If you are going to visit the Bikan Historical Area, you would want to stay at a traditional inn that retains its old charm and enjoy the area to your heart's content.
Tsuru-gata Ryokan is an inn that utilizes a merchant house from the Edo period located along the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Area.
Inside the building, many folk crafts, including works by Munakata Shiko, are utilized, making it a suitable place to experience history and tradition, complemented by its historical architecture.
Despite being located in the bustling tourist area of the Bikan Historical Area, Tsuru-gata Ryokan offers a relaxing accommodation experience away from the daily grind.
Overview of Tsuru-gata Ryokan
Tsuru-gata Ryokan is a long-established inn located about a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station, within the Bikan Historical Area.
Tracing back to the Edo period, it was built in 1744 and renovated to open as an inn in 1970. Since then, it has welcomed numerous visitors from both Japan and abroad.
As the name of the inn suggests, it places great importance on food, offering a seasonal dining experience.
The inn is equipped with the following facilities:
- 11 guest rooms (all Japanese-style)
- Large public bath (male and female)
- Banquet hall (large hall)
- Dining area "Tsuru-gata" (lunch only)
In addition to accommodation, it is also valued as a venue for celebrations such as engagement ceremonies and wedding receptions.
Architecture of Tsuru-gata Ryokan
Tsuru-gata Ryokan utilizes an oil wholesaler built during the era of the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune (1744). It is said to be the second oldest building in the Bikan Historical Area (the oldest being the current Inoue House), characterized by its dignified structure of a mid-Edo period town house with a two-story altar.
In the large hall located on the second floor of the main building, there are thick beams running east to west, showcasing the grandeur of the timber that has been passed down since the Edo period. From the lattice windows of the large hall, you can enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the Kurashiki River and major spots in the Bikan Historical Area, such as the Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office.
The pine tree in the courtyard boasts an age of over 400 years, making it the oldest tree in Kurashiki, and you can enjoy a tranquil, traditional landscape with stone lanterns and Kitayama cedar.
Upon entering the building, you will find art pieces, including works by Munakata Shiko, displayed.
You can choose free drinks from a charming writing bureau and relax in carefully maintained chairs while gazing at the courtyard, allowing you to experience a luxurious life with folk crafts.
Guest Rooms with All Japanese-Style Rooms
All guest rooms at Tsuru-gata Ryokan are Japanese-style rooms.
The interior and structure vary by room, and each room is named after a place in Kurashiki City, featuring shoji screens and tokonoma alcoves.
From the windows of the rooms, you can view the namako walls of the Bikan Historical Area and the well-maintained courtyard, giving you a sense of staying in the Bikan Historical Area.
Although it is located along the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Area, the guest rooms are situated in a secluded area, allowing for a sense of tranquility. The calm atmosphere inside the inn may evoke a feeling of being in an extraordinary place.
Enjoy Unique Meals at the Ryokan
Tsuru-gata Ryokan does not offer a room-only plan.
The reason is that they want guests to enjoy the ryokan's signature dishes.
They have also supervised in-flight meals for JAL domestic first class.
During the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (now the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita) to Ibara City in Okayama Prefecture, despite the distance, there was a request for bento to be provided by Tsuru-gata.
The cuisine not only changes with the seasons but also offers different dishes every day for guests staying multiple nights.
Indeed, it is a ryokan where you can savor the seasons through its cuisine.
The attached "Dining Place Tsurugata" is a Japanese restaurant, but those who prefer Western cuisine can also enjoy meals at the affiliated Kurashiki International Hotel. (Offered at a discounted price)
I spoke with Yurie Hitsumoto from Tsurugata Ryokan, a place where you can experience the traditions of Kurashiki.
Data on Tsurugata Ryokan
| Name | Tsurugata Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-3-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-1635 |
| Check-in | 3:00 PM |
| Check-out | 10:00 AM |
| Payment Methods |
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| Facility Information | Rooms: 11 (all Japanese-style) Capacity: 34 for general guests, 38 for groups All rooms equipped with air conditioning, television, and Western-style toilets |
| Bath | Large public bath (male and female) (Some rooms have a bathroom inside) |
| Wi-Fi | Available Wi-Fi accessible in all rooms |
| Parking | Available Prior contact is required for parking. For overnight stays, free use of the Kurashiki International Hotel parking lot (5-minute walk) from 1:00 PM to 11:00 AM the next day. Note that the parking lot (40 cars) is shared with the Kurashiki International Hotel and is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the hotel parking is full, nearby contracted parking will be guided. *For use outside of hotel parking hours, a fee of 250 yen per 30 minutes applies. |
| Website | Tsurugata Ryokan |
This refers to when the Emperor and Empress go out together.