The Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki retains the townscape of the Edo period, making it a city where traditional clothing looks very appealing.
Why not wear your favorite yukata or kimono and take a stroll around the town?
Even if you don't own one or can't put it on yourself, that's okay.
If you rent one and have it put on for you, you can casually explore in traditional clothing.
There’s even a term called "yukata magic," as the sight of someone in a yukata is truly captivating.
For dates, group trips, or graduation trips.
With a different outfit, you can enjoy a fresh date or trip.
Rent a kimono at Kimono Roman
First, let's rent a yukata or kimono.
The author's recommendation is the rental kimono shop "Kimono Roman".
At Kimono Roman, you can rent from about 150 types of yukata, over 100 types of regular kimonos, and about 40 types for women and 15 types for men of denim kimonos.
If you already own one, of course, you can wear that.
However, the benefits of using a rental shop are significant!
In the case of Kimono Roman, there are the following benefits.
- You can have a professional help you get dressed, making it less likely to come undone.
- The time it takes to get dressed is shorter (about 15 minutes for women and about 5 minutes for men to put on a yukata).
- You can change near the entrance of the Bikan Historical Area.
- You can borrow a bag that matches your yukata, allowing you to leave your belongings.
- You can try colors and patterns you wouldn't normally choose.
- You can choose while receiving advice.
- With so many options, it's easy to create a coordinated look.
- You can also get a hair arrangement as an option.
It's very easy to wear.
Moreover, there is a couple discount!
You can also choose unique yukata and obi, such as denim kimonos and Kojima obi.
During the interview, I mentioned, "He wants to wear a denim kimono, and she wants to wear a yukata!" and they suggested a coordinated outfit where the pattern of the woman's yukata and the color of the man's obi connected with "purple."
It’s also fun to ponder, "Which one looks better?"
A sight you don't often see, someone in a yukata.
You might feel a thrill from a partner with a different atmosphere!
Now, let's explore the Bikan Historical Area.
Cool off in the bamboo grove at Kurashiki Yoimachigarden
I headed straight to the area called "Kurashiki Yoimachigarden."
Kurashiki Yoimachigarden has the following shops and gardens.
- Parlor Kudamonokomachi
- Machiya Salon & Gallery Seiyuan
- Italian Restaurant Hoshi no Hikari
- Bamboo Grove Walking Garden
The bamboo grove is perfect for strolling or resting, and it matches well with traditional clothing!
You can just stop by the bamboo grove, or I also recommend having tea at the terrace of the fruit parlor & café "Parlor Kudamonokomachi."
You can enjoy soft serve ice cream, fruit parfaits, and drinks made with fruits from Okayama, the fruit kingdom, while overlooking the bamboo grove.
It is also illuminated at night, so it has a charm even after evening.
Visit Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, renovated from an Edo period rice storehouse
Next, I would like to recommend the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.
The term "mingei" means "popular crafts."
The Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft is the second folkcraft museum established in Japan, showcasing tools of daily life collected from around the world.
Please feel the beauty of "the beauty of use," which is directly linked to the purpose of items used in daily life.
The building, renovated from a rice storehouse built in the late Edo period, is also wonderful!
You can also purchase folkcraft items at the gift shop.
Enjoy a Japanese lunch at Kamoi
For lunch, I went to a Japanese restaurant with a rich menu and a beautiful view, "Kamoi".
I ordered tempura bukkake udon and tempura zaru udon.
Bukkake udon originated in Kurashiki.
Kamoi's bukkake udon is made with flour that has been kneaded with kinako (roasted soybean flour) from Mabi, Okayama Prefecture.
On a hot day, the cold noodles felt refreshing.
There’s also sushi made with "mamakari," a fish famous in Okayama.
You can enjoy classic Japanese dishes such as udon, soba, tempura, and sushi, which will surely please guests from abroad.
The restaurant is located along Kurashiki River, and the large windows in the dining area allow you to enjoy the view of the Bikan Historical Area while dining.
Stroll around Kurashiki Ivy Square
Let's change things up a bit and visit a Western-style place.
This is a complex facility that includes hotels and restaurants, created by preserving and reusing the exterior and trees of the former Kurashiki Spinning Company (now KURABO INDUSTRIES LTD.) factory from the Meiji era.
In summer, the ivy grows lush, covering the walls in green.
In the NHK morning drama "Massan," it was chosen as a filming location for the scene where the main characters, Massan and Ellie, meet.
The brick walls created during the factory's operation feature a unique "English bond" style, where long and short sides of the bricks alternate.
I Participated in the Summer Cool Kurashiki Sweets Stamp Rally
From July 1 (Wednesday) to August 31 (Monday), 2020, the "Summer Cool Kurashiki Sweets Stamp Rally" was held.
By purchasing "cool sweets," you can collect stamps, and if you gather 3 or 5, you can enter a lottery for prizes.
Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office (Tourist Information Center) is where you can get a pamphlet, or you can print the PDF file from the official event website to participate.
We obtained a pamphlet at the Kurashikikan and headed to the listed stores.
There are plenty of attractive sweets like soft serve ice cream, shaved ice, and parfaits, making it hard to choose!
I was surprised to see that there are so many cold sweets available in the Bikan Historical Area.
A Japanese-style Soda Float at "Ozakiya"
After much deliberation, I aimed for "Ozakiya."
Ozakiya is a shop that deals with processed fish products like chikuwa and kamaboko, but you can also buy shaved ice and cream soda.
I ordered the "Colorful Soda Float (Muscat)."
It’s a cute Japanese-style float drink topped with "Oiri."
Taking a break on a bench along the Kurashiki River in front of the shop.
The muscat flavor was quite strong, and I was very satisfied, saying, "Not only is it cute, but it's delicious!"
Shopping at Kurashi Utsuwa Tenugui Gocha
Next, shopping.
I visited "Kurashi Utsuwa Tenugui Gocha," located in a complex facility called Kurashiki Craft Work Village.
There are many hand towels with modern, classical, and cute patterns, making it a very enjoyable shop.
There are over 300 types, including originals.
There were also patterns perfect for Okayama souvenirs.
There are several types featuring peaches, momakari, and the castle in the sky (Bitchu Matsuyama Castle), and they are cute!
Hand towels are easy to buy without becoming a burden, and they have a wide range of uses.
It might be nice to give them as commemorative gifts to each other.
Let's View Kurashiki River from the Bridge
Kurashiki flourished as a hub for goods.
During the Edo period to the early Showa period, many goods were transported along the Kurashiki River.
Be sure to take a look at the Kurashiki River from the bridge.
I also recommend the Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River.
Ohara Museum of Art and the Ohara House Katalyzer are connected by "Imabashi," which features designs of chrysanthemums and dragons, so be sure to check it out.
Let's See Kurashiki-style Buildings at Ohara House Katalyzer
The "Former Ohara Family Residence," designated as an Important Cultural Property, has been transformed into a display and exchange facility called "Ohara House Katalyzer."
Please enjoy the town house architecture typical of Kurashiki.
It's also nice that photography is allowed.
The detached room where you can view the beautiful garden is especially recommended.
Points to Consider for Yukata/Kimono Dates
The key points for yukata/kimono dates are to be extra considerate of whether your partner is tired or uncomfortable.
The Bikan Historical Area is spacious enough to walk around, with many cafes and restaurants.
Even if you get tired, it's reassuring that you can easily take a break.
There are so many attractive shops that you might find it hard to choose.
Also, when wearing a yukata, your stride tends to be shorter than usual, so it's best not to over-schedule and to walk at a leisurely pace.
Bikan Historical Area is Perfect for Yukata/Kimono Dates
The Bikan Historical Area has many photogenic spots.
Since it's a town where traditional clothing stands out, be sure to take lots of photos and enjoy your date or trip.
- Model: Hi-kun
