Along the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Area, there is a street called Honmachi-dori.
Honmachi-dori is a place where traditional townhouses and residences line the street, allowing one to feel the everyday life of the area.
Along Honmachi-dori, there is an event called “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar”, which is held only during the evening of the 5th Saturday of the month.
I have participated in it before, and the dining and conversations under the eaves were pleasant, creating a gentle atmosphere throughout the town.
I would like to introduce the event “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar,” which allows one to feel the richness of daily life of the people living in the Bikan Historical Area, not just its tourist face.
What is “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar”?
“Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar” is an event held along Honmachi-dori in the Bikan Historical Area during the evening of the 5th Saturday of the month.
During the time known as “Magic Hour,” when the sky changes from orange to indigo, the eaves along Honmachi-dori transform into an open and inviting bar-like venue.
The charm lies in the natural interactions among participants as they enjoy drinks and food in the beautiful twilight.
“Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar” started in 2015 and will celebrate its 26th event in January 2026. For nearly 10 years, it has been a part of the daily life along Honmachi-dori.
This time, the 26th event will be held on January 31 (Saturday).
About the participating stores
At the beginning of the event, it was held at only one store, KUKU.
It started from the desire of the operating members to utilize the attractive storefront and the adjacent square.
Now, it has increased to about 12 stores, and the area has slightly expanded.
Some stores offer drinks and snacks prepared specifically for “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar.”
The participating stores this time are as follows:
- Hayashi Genjuro Pharmacy Museum Rooftop Terrace Akaneiro
- Ohara House Katalyzer × Kurashiki Sake Shop Tokichi
- Kura Cafe Tsuchiya-tei × Midou
- Doma Soba
- Felicite
- Asaki-tei
- KUKU
- Ginroku
- Matacho Shoten
The townscape along Honmachi-dori, which becomes everyone’s living room
While dining can be done indoors, enjoying it under the eaves or in the square is the unique charm of “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar.”
Eating and drinking in the space under the eaves, which is neither on the road nor indoors, strangely calms the mind.
Many of the tables and benches used at the venue are brought by the stores and residents.
Benches with wheels are placed under the eaves, and Kurashiki canvas is laid on the stairs, creating places to gather throughout the town.
As night falls, the light from the lattice doors of the townhouses seeps out, gently illuminating the street.
The area along Honmachi-dori becomes like a large living room.
Interview with members of the “Enjoying Town Life Association”
The event is managed by the following three members of the “Enjoying Town Life Association.”
- Tsujii Nobuyuki, owner of Miyake Shoten and president of Kumashacho Co., Ltd.
- Nishina Masahiro from Nishina Architectural Design Office
- Moriya Harumi, representative of Kurashiki Fint
We talked about the journey of “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar” over the past 10 years and their thoughts on town development.
What was the motivation to start the event?
Moriya (no honorifics)
It was triggered by a town manager meeting (a town development meeting).
At that time, I was traveling in Spain and Italy, and I saw people enjoying drinks in a cafe on the street, almost getting hit by cars. I was moved by that scene, thinking, “How rich that is,” and when I suggested that I wanted to recreate that along Honmachi-dori, Nishina agreed with me.
Nishina (no honorifics)
I had heard from elderly people in the neighborhood association that “In the past, there were no air conditioners, so in the summer, we would put out a bench under the eaves to play shogi and cool off.”
I also had the desire to bring back the rich scenery of the eaves that used to be common in Japan.
Why is it during the “Magic Hour”?
Nishina
I truly feel that the sunset in the Bikan Historical Area is beautiful.
At the Ohara Museum of Art, there is a painting called “Evening Small Table”, and its composition resembles the area around Imahashi in the Bikan Historical Area.
It is a scene where the light from the houses seeps out during the beautiful twilight, and tables are lined up by the riverside. I wanted to recreate such a happy scene along Honmachi-dori.
Tsujii (no honorifics)
Honmachi-dori is still a living town where ordinary people reside and continue to create things.
In the past, life was not confined indoors as it is now; it seeped out into the outside world.
It is not just black or white; the richness is packed in the gray areas in between. That is the eaves and the benches. I wanted to restore that rich sensibility centered around the sunset sky that arcs like the Milky Way.
Are there seasonal ways to enjoy it or challenges?
Nishina
In reality, the scorching heat of August and the extreme cold of January are challenges.
Some vendors have even said, “It’s tough, so let’s only do it in spring and autumn.” But the very act of finding ways to cope with those difficulties is the essence of it.
In summer, we cool the area with water and chill ramune (Japanese soda) while children play nearby.
In winter, we bring out a wood stove to bake sweet potatoes, and sometimes a wood-fired pizza shop cooks with flames.
What do you hope for this town in the future?
Nishina
Ideally, I hope that without us planning it, everyone will start enjoying themselves under the eaves throughout the town in the evening. If that becomes the norm, I think our role will be over.
Tsujii
It would be great if scenes of people playing shogi or sharing drinks under the eaves became commonplace. I would be happy if it became an opportunity to realize that such comfort exists not just on event days, but every day.
Moriya
For us, “Magic Hour Honmachi no Kishita Bar” is not just a festival aimed at attracting visitors or tourism.
First and foremost, we value the enjoyment of daily life for the people living and working in this town. We hope that, as an extension of that, those who happen to visit can also enjoy it.
Therefore, we do not intend to expand the area any further. We want to cherish the uniqueness of Honmachi within a range that we can understand and where we can see the faces of the residents.
Please leave us a message.
Nishina
Let's share wonderful moments of everyday life together. The very act of sharing this happy feeling brings us great joy as well.
Conclusion
The phrase that "Magic Hour Honmachi Kishtabar" is not just a festival aimed at attracting visitors and tourism left a strong impression.
What is most important is to recall the town life that once was taken for granted and for residents to enjoy first. It is precisely because this attitude naturally conveys to visitors that warm and gentle times can be spent.
"The fifth Saturday that comes when you least expect it, a windfall," Nishina says.
On this special Saturday, like a bonus, why not savor the nostalgic richness of the town under the eaves along Honmachi Street, dyed in orange?
Data on Magic Hour Honmachi Kishtabar
| Name | Magic Hour Honmachi Kishtabar |
|---|---|
| Date | January 31, 2026 (Saturday) From around 3 PM to around 8 PM |
| Location | Honmachi Street, Bikan Historical Area |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | None *However, meal costs at each restaurant are required |
| Website | Honmachi Kishtabar |
