While strolling through the Bikan Historical Area, I have been noticing an increasing number of tourists visiting from overseas. It feels like the tourists have returned to the area, just as they were before, after overcoming the long hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bikan Historical Area is a popular tourist spot in Okayama Prefecture, but there is a tourism facility that opened with the desire to "let people know more about the attractions of areas other than the Bikan Historical Area."
The facility is named LOGIN Kurashiki. It is a new tourism facility that brings together the charms of the Takahashi River basin, and it grandly opened on April 27, 2024 (Saturday).
This time, I will introduce the opening ceremony of LOGIN Kurashiki.
What is LOGIN Kurashiki
“LOGIN Kurashiki” is a tourism facility that opened in the Bikan Historical Area on April 27, 2024 (Saturday).
The aim is to promote the charms of the Takahashi River basin, and it gathers eight tenants related to products, dining, and hotels inspired by the basin.
LOGIN Kurashiki is expected to be a tourism hub that conveys the traditions, culture, industries, and nature of the Takahashi River basin to tourists, creating opportunities for them to actually visit the Takahashi River basin.
The entire facility is also focusing on inbound tourism, with some stores providing English menus and setting up tour desks for overseas tourists.
LOGIN Kurashiki is located a little off the main street in the Bikan Historical Area. Until 2021, a market called "Kurashiki Roji Ichiba" was held every Saturday at the same location, bustling with local residents.
To preserve the background of the land, the name "LOGIN Kurashiki" combines "Roji" (alley) with "In" (to enter).
LOGIN Kurashiki was opened by Shonou Land Co., Ltd., which operates in the real estate business in Kurashiki City. They had been supporting the Kurashiki Roji Ichiba for some time. With this renovation, they aim to create a facility that serves as a hub for the Takahashi River basin.
LOGIN Kurashiki had been a topic of conversation among those around me even before its opening. I attended the opening ceremony on the memorable first day.
Opening Ceremony
On April 27, 2024 (Saturday), the opening ceremony of LOGIN Kurashiki was held amidst light rain.
Greetings from LOGIN Kurashiki Officials
First, there was a greeting from Hiroyuki Hara, the representative of Shonou Land Co., Ltd., the organizer.
Mr. Hara mentioned that he wanted to create a base for the Takahashi River basin in Kurashiki since around 2018.
Kurashiki has a rich history built by our predecessors.
They established the history of the Tenryo, a territory directly governed by the Edo Shogunate, and Ohara Magosaburo created the route of the Hakubi Line connecting San'in, and in the Showa era, his son Ohara Soichiro proposed the Takahashi River Basin Federation.
I believe that the thoughts of those predecessors remain in Kurashiki, where "everyone in the region drinks the same water of the Takahashi River" and unites.
Moreover, overseas visitors to Kurashiki tend to only visit about three places: Okayama Castle and Korakuen in Okayama City, and the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki. It is a waste that so many wonderful contents exist in the Takahashi River basin, yet no one goes there.
Therefore, I started LOGIN Kurashiki to create a facility that serves as a hub for the Takahashi River basin and also as a center for inbound tourism.
We have interviewed all the tenants and gathered those who agreed with our vision. After numerous meetings, we have finally reached the opening day today.
I hope that not only will you enjoy this facility, but also pay attention to the people who work here.
Mr. Hara expressed his dream of creating similar hub facilities in the other six cities and three towns outside of Kurashiki once LOGIN Kurashiki becomes rooted in the community, and someday uniting the Takahashi River basin.
He also explained about the buildings and inner garden of the facility, stating that the fountain and ground decorations in the inner garden are inspired by the Takahashi River basin.
Next, Akane Ohara, the representative director of the Ohara Art Foundation, gave a greeting as a guest.
Ms. Ohara remarked, "It feels like we are receiving the blessings of water from the sky with the rain falling on this facility that is in harmony with the Takahashi River. Even though Okayama is known as the land of sunshine," and offered her congratulatory words, incorporating the day's weather into her speech.
Both Ms. Ohara and Mr. Hara come from historically significant families that have long protected the town of Kurashiki. Ms. Ohara said, "Seeing Mr. Hara create such a facility and strive to do more for the community makes me feel like I need to work harder too!" revealing a heartwarming moment that showcased their relationship.
She concluded with, "I believe we all share the desire for people around the world to think, 'I’m glad I came to the Bikan Historical Area.' I sincerely pray for this place to shine."
Afterward, there were greetings from those involved in the construction and garden design.
Regarding the architecture, they held numerous meetings on how to express "the life of the alley and the essence of Kurashiki", and it was designed with the hope that the stores would be able to work together amicably, like residents living in row houses.
The buildings of LOGIN Kurashiki, which use wood throughout, provide warmth and brightness, while also preserving the closeness of neighboring row houses.
Gardener Takuya Sakamoto spoke about the inner garden themed around "dragons" and expressed gratitude to those involved who have been with him until the opening. Regarding the light rain, he said, "I believe it is a sign that the water god, the dragon god, has descended."
Finally, Hiroshi Sakanoue from the Takahashi River Presentare, the organization responsible for the future operation of the facility, took the microphone.
Mr. Sakanoue described the people involved with LOGIN Kurashiki as "water people." In Kurashiki, there are terms for "wind people" who visit for tourism or short stays, "earth people" who are rooted in their hometown, and "water people" who connect the two.
He expressed the hope that LOGIN Kurashiki would become a place where visitors can connect with people from other regions and be inspired to actually visit.
LOGIN Kurashiki, completed with the thoughts of many people, is expected to have plenty of highlights, including products and services, the entire building, the inner garden, and the people working there.
Flag Raising to Celebrate the Opening
About five minutes before the opening at 10:00 AM, a flag raising ceremony was held with hopes for the future.
As the facility staff holding the banners gathered, the rain stopped just in time, as if the sky was also waiting for the opening.
With Mr. Hara's shout, "These are our companions standing here. Let's do our best at LOGIN Kurashiki!", the bengara-colored flag was raised high.
With wonderful smiles and lively cheers, a big round of applause naturally arose.
Ten seconds before the opening, everyone counted down together, and amidst the lively atmosphere, LOGIN Kurashiki opened.
Store Introduction (Part)
LOGIN Kurashiki features the following eight tenants.
- Tono Shoten (Dining)
- Tachinomi-dokoro Kakehashi (Dining)
- Jun-gumi - Amazake Smoothie Stand - (Dining)
- Kurashiki Canvas LOGIN Kurashiki Store (Retail)
- Okayama OkurimonoFarm LOGIN Kurashiki Store (Retail)
- Tsunagu Kurashiki (Retail)
- TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL (Tours & Services)
- HIYASAI (Accommodation)
After the opening, I visited some interesting shops. Here are some of them.
Tachinomi-dokoro Kakehashi
The first place I visited was Tachinomi-dokoro Kakehashi. It is a standing bar operated by local revitalization cooperation volunteers from Okayama Prefecture.
Here, you can casually enjoy sake and beer made in the Takahashi River basin, along with local snacks that change with the seasons.
The staff at the front are current members and alumni of the local revitalization cooperation volunteers from Okayama Prefecture. They share the charm of the Takahashi River basin and Okayama Prefecture through drinks, offering a unique perspective as residents. The atmosphere is welcoming for solo visitors, making it easy to drop in and enjoy conversations with the staff.
There are also soft drinks made from local ingredients, so even those who do not drink alcohol will find it easy to stop by.
The shop also displays traditional crafts and folk art related to the Takahashi River basin, allowing visitors to experience the local culture.
In the future, events will be held featuring menus using local specialties, so please check their Instagram.
Okayama Okurimono Farm LOGIN Kurashiki Store
Next, I visited the Okayama Okurimono Farm LOGIN Kurashiki Store, which is filled with local food and items. They also operate a restaurant in Okayama City, offering parfaits made with fruits harvested from the Takahashi River basin.
The products selected by the staff, who believe that "since you are visiting for tourism, you should try local products", are all sourced from Okayama Prefecture. As the store only carries recommended items from the staff, you can feel the quality and care in every product.
They also carry a private brand called "Urara," which sells jelly, juice, and ice cream made from fruits harvested in the prefecture.
During the opening ceremony, I was able to sample grape juice, which had a rich and refreshing flavor that truly captured the essence of the grapes. I think it would make a perfect souvenir or gift.
This shop seems perfect for casual gifts or presents for people from outside the prefecture.
TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL
The last place I visited was TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL.
They offer deep city walking experiences, tour guides, and activities in the Bikan Historical Area at night, providing unique travel plans that can only be experienced with TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL.
They also provide maps of the Bikan Historical Area in various languages for international tourists.
TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL aims to provide experiences that make you want to meet the guides again, utilizing their personalities and humor, rather than just conveying the charm of the location.
They offer many deep tourism plans that can only be provided by a local travel company, such as factory tours of local businesses that are usually not open to the public and participation in unique events held at Achi Shrine.
They also offer paid services for luggage storage and rental bicycles, making it convenient for those who want to explore freely or venture a bit further.
Conclusion
On the day of the opening ceremony, a market was held in the square in front of LOGIN Kurashiki.
I thought the previous "Kurashiki Roji Market" had returned, so I casually stopped by after my interview.
The market was bustling with local people, and it felt like the energy of LOGIN Kurashiki was also spreading to the market. It was a moment where I could slightly envision a future where LOGIN Kurashiki boosts Kurashiki and eventually spreads that excitement to the Takahashi River basin.
This market event is held every Saturday and Sunday. The themes change according to the season and locality, so there seems to be a different way to enjoy it each week.
The charm of the Takahashi River basin is something that even local residents find hard to grasp, and even if they do, there are rarely opportunities to convey it to others. I felt that having a base like LOGIN Kurashiki to promote its charm would significantly raise awareness of the Takahashi River basin among tourists.
I hope that more people will visit the Takahashi River basin as a result of visiting LOGIN Kurashiki.
LOGIN Kurashiki Data
| Name | LOGIN Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Opening Days | Hours vary by store |
| Location | 2-20-9 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | No admission fee |
| Website | Official LOGIN Kurashiki Website |
Kurashiki City, Hayashima Town, Yakage Town, Soja City, Asakuchi City, Satosho Town, Kasaoka City, Ibara City, Niimi City, Takahashi City