Located almost in the center of the Bikan Historical Area, the Taisho retro-style Western-Japanese hybrid architecture is the "Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office."
This facility, which was renovated in 2020, is a tourist information office with a free rest area.
It provides tourist information and has coin lockers, restrooms, and a nursing room, making it a reliable ally when sightseeing.
Moreover, the view from the second floor is charming, making it a place you want to stop by even if you have no specific business there!
Let me introduce the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office, which enhances the experience of sightseeing in Kurashiki.
What is the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office?
The Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office is a two-story facility that combines a tourist information office and a free rest area.
It is conveniently located for sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area and is a grateful and reliable presence for tourists.
The retro and beautiful architecture is impressive, and it is one of the representative buildings of the Bikan Historical Area where you can feel the beauty and history of the Western-Japanese hybrid style.
It has also been a filming location for the live-action movie "Rurouni Kenshin" and the NHK morning drama "Carnation."
The facilities of the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office are as follows:
- Tourist Information Office
- Rest Area
- Coin Lockers
- Vending Machines
- Public Restrooms
- Sales of tickets for Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River
- Rest Area
- Nursing Room
- Diaper Changing Station
It can be said to be a presence that reaches the itchy spots.
History of the Kurashikikan
The Kurashikikan building was constructed over 100 years ago.
Let me introduce a brief history.
| Year | Use | About the Building |
|---|---|---|
| 1917 | Kurashiki Town (now Kurashiki City) Office | Completed |
| 1928 | Became Kurashiki City Office due to the enforcement of city system | |
| 1932–71 | City office functions were relocated Used as Kurashiki City Agricultural Mutual Aid Association office and warehouse | |
| 1971 | Converted to a tourist information facility | Preservation and repair |
| 1985–87 | Dismantling and repair | |
| 2016 | Designated as an important cultural property by Kurashiki City | |
| 2017–2020 | Partial dismantling and repair |
The partial dismantling and repair carried out from 2017 to 2020 was a large-scale project that left only the framework of the columns and removed all walls and floors.
While reinforcing earthquake resistance, it was reborn as a spacious and comfortable information office that is barrier-free.
The main points of renovation are as follows:
- Installation of an elevator (11-person capacity, wheelchair accessible)
- Multi-purpose restroom (with universal seat and ostomate facilities)
- Western-style toilets
- Second floor converted into a rest area and hall
- Installation of a nursing room, diaper changing station, and sink
Details about the points of renewal and construction are introduced in the following article.
Highlights of the Newly Renovated Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office
What I would like to recommend is the rest area on the second floor and the view from the rest area!
The clean rest area is spacious, and eating and drinking are allowed.
There is an elevator, so wheelchair and stroller users can feel at ease.
The tables and benches are made by TEORI, which creates bamboo furniture and daily goods in Mabi, Kurashiki City.
Bamboo is said to have excellent antibacterial, sterilizing, and deodorizing properties.
The smooth and pleasant-to-touch benches and chairs feel stylish yet warm.
TEORI products are also available at the Museum Shop of the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
I felt happy to be able to use TEORI products, which are highly regarded worldwide.
The poster display stands and trash cans are also made by TEORI.
Please take a close look at the delicate and beautiful bamboo laminated wood grain.
And the view from the window is highly recommended!
You can enjoy the scenery along Kurashiki River from two directions from above.
There are also exhibitions linked to events.
On the day of the interview, the sweet peas from Funao Town delighted visitors' eyes.
Convenient Points of Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office
Let me introduce the convenient points of Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office.
Get Tourist Information
Kurashiki has many tourist spots, facilities, restaurants, and accommodations.
Additionally, various events are held throughout the year.
The tourist information office allows you to efficiently obtain information about them.
There are various pamphlets and maps, so please visit at the beginning of your sightseeing.
You can also consult at the counter.
Buy Tickets for Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River
One of my favorite things about sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area is the "Punting Boat Rides on Kurashiki River."
The view of the Bikan Historical Area from the boat is exceptional, providing an elegant and atmospheric experience.
Tickets for the boat ride are sold only on the day and are reservation-based for each departure time.
Since it is on a first-come, first-served basis, it is recommended to visit Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office early.
Let's purchase tickets at the counter on the first floor.
Take a Break
The rest area is not only a place to rest your legs and take a breather, but it is also convenient for takeout food and drinks.
There are trash cans available, so it's nice that you don't have to carry your trash after eating.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tables and benches has been reduced, but normally more people can take a break here.
There is also a vending machine on the first floor.
Check Kurashiki Specialties
On the first floor, you can find displays of Kurashiki crafts and specialties such as denim, Kurashiki Glass, Kurashiki handwoven rugs, tatami edging, and Kurashiki igusa (rush grass).
The display cases are made by TEORI. The contents of the displays change depending on the season.
If you see something you are interested in, ask at the counter where it is sold.
Utilize Facilities Like Restrooms and Coin Lockers
The restrooms are equipped with warm water washing toilets and heated seats.
The multipurpose restroom has a universal seat and an ostomate facility, making it accessible for wheelchair users.
The structure allows access from both indoors and outdoors, but during the interview, it was only accessible from indoors.
The coin lockers are available in small size (16 units at 300 yen) and large size (4 units at 500 yen).
They are available for use on the same day only. Please retrieve your items by 5 PM.
The nursing room is equipped with a sink, a diaper changing table, a sofa, and a table.
The nursing space is simply divided by partitions, and since there are only a sofa and a table, it might be better to bring a nursing cover.
Men are also allowed to enter, but please speak to the staff at the information office when using it.
Diaper changing tables are also installed outside the nursing room.
The Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office supports the enjoyment of sightseeing.
I spoke with Takahashi Miharu from the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau about the renewal completed in 2020 and how to use it.
What are your personal recommendations, Takahashi-san?
Takahashi
Perhaps the view from the second floor.
We can provide a view that you can't see while walking on the street.
The view from the punting boat is also completely different from what you see from the ground, and I hope you can enjoy the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area from various places.
I think it's nice to see the buildings lined up.
Kurashiki Ivy Square has no tall buildings either.
Personally, I enjoy watching tourists walk around.
It makes me feel like, "Thank you for coming."
There are surprisingly few places where you can see the scenery along Kurashiki River from above.
Takahashi
That's right.
There are a few places, like restaurants, where you can go in.
Since Kurashikikan is free to use, you can take out food and enjoy it while looking at the scenery.
I hope not only tourists but also local residents can use it.
I would like them to come by casually and spend a relaxing time while taking a break.
What kind of renovations were done from 2017 to 2020?
Takahashi
The main purpose of the renovation was to make it barrier-free and to ensure the longevity of the facilities through seismic reinforcement.
It turned out to be more deteriorated than expected, and it took about six months longer than planned.
How has the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office changed?
Takahashi
For users, the biggest change is that they can now access the second floor.
Since it is a designated cultural property, we are basically preserving the previous structure.
Are there any other things that have been preserved since long ago, besides the floors and walls?
Takahashi
The wavy window glass is old glass that has been used since long ago.
The ceiling also uses wood that can still be used.
The paint has been redone.
However, I have heard that they are using the same type of paint that was used before the renovation as much as possible, rather than newly developed paints.
The information counter has also been there since before it became a tourist information office, although I don't know the exact timing.
It's nice to think that when you want to use the restroom or take a break, you can just come here and be fine.
Takahashi
That's right.
When you walk around, your feet get tired, right?
There aren't many places with benches outside, and you can only really take a break by going into a shop and having a coffee.
But since the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office is free to enter, I hope it can be used as a place to think about, "Where should I go next?"
Are there any precautions you take to ensure that users can use the facilities comfortably?
Takahashi
Cleaning and beautification.
Since it is an old building, if it is not kept clean, it can look very antiquated.
I clean by sweeping and wiping while observing the customers' conditions.
If any dangerous areas are found due to aging, we will take immediate measures to ensure safe and secure use.
What measures are being taken to combat the spread of COVID-19?
Takahashi
We have set up alcohol disinfectant at the entrance, installed partitions in the break area, spaced out tables and chairs, and opened windows for ventilation.
We regularly disinfect tables and other surfaces with alcohol during breaks in guidance.
Temperature checks are mandatory for those riding the punting boats.
What are your thoughts on future uses of the facility?
Takahashi
I want to make it a place that brings joy to many people.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, I hope to hold events on the second floor.
Previously, we held the "Kurashikikan Concert," which was well-received.
Live music really suits the Kurashikikan.
I think we need to work hard to create various projects to make it a more beloved facility.
Have you received any feedback from Kurashiki citizens?
Takahashi
I think tourist information centers tend to be facilities aimed at outsiders.
However, local residents have expressed comments like, "Oh, we can go to the second floor now," and "I wanted to see how it looks after the renovation."
It made me feel that there are people who have been looking forward to it.
I was happy to hear such voices from the citizens.
We also offer wheelchair and stroller rentals, as well as coin lockers and nursing rooms.
It would be great if local residents could come to the Bikan Historical Area for a stroll.
And I would be delighted if they could use the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office.
There are many good shops, and it is becoming an increasingly accessible place.
Let's Make Use of the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office
Located almost in the center of the Bikan Historical Area, the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office stands out.
Not only can you obtain information about tourism and events, but you can also take a comfortable break.
Using masking tape, a specialty of Kurashiki, for poster displays shows a subtle attention to detail and love for Kurashiki.
Please enjoy the view of the town from within this cultural asset and make good use of it.
Data on the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office
| Name | Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-4-8 Chuo, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-422-0542 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Closed | None Changes may occur during the New Year holidays |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Free to use |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets, barrier-free toilets, public toilets |
| Childcare | Nursing room, diaper changing station, stroller rental Sink available in the nursing room |
| Barrier-free | Barrier-free toilets, elevator, wheelchair rental |
| Website | Kurashikikan (Tourist Information Office) | Kurashiki Tourism WEB |
