Japan trip: Kurashiki and Himeji Castle

Earlier this year, I finally set foot in Japan, a country that has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I spent three weeks exploring, visiting 12 of its 48 prefectures. In this post, I’ll share my experiences in Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture and Himeji, home to the iconic Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture.

Kurashiki

Kurashiki, a charming historic city near Okayama, the prefectural capital, is best known for its beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter. White-walled, tile-roofed warehouses line a scenic canal, earning the city the nickname the “Venice of Japan.” Once a bustling centre for rice distribution during the Edo period, Kurashiki now blends traditional architecture with a rich cultural atmosphere. Its tranquil streets and historic charm offer visitors a window into Japan’s merchant past. In addition, Kurashiki is celebrated as the birthplace of the domestic jeans industry, earning its reputation as Japan’s denim capital.

Kurashiki is also home to museums worth exploring, most notably the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum dedicated to Western art. Founded in 1930, it houses masterpieces by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, and Gauguin, alongside works by prominent Japanese modern artists, offering a fascinating dialogue between East and West.

In Kurashiki, the streets are dotted with charming craft shops and cozy cafés. Don’t miss murasuzume, delicate thin pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste, a local treat that perfectly complements a stroll along the historic canal.

Where to eat and drink in Kurashiki

Ueda

Tucked within Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter, Ueda is a cozy café with a welcoming atmosphere. The friendly owner introduced me to Momo-chan, her “daughter”, who basically runs the café.

GJG ESPRESSO STORE

In contrast to Ueda, GJG ESPRESSO STORE offers a sleek, modern experience. There’s no resident cat here, but the café charms with its minimalist design and contemporary vibe.

Onoda Bar

Tucked away on the first floor of an unassuming building, this bar is easy to miss—its street-level signs are subtle, to say the least. Yet the hidden gem rewards those who seek it, offering both a captivating atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks. The elderly owner and bartender, Mr. Onoda, even delighted us with a gift: a fresh orange from Hiroshima.

立ち飲み カケハシInter Bridge Sake Tasting

Nestled within the same grounds as Hiyasai Login, the modern apartment where we stayed, this sake bar lives up to its name. It’s an ideal spot for tasting a variety of local sakes, and also offers regional specialties like yuzu tea and marmalade—perfect for taking a taste of Kurashiki home.

Shinsui

For dinner in Kurashiki, I highly recommend Shinsui. The food here was some of the best I’ve tasted in Japan—fresh, beautifully presented, and full of local flavor.

Where to stay in Kurashiki

I stayed at Hiyasai Login, a modern apartment in the heart of Kurashiki.

Himeji

Himeji is best known for its stunning namesake castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most exquisite examples of traditional castle architecture. Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for its graceful, white facade, it has withstood centuries of wars and natural disasters. The castle is set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, which burst into color during cherry blossom season, making it an especially magical destination in spring.

Where to eat and drink in Himeji

Hamamoto Coffee

For a coffee break or a light bite, I recommend Hamamoto Coffee. The almond and cinnamon toasts are utterly irresistible—simply to die for!

How to get there

Kurashiki and Himeji are conveniently close to Osaka and Kyoto, making them ideal for day trips (if you’d rather not stay overnight). To reach Kurashiki, take the Shinkansen from Osaka or Kyoto to Okayama (about an hour), then hop on a local train to Kurashiki. From there, Himeji is roughly an hour away by train, with a transfer back in Okayama.

How long to go there for

I suggest spending two nights in Kurashiki, which allows you plenty of time to explore the city and take a day trip to Himeji.

Further reading

To prepare for my trip, I used the Lonely Planet Japan Travel Guide. I recommend it especially if this is also your first time in Japan.

For specific recommendations on Osaka and Kyoto, check my posts:

Japan trip: Osaka, Nara, Himeji and Koyasan

9 (+1) things to do and see in Kyoto

Alex

(the Traveling Psychiatrist)