In Kurashiki City, there are many facilities rich in history and culture, such as the Ohara Museum of Art, Kurabo Memorial Hall, and Nozaki's Historical Residence.
Although I know of their existence, there are surprisingly many facilities I have never entered.
To boost tourism in Kurashiki City during the winter season, the Kurashiki City Tourism Division has planned a "free admission to 12 cultural tourism facilities in Kurashiki City".
I took this opportunity to visit various cultural tourism facilities, so I will introduce them.
Cultural tourism facilities with free admission
From January 16 to 20, 2023, for five weekdays only, cultural tourism facilities in Kurashiki City are open for free.
The facilities that are open for free are the following 12 locations.
Please note that some facilities may have designated closing 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 KURASHIKI/KUNIYOSHI
- Kurabo Memorial Hall
- Yumiko Igarashi Museum
- Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum
▼ Kojima Area
Bikan Historical Area is bustling
I parked my bicycle at Kurashiki Community Center and headed towards the road along the Kurashiki River.
The first place I visited, Ohara House Katalyzer, was crowded with many people, and in some places, it was difficult to move without yielding to others.
Both the Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft had lines extending outside the gates, and I had to give up in tears...
Basically, event posters are posted at the entrances of the facilities, and you can enter freely.
At some facilities, tickets were available.
At each facility, before entering, you are required to write your age and the city or town you live in.
Now, I will pick out and introduce a few of the facilities I visited.
Kibibi Museum
The "Kibibi Museum" opened in April 2021 within the "Kurashiki Yoimachi GARDEN" with the concept of “Encountering Kibi Falling in Love with Kibi.”
The building is surrounded by bamboo, creating a high-quality atmosphere.
With the theme of “Connecting ancient Kibi to the future,” three exhibition rooms were established:
- The "Toto Room" displaying historical items such as cylindrical haniwa and swords
- The "Kanboku Room" showcasing calligraphy and Japanese paintings
- The "Yusai Room" featuring Western paintings and oil paintings
Additionally, there is a small window gallery on the exterior wall of the building where you can see small works such as Bizen pottery.
Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum
The building marked by a row of "Nipper dogs" on the roof houses the "Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum" on the second floor, which displays about 2,000 piggy banks.
You can enjoy a wide variety of piggy banks, from the Meiji era to modern times.
I couldn't help but get excited when I saw piggy banks that I also own and nostalgic character piggy banks.
From the gaps on the shelf, you can see the back of Nipper the dog, which is usually not visible.
In addition to this room, there are the following facilities, so be sure to check them out.
Yumiko Igarashi Museum
The striking red and white exterior of the "Yumiko Igarashi Museum" catches the eye.
At the "Yumiko Igarashi Museum," original drawings and merchandise from the manga artist Yumiko Igarashi, known for works such as "Candy Candy", are on display.
There were also many illustrations depicting buildings related to Kurashiki City, such as Kurashiki Ivy Square, Bikan Historical Area, and Tivoli Park.
Additionally, there are experience programs such as princess experiences and tea parties in dresses, allowing you to feel as if you are in a manga.
Conclusion
The initiative to open cultural tourism facilities in Kurashiki City for free has been a great opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Kurashiki City.
As a resident of Kurashiki City, I often thought, "I can go anytime, so I'll do it later," but after seeing various facilities, I feel like I have missed out on a lot.
From swords to ceramics, paintings to buildings. The oldest items date back to the Jomon period... and continue to the present.
I am filled with amazement that things from the past still exist today, and I feel a sense of responsibility to preserve what has been cherished for a long time.
Through the cultural tourism facilities in Kurashiki City, why not deepen your love for Kurashiki even more by experiencing its history and culture?
Data on Free Public Access to Cultural Tourism Facilities in Kurashiki City
| Name | Free Public Access to Cultural Tourism Facilities in Kurashiki City |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 16 to 20, 2023 |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area, Kojima |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Free Public Access to Cultural Tourism Facilities in Kurashiki City January 16 to 20, 2023 |
