Apr 12, 2015 - 1 min read

Dusk in the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter

Exploring Okayama's most beautiful historic district

By Leslie Taylor

Community writer

On a clear evening, colorful skies paint the streets and waters of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with vivid, calming hues.

Traversing the area by bike would make for a short, but very pleasant ride.

During the day these boats shuttle visitors around the canal, but come evening they sit quietly in the calm waters.

A walk through the Bikan Quarter is just what the doctor ordered for this salaryman. After you walk through for yourself, you'll understand why!

Despite its fame and beauty, the quarter can become sparse late in the day. A stroll through the area during these quiet times can be as relaxing as it is magical.

Many of the shops are closed by this time of the day, but there's a good chance you'll see shopkeepers cleaning up for the evening.

Streets like this one are common around the historical quarter, taking visitors back to the Japan of hundreds of years ago. Though you still might run into a modern delivery man here and there.

The blue skies of blue hour make for beautiful reflections in the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter's historic canal.

As the blue hour colors deepen, so does the atmosphere of the quarter. This ancient stone bridge is a great place to enjoy the mixture of lights, colors, and reflections.

Though many shops may close up when the sun goes down, a few remain open later. Even the closed ones add to the atmosphere of this incredible historical quarter.

If you look around, you can find a few places that are still open to enjoy dinner and nice conversation. Not a bad way to end an evening!

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, located in Okayama Prefecture, is perfect for experiencing the Japan of old. Centuries ago this was a merchant quarter which used the central canal for delivering goods. Today many modern shops still line the narrow canal, yet the air of old Japan has been preserved at great effort. With no visible electrical lines and well kept grounds and buildings, it's easy to see why it's such a popular tourist spot. Yet as the sun goes down, you will often find the area nearly empty, making it a perfect place to explore with a camera or just relax.

More info

Find out more about Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

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By Leslie Taylor

Community writer

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Elena Lisina 4 years ago

Great shots!

Jerome Lee 9 years ago

Wow Leslie...these are some amazing pictures! I have never thought of Okayama to be this beautiful...I am thoroughly convinced now by your photos!

Leslie Taylor Photographer 9 years ago

Thanks! :D I lived there for a year (in fact my 2nd daughter was born very close to this place) so I learned first hand how beautiful it can be in a lot of ways! :)

Cathy Cawood 9 years ago

Wonderful photos of one of my favorite places in Japan!

Leslie Taylor Photographer 9 years ago

Thanks! Yes, it's one of my favorites as well. :D

Veronika Tomanova 9 years ago

It remindes me or Bruge in Belgium. The canals are making the city romantic!

Leslie Taylor Photographer 9 years ago

Yes I can see the similarities! I actually lived in Belgium for a semester in college. It's another very beautiful country!

Anonymous 9 years ago

Brilliant photos, I love the ones of the streets! Looks like a Japanese Amsterdam in some ways in terms of the canal. I can imagine, as you said, this is a perfect place to walk around and explore with a camera.

Leslie Taylor Photographer 9 years ago

I've been to Europe but was not able to visit Amsterdam, unfortunately. Need to make that trip someday! :)

13 comments in total

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Information

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054 (Directions)

city.kurashiki.okayama.jp

Elena Lisina 4 years ago

Great shots!

Jerome Lee 9 years ago

Wow Leslie...these are some amazing pictures! I have never thought of Okayama to be this beautiful...I am thoroughly convinced now by your photos!

Leslie Taylor Photographer 9 years ago

Thanks! :D I lived there for a year (in fact my 2nd daughter was born very close to this place) so I learned first hand how beautiful it can be in a lot of ways! :)