Did you know about this remarkable place, located at the entrance to the Bikan Historical Area, with a nagaya-mon gate passed down since the Edo period?
It is also used as a venue for events held every year, such as “Spring Evening Lights” and “Heartland Kurashiki.” Its appeal includes a relaxing rest area and rental rooms available to the general public.
Here we introduce “Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan,” a place we hope you will visit first when sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area.
The information provided was current when this article was published in April 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What kind of place is Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan?
Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan was opened on April 24, 2009, as a place for exchange between residents and visitors, after part of the Ohashi House was renovated.
Coin lockers and wheelchairs are available to borrow, making this an ideal place to stop at the start of your visit to the Bikan Historical Area.
If a rental room is available, it can also be borrowed as a nursing room.
There are benches in spots where you can look out over the garden and the building, and with a cafe and accessible restroom also available, anyone can stop and rest.
If you get tired while exploring the town, why not stop by for a break?
▼There is also a “shortcut” on the east side of the building leading to Hayashi Genjuro Shoten.
You can also pass through the gate marked “Shortcut.”
▼The nagaya-mon gate at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan has an information corner with coin lockers, vending machines, and various pamphlets.
Until 2020, there was a tourist information office in the same location. Please note that it moved when the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office reopened after renovations.
What is on display in the exhibition rooms?
The exhibition rooms feature a timeline of Kurashiki's history, as well as items connected with Kurashiki City's Japan Heritage.
Here are some of the exhibits.
Kurashiki City's Japan Heritage stories
Kurashiki City has many cultural properties that make up three Japan Heritage stories.
- A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower — A textile town woven from Japanese and Western influences
- A different world entwined with the dreams of men who overcame the stormy seas — Ports of call and shipowner settlements of the Kitamaebune
- Okayama, Birthplace of the Legend of Momotaro — A tale of demon-slaying inspired by the heritage of ancient Kibi
Materials and videos introducing the cultural properties that make up these stories are available to view, and may be useful for your visit to Kurashiki.
A dynamic model of Achi Shrine's Autumn Grand Festival
Here is a miniature display depicting the procession of the sacred palanquin at the Achi Shrine Autumn Grand Festival, located in the center of the exhibition room.
The procession of the sacred palanquin at the Autumn Grand Festival, held every October, is a traditional event that dates back to the Edo period.
By the way, what do you think this model is made of?
Believe it or not, it is made of washi!
A Hiroshima resident spent five years researching the festival on their own and created this work, recreating the procession with such energy that it seems ready to spring into motion.
It is a wonderful work that conveys the atmosphere of the festival, so be sure to look into the display case and experience the festive spirit.
What is Suinkyo?
Have you seen these masks before?
At first glance, they may look eerie, and children might even find them frightening.
The masks displayed on the left in the photo above are said to be the original “Grandpa and Grandma” masks, the forerunners of Suinkyo.
At Achi Shrine's Autumn Grand Festival, older people used to play the feet of the lion dancers. But as their legs and backs weakened, it became difficult for them to continue.
So they had “Grandpa and Grandma” masks made and had young people wear them. That is how the tradition began.
From around the Meiji period, “Grandpa and Grandma” came to be called “Suinkyo.”
In the past, the masks covered the entire face, making them extremely hot, so people apparently walked around fanning themselves with uchiwa fans.
Children would come over and cling to them, and the performers would shoo them away with their fans. This is why people now say that being tapped on the head with a fan by Suinkyo brings good fortune.
If you see Suinkyo walking around at a festival or event, let them tap you on the head with a fan and experience a culture unique to Kurashiki.
Naoki Okamoto's “Bird's-Eye View of Kurashiki,” preserving the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area
Next, we introduce a bird's-eye view illustration of central Kurashiki City by Naoki Okamoto, a painter from Kurashiki City.
After training as a painter in the United States and France, he created the illustration to preserve the streetscapes of his hometown, whose familiar appearance was gradually fading with each visit home.
Local residents who have lived in Kurashiki for a long time pointed at the illustration and reminisced, saying, “That's right, this used to be here.”
The 1963 and 2005 editions are displayed side by side, so why not look at how Kurashiki has changed and enjoy the transformation of the town?
“Chalk art” filled with local pride, changing every month
Chalk art by Hajime Ono, a Kurashiki City resident who paints in oils as a hobby, was on display.
New chalk art inspired by the season is displayed every month, so be sure to stop by.
Attractive rental rooms anyone can use
The rental rooms are available to anyone, not just Kurashiki residents, and regardless of whether they are professionals or amateurs.
They are used for a variety of purposes, including piano recitals, live performances, exhibitions of personal works, matchmaking events, and as changing rooms for pre-wedding photo shoots.
Five Japanese-style rooms, a meeting room, and a multipurpose hall are available for rent for a fee. For the latest rental rates, please check the official website.
The building has an elevator, and the restrooms are on the second floor.
The meeting room offers a sense of openness and lets visitors experience Kurashiki’s atmosphere, so we hear that many people come back.
The multipurpose hall is often used for live performances and exhibitions.
Next, we spoke with Hiroko Suyama, who handles reception and plans events at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan Information
| Name | Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086‐435-1277 |
| Parking | None Visitors who apply to use a rental room will receive a ¥100 voucher for a municipal parking lot |
| Opening hours | April–November: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (last admission at 8:45 p.m.) December–March: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:45 p.m.) |
| Closed | Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Available |
| Smoking | Entire facility is non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets, accessible restroom |
| Childcare | Diaper-changing table ※A baby changing table is available in the multipurpose restroom. ・If a rental room is available, it can be used as a nursing space from 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. ※Apply at the reception desk inside the main building exhibition room |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair rental, ramp, accessible restroom, elevator ＜Wheelchair rental＞Kurashiki City Wheelchair: 1 available. Rental hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m. ※Apply at the reception desk inside the main building exhibition room |
| Website | Kurashiki Machizukuri Co., Ltd. — Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
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