Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter (Photo Tour for Terrain Inspiration)

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Recently, my wife and I visited Kurashiki’s Bikan historical quarter. Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, was an important Edo-era (1603-1868) trading hub that heavily dealt in rice, and then was a textile center in the Meiji-era (1868-1912). This area is packed with white-walled storehouses and homes giving it an old-fashioned atmosphere. I hope these photos provide some terrain and gaming inspiration.

Of note, is the volume of museums in the area. There are multiple art museums, including Japan’s first private art museum, an archeology museum, and restored old houses and villas. The most enjoyable is the Inoue house, where the owner and 16th head of the Inoue family gave us a tour in English. His family was among the original local landlords and this, his grandparents’ home, was built in the 1700s. It was just restored to its appearance from that time and has little surprises everywhere, any place that can become discreet storage is, and it has folding wooden doors I’ve not seen in other homes. It’s worth visiting if you’re ever in town.

I also visited the Kuniyoshi Ukiyo-e Museum, which has eight rooms of original prints along with English translations of the title and subject matter. It was very immersive, as was the generous use of air conditioning.

The most impressive house is that of the Ohashi family; wealthy merchants and landlords who essentially bought the right to carry themselves like samurai. They could legally carry swords and add a nagayamon gate house to their property.


















Inoue House






Ohashi House

[has.been]

Thanks for posting. Lots of lovely scenery.

[anevilgiraffe]

I've been to Japan twice, never seen it so deserted...

lovely spot though, would love to visit

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

I've been to Japan twice, never seen it so deserted...

lovely spot though, would love to visit

The trick is to walk around before the tourists wake up! It did fair business throughout the day, but I wanted to get shots of the streets without people in the way. Also, I'm antisocial.

Kurashiki is a bit out of the way, it's in Okayama Prefecture, which is between Kobe and Hiroshima.

[anevilgiraffe]

looks like it's straight on the main line for Osaka - which I've done twice and missed it both times 

[Vagabond]

That a really useful resource thanks for posting.

[Mr. White]

These pictures are fantastic!
I've only made it to Japan once. We did go from Kyoto out to Hiroshima to take the ferry to Miyajima Island, but were oblivious to this historical quarter. We need to go back now!

Thanks for sharing!

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

These pictures are fantastic!
I've only made it to Japan once. We did go from Kyoto out to Hiroshima to take the ferry to Miyajima Island, but were oblivious to this historical quarter. We need to go back now!

Thanks for sharing!

You're welcome. Kurashiki isn't one of the major tourism centers, but I was surprised how many foreign visitors were there.