
- Kurashiki Archaeological Museum
- Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
- Kibibi Museum
- Japanese Folk Toy Museum
- UKIYO-E KURASIKI/UKIYO-E KURASHIKI/KUNIYOSHI
- Kurabo Memorial Hall
- Yumiko Igarashi Museum
- Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum
▼Kojima Area
Bikan Historical Area Bustles with Visitors
I parked my bicycle at Kurashiki Community Center and headed for the road running alongside Kurashiki River.
The first place we visited, “Ohara House Katalyzer,” was bustling with people, and in some places we could only make our way through by taking turns.
There were lines stretching outside the gates of the Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, so I reluctantly gave up on visiting them…….
In general, event posters are displayed at the entrances to the facilities, and visitors can come and go freely.
Some facilities also handed out tickets.
At every facility, visitors are asked to write their age and the city, ward, town, or village where they live before entering.
Here are a few of the facilities I visited.
Kibibi Museum
Kibibi Museum opened in April 2021 inside Kurashiki Yoimachi GARDEN, with the concept of “Encountering Kibi and falling in love with Kibi.”
Surrounded by bamboo, the building exudes an elegant atmosphere.
With the theme “Connecting ancient Kibi to the future,” the museum has the following three exhibition rooms:
- “Toto Room,” displaying historical artifacts such as cylindrical haniwa figures and swords
- “Kanboku Room,” displaying calligraphy and Japanese paintings
- “Yusai Room,” displaying Western-style and oil paintings
There is also a small-window gallery on the building’s exterior, where visitors can view small works such as Bizen ware.
Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum
The Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum, on the second floor of a building marked by a row of “Nipper” dogs lined up on its roof, displays around 2,000 piggy banks.
You can enjoy a wide variety of piggy banks, from those dating back to the Meiji period to modern ones.
I couldn’t help getting excited when I spotted piggy banks like ones I own and ones featuring nostalgic characters.
Through a gap in the shelves, you can see the back of the Nipper dog, which you normally can’t get a look at.
The following attractions are also located here, so be sure to check them out.
Yumiko Igarashi Museum
The striking red-and-white exterior of the Yumiko Igarashi Museum catches the eye.
The Yumiko Igarashi Museum displays original artwork and merchandise by manga artist Yumiko Igarashi, best known for works such as Candy Candy.
There were also many illustrations inspired by buildings associated with Kurashiki City, including Kurashiki Ivy Square, the Bikan Historical Area, and Tivoli Park.
There are also hands-on programs, such as dressing up as a princess and having tea in a dress, letting you feel as if you’re inside a manga.
In Closing
The initiative to open cultural and tourism facilities in Kurashiki City to the public for free was a great opportunity to learn about the city’s history and culture.
As a Kurashiki City resident, I used to walk past them thinking, “I can go anytime, so maybe next time,” but after visiting various facilities, I feel I’d been missing out.
Swords, pottery, paintings, and buildings. The oldest date back to the Jomon period…and the collection continues right up to the present day.
I was amazed that things from the past have survived to this day, and felt that we must not let the things carefully preserved since long ago disappear.
Why not explore Kurashiki City’s history and culture through its cultural and tourism facilities, and deepen your love for Kurashiki even more?
Details: Free Admission to Cultural and Tourism Facilities in Kurashiki City
| Name | Free Admission to Cultural and Tourism Facilities in Kurashiki City |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 16–20, 2023 |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area and Kojima |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Free Admission to Cultural and Tourism Facilities in Kurashiki City, January 16–20, 2023 |
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