🏮✨ Kurashiki Bikan Weekend Escape: A Journey Through Edo-Period Japan

#summervacay *Perfect for history lovers • photographers • slow travelers* --- ### **🌿 DAY 1: Canals & Timeless Beauty** **🚄 9AM:** Train from Osaka (1hr) → Kurashiki Station (10-min walk to Bikan) **🏨 11AM:** Check into **Ryokan Kurashiki** (traditional rooms overlooking canals) **🛶 1PM:** - **Canal boat ride** (¥500, 20-min glide past willow-lined waterways) - **Ohara Museum** (Western masterpieces in Edo warehouses) **🍡 3PM:** - Matcha & warabi mochi at **Kurashiki Ivy Square** - **Kimono rental** (@Yumeyakata, ¥3,500 for full set) **🌙 7PM:** - Kaiseki dinner at **Ryotei Hitoshi** (Michelin-listed) - **Night illumination walk** (best photos 8-9PM) --- ### **🎎 DAY 2: Artisan Alleys & Hidden Gems** **☀️ 8AM:** - Sunrise photos at **Tsuruya Honkan** (empty cobblestone streets) - Breakfast at **Kurashiki Coffee** (100-year-old kissaten) **✋ 10AM:** - **Bikan Craft Studio** (try indigo dyeing) - **Kurabo Memorial Hall** (Japan’s denim heritage) **🚲 1PM:** - Bike rental to **Achi Shrine** (viewpoint over red roofs) - Lunch at **Mamakari-tei** (local sardine cuisine) **🎭 7PM:** - **Kurashiki Folk Craft Museum** night tour - Izakaya hopping along **Honmachi-dori** --- ### **🛍️ DAY 3: Leisurely Farewell** **🍙 9AM:** - Breakfast bento from **Kurashiki Morning Market** (Sundays only) - Final canal-side stroll **🎁 11AM:** - Souvenir shopping: - **Bikan-chiku glassware** - **Denim goods** @ Japan Blues - **Local sake** @ Kikkawa Brewery **🚆 2PM:** Peaceful train ride back --- ### **📸 Iconic Shots:** 1. **Willow reflections** in morning canals 2. **White walls + black tiles** of kura warehouses 3. **Stone bridges** framed by lanterns 4. **Kimono-clad strolls** at dusk **💡 Pro Tips:** ✔️ **Weekday mornings** = no crowds ✔️ **April** = Kurashiki Spring Festival ✔️ **Combined ticket** for Ohara + Folk Craft museums **#kurashikibikan #japantravel #hiddenjapan #edoperiodcharm** 🛶 **Save this for your timeless escape!**