When planning a date in the Bikan Historical Area, are you wondering what kinds of shops there are or where you should go for lunch?
The Bikan Historical Area is one of Okayama Prefecture’s most popular destinations. Without a well-planned itinerary, it can get crowded on weekends and make it difficult to enjoy your date efficiently.
You’ll want to make your girlfriend happy with a date plan that lets you fully enjoy the Bikan Historical Area.
In this article, a writer who has lived in Kurashiki City for 24 years introduces a date plan for the Bikan Historical Area recommended by Kurashiki Tocotoco, a Kurashiki web magazine.
From classic attractions to hidden gems, this model itinerary features carefully selected date spots in the Bikan Historical Area and lets you enjoy a luxurious day trip.
The author actually followed the itinerary with his girlfriend, and the punting boat ride toward the end of the date was a truly memorable experience.
If you’re planning a date, use this as a guide and enjoy a wonderful time with your girlfriend.
The information in this article was current when it was published in May 2019. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Yume Kukan Hashimaya, a cafe tucked away in the Bikan Historical Area
Our first recommendation is the excellent “Yume Kukan Hashimaya”, a standout cafe with an appealing atmosphere and high-quality food.
Enjoy the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area as you walk along the main street, and you’ll arrive at Higashidori, a very peaceful street.
Walking along the quiet, narrow lanes with their charming atmosphere is one of the pleasures of the visit.
Yume Kukan Hashimaya is a cafe housed in a former rice storehouse more than 140 years old, a building designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The interior has a distinctive classic atmosphere, different from that of a traditional Japanese house cafe, and is a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
The lunch menu changes daily, so you’ll have to wait until you visit to find out what’s on offer.
The manager of Yume Kukan Hashimaya also has experience at Trattoria Hashimaya, the Italian restaurant across the street, and serves authentic dishes that go beyond typical cafe fare.
People are always delighted when you recommend Yume Kukan Hashimaya for lunch.
However, the cafe can be a little hard to find, so check the article below for detailed directions to avoid getting lost.
Take a break at Yamau Coffee Stand, popular on Instagram
After enjoying lunch, stroll around the Bikan Historical Area with a coffee from Yamau Coffee Stand, where you can get a delicious latte.
The latte is the most popular drink, and the matcha latte is also delicious and recommended for those who don’t like coffee.
Search Instagram for “Yamau Coffee Stand” and you’ll find lots of people taking photos like the one below!
The combination of the Bikan Historical Area’s scenery and the crest of Yamau Kamaboko Shop is lovely.
As you explore the town, take photos at your favorite spots and post them on Instagram.
Check the article below for details about the menu and directions.
No visit to the Bikan Historical Area is complete without Kurashiki’s pride, the Ohara Museum of Art!
One building that stands out in the Bikan Historical Area is the Ohara Museum of Art.
The museum displays an impressive collection, from Western art to contemporary works from Japan and abroad.
Among the works at the Ohara Museum of Art, El Greco’s “The Annunciation” is considered a work that is miraculously found in Japan.
The Ohara collection contains around 3,000 works. As of April 2019, about half of them were on display.
There are a great many works, but you can also visit the annexes (Annex/Crafts and Oriental Art Gallery) on another day as long as you have your ticket.
If you want to take your time, enjoy the museum over multiple days.
![[Closed] Ohara Museum of Art Annex: A museum moving with the times and supporting the pursuit of creativity](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/23060108/190215-101r-3.jpg)
Next to the Ohara Museum of Art is a museum shop where you can buy souvenirs.
It sells goods inspired by works in the Ohara Museum of Art’s collection, making it a great place to find stylish Kurashiki souvenirs.
You can enter and shop at the museum store even if you haven’t visited the museum, so be sure to stop by.
The articles below cover highlights of the Ohara Museum of Art and how to enjoy your visit, so reading them before you go will help you get even more out of your visit.
Take a snack break at Cafe Biscuit and try Okayama’s famous Cigar Fry!
After enjoying the Ohara Museum of Art, let’s take a break.
For a snack, we recommend Kajitani Foods’ Cigar Fry, a local Okayama specialty.
“Cafe Biscuit” is located in Kurashiki Teien, a hidden-gem spot.
There’s a garden, so you can relax and chat about what you thought of the date spots you’ve visited so far.
At Cafe Biscuit, you can enjoy Cigar Fry and biscuits—snacks that have been Okayama residents’ favorites for more than half a century—with a selection of dips.
There are no fewer than 10 dips! It might be fun to choose your favorite flavor or try one that catches your eye.
Cafe Biscuit is a great place for a short break.
For details on the menu, prices, and access, see the article below.
Make memories in the Bikan Historical Area with Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River!
Kurashiki River flows along the main street of the Bikan Historical Area.
You can take a graceful ride on a boat along Kurashiki River by booking in advance.
“Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River” is such a highly recommended experience that we think, “If you come to the Bikan Historical Area, you absolutely have to try it!”
Tickets are sold at the tourist information center in Kurashikikan, so be sure to buy yours in advance.
Tickets may sell out, so we recommend going early.
(For this article’s model itinerary, we bought tickets for 4 p.m. after picking up coffee at Yamau Coffee Stand.)
Once you’re on the boat, the out-of-the-ordinary feeling is really exciting.
The view looking up at the Bikan Historical Area from Kurashiki River can only be seen from a boat.
You’ll see a different view from the one you get while walking around.
The time spent rocking gently on the boat passes in a flash, but it’s sure to become a lasting memory.
If you visit the Bikan Historical Area, Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River are a must.
Be sure to enjoy the Bikan Historical Area from a boat!
Buy masking tape, which originated in Kurashiki, at TANE as a souvenir
After your boat ride, finish up by buying a souvenir to take home.
In fact, Kurashiki is the birthplace of masking tape.
Browse for masking tape you like at “TANE,” a specialty masking tape shop.
TANE has around 1,000 kinds of masking tape!
One entire wall inside the shop is covered with masking tape.
It’s fun to look at the different masking tape patterns, and it’s just as fun to search for a favorite!
For details such as how to get to TANE, see the article below.
Enjoy a date in Kurashiki with this model itinerary for the Bikan Historical Area!
Kurashiki Tocotoco has introduced a model itinerary recommended for a day trip date.
My girlfriend and I followed the itinerary ourselves and were pleased to spend the whole day enjoying the Bikan Historical Area.
There are many other wonderful spots in the Bikan Historical Area, but this itinerary focuses on classic attractions while also including date spots where you can take your time and talk, making it a great way to deepen your relationship.
I hope this model itinerary will help make the Bikan Historical Area a special place full of memories for you.
If you’re ever unsure where to go on a date with someone special, be sure to use this itinerary for inspiration.
- Models: Yabunao and Yuricheru
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