Best Tours & Activities in Kurashiki

Discover Kurashiki the traditional way: on a rickshaw. As a shogunate crown colony in the Edo period (1603~1868), Kurashiki enjoyed prosperity by storing goods and products from all over Japan. Alongside the canals are white-wall Japanese style warehouses and traditional Japanese houses with willow trees on the bank. This tour can be customized to your preferred departure time, ending point, and length.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kurashiki! The main attraction in Kurashiki is its atmospheric Bikan quarter, an area of historic buildings along an old willow-edged canal, laneways lined with old wooden houses and shops, and perfectly preserved Edo period mills. Visiting Kurashiki Bikan is like takling a step back in time! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Hiroyuki Hara, the famous Hara family that lived in Kurashiki for 400 years (Edo period), represents a deeper history of Kurashiki with an interpreter. Speaking of the origin and history of Kurashiki, we will visit places in the Bikan Historical Quarter. At the end of the tour, we will enter Cafe Ueda, established in 1972 and loved by the locals for a long time, you can talk with Hiroyuki Hara. You will experience the "real Kurashiki" that you cannot find on the Internet. You will be able to discover the charm of the Bikan Historical Quarter, which only locals who actually live in Kurashiki can talk about. Let's learn more about Kurashiki from the city's history, not just sightseeing. At the end of the tour, you will receive a wonderful souvenir.

A qualified tea master will hold a full-fledged tea ceremony in a traditional tea room. You can listen to the etiquette of the tea ceremony and how to use the utensils while enjoying the matcha that is made in front of you and the beautiful Japanese sweets. It will be a wonderful experience.

Why don't you make your one and only Temari in the world? She usually runs a glasses shop, but for everyone's benefit, Grandma Yasue will teach you how to make them for those who come to Kurashiki! Temari has long been a favorite folk craft of Kurashiki. Temari is made by wrapping thread around a core filled with rice husks and embroidery. In this experience, you will start by embroidering the core that has been made in advance.

A housewife will help you make "bara sushi," a traditional Okayama home-cooked dish. You can learn about traditional food culture from her. The types of ingredients to add and the amount to serve are up to your preference.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English Speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kurashiki! The main attraction in Kurashiki is its atmospheric Bikan quarter, an area of historic buildings along an old willow-edged canal, laneways lined with old wooden houses and shops, and perfectly preserved Edo period mills. Visiting Kurashiki Bikan is like taking a step back in time! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Guided by two locals who are so deeply connected to Kurashiki that everyone in the Bikan Historical Quarter area knows them, this tour invites you into the everyday life of the city. Throughout the tour, a licensed interpreter-guide will accompany you to ensure smooth communication and a deeper understanding of the stories behind each place. Rather than a typical walking tour, you will first learn the story of Kurashiki’s cotton culture—discovering the city from the inside out so you can truly appreciate its essence.

・A viewpoint that looks down over the Seto Ohashi Bridge. ・Hands-on Kojima denim at Betty Smith**, including a **rivet-setting experience** (with time for shopping). ・Peace of mind on a private tour**, with a snack break at a traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop** along the way. ・All cycling gear provided**, plus **one drink at a local café** included. Discover Okayama and Kurashiki on a private 4-hour ride blending Seto Inland Sea views with Kojima denim. Cruise quiet coastal roads by Seto Ohashi, pause for coffee, and visit Betty Smith Jeans Museum, with optional browsing on Kojima Jeans Street. Easy, photo-friendly pacing. Bike, helmet, gloves, insurance included; lunch/shopping extra. Café “Toki no Kairō” is closed on Wednesdays, and the Japanese confectionery shop “Gagetsudō” is closed on Mondays. If either store is closed on the day of your tour, we will guide you to an alternative location offering a similar atmosphere and experience. Thank you for your understanding.

Let's try to deepen your understanding of the Japanese people's love of nature and the culture ikebana experience!! Firstly, the interpreter will explain the history and spirit of ikebana at a flower store that has been loved by the locals for 70 years. After that, you will be able to choose one type of flower for yourself. Then, You will travel from the flower store to the classroom through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with an interpreter. A teacher from Ikenobo, Japan's oldest school of Ikebana, who has been arranging flowers for 65 years, will teach you everything from techniques to etiquette. This tour is not just a hands-on experience, but also a springboard to a deeper understanding of Ikebana and Japanese culture. The spirit of ikebana is rooted in the idea of giving life back to life by arranging flowers that had once been cut off by plucking. If flower arrangement is an aesthetic of addition, ikebana is an aesthetic of subtraction.

"Karaku" – A Premier Peach Orchard in Asahara, Kurashiki, Okayama Located in Asahara, Kurashiki—one of Okayama’s top peach-producing areas—Karaku offers peaches fully ripened on the tree and processed using a unique “Water Ripening Method,” allowing delicious peaches to be enjoyed year-round. In this tour, you’ll stroll through the orchard while hearing directly from the farmers. You’ll learn about rare autumn-bearing varieties, post-harvest farming work, and the daily life and innovations of peach growers—insights not usually accessible to the public. Although peach picking is unavailable this season, this is still a rare opportunity to explore the orchard and deepen your appreciation of peaches. At the end of the experience, you'll head to the farm's direct sales shop to enjoy a special peach drink called Momo-tein. The shop also sells a variety of peach-based products, and depending on the season, fresh peaches may also be available—perfect for finding a unique souvenir.

Sweet, beautiful peaches grown in harmony with nature. Relax with a peach experience at MOMONA. Located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama, MOMONA Peach Farm is surrounded by natural beauty and nourished by pure mountain water. The farm grows over 20 varieties of peaches using sōsei saibai, a grass-based cultivation method that avoids herbicides. From early Hanayome to late Fuyumomogatari, MOMONA’s peaches include popular types like Hakuhō, Shimizu Hakutō, and Hakurei. This experience doesn’t include peach picking, but offers a relaxing orchard walk while hearing directly from farmers about peach cultivation and their sustainable practices. After the stroll, enjoy a special dessert made with MOMONA’s own peaches. Its fragrance and sweetness offer a delightful moment of calm. Spend a peaceful, peach-filled time with your loved ones at MOMONA Peach Farm—an experience that connects you with nature and local flavor.

This is an authentic, host-led cooking experience at a family-run rice farm with nearly 400 years of history. Your host, Chieko, is a local rice farmer who welcomes guests into her home to share everyday Japanese cooking. All rice used in the class is grown in Chieko’s own fields, along with seasonal local ingredients. You will learn simple, nourishing meals that reflect daily life in rural Japan. The experience takes place in a private farmhouse in the countryside of Kurashiki, not in a cooking studio. Guests choose one independent course per booking: Onigiri, Makizushi, Gyoza, or Mochi. Each course has a different menu. Vegetarian and vegan options are available for the Onigiri, Makizushi, and Mochi courses with advance notice. The Gyoza course is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. The atmosphere is warm and personal. While English is not perfectly fluent, Chieko communicates sincerely using simple English and gestures.

During the day, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is bustling with tourists, but at night, it takes on a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. This bar-hopping tour with a local guide allows you to discover hidden spots that are difficult to find on your own while enjoying food and drinks. Along the way, you'll also learn about the history and culture of the Bikan District, making it a unique experience that blends exploration and education.

Kurashiki Private Food Tour – Izakayas & Bikan District Join a private food tour around Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical District, visiting local izakayas and restaurants. Before the tour, you’ll receive a short questionnaire so we can create a custom plan based on your preferences. After booking, please check the email and reply—your answers help us arrange the best route and venues. Enjoy authentic local dining away from tourist crowds. The tour lasts up to 3 hours with a flexible schedule. If one stop is in the Bikan District, enjoy a night walk through illuminated streets after dinner. An optional plan includes two restaurants, each with one drink and one or two dishes. You can choose this option during booking. The base price does not include food or drinks. Please pay directly at each restaurant. Model Itinerary: – A 200-year-old heritage restaurant serving Seto Inland Sea seafood. – Enjoy Spanish mackerel (sawara) dishes, from straw-grilled to cutlet-style.

Let's enjoy the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter elegantly from a different perspective by riding a rickshaw. The rickshaw puller, who knows the area well, will guide you through the streets and highlight the attractions of the Bikan Historical Quarter. Along the way, you will stop by the UKIYO-E Kuniyoshi Museum, a rare museum that exclusively collects ukiyo-e. Please take your time to enjoy the museum, which has been renovated from an old Japanese house.

This select tea shop in Kurashiki offers single-origin teas carefully selected from the farm as well as blended teas that create a deep flavor.We are trying to reinterpret the charm of Japanese tea in a modern way and deliver it to a wide range of people. In addition to the experience of grinding matcha tea with a stone mill and making your own, there is a pairing that allows you to choose your favorite tea sweet from mango confiture, warabi mochi, and wasanbon.With photogenic performances using 6 different matcha bowls and support in Japanese, English and traditional materials, this is a "five senses + social media" Japanese cultural experience ideal for international Travelers.

・Take a short guided walk through the historic Kurashiki Bikan District and discover its Edo-era charm. ・Choose from optional plans to enjoy Okayama’s traditional culture and the legendary flavors of Momotaro. ・Experience handweaving a coaster using Kurashiki-grown igusa rush grass in the birthplace of “Hana Goza” (Standard Plan). ・Taste handmade Kibi Dango and the unique “Drinkable Kibi Dango” from Furuiya Honpo, inspired by the Momotaro legend (Café Plan). ・Enjoy a light lunch of “Kibi Soba,” noodles made from locally grown Takakibi millet, a healthy Okayama specialty (Light Meal Plan). ・Immerse yourself in the spirit of Okayama craftsmanship through culture, handcrafts, and local cuisine. Kurashiki is the birthplace of “Hana Goza,” decorative mats woven from igusa rush grass. For generations, artisans have handwoven igusa for its gentle scent, smooth texture, and soft natural hues. Each piece reflects Okayama’s calm climate and Japan’s harmony with nature.

Experience a tea ceremony in a space curated with only the finest selections by the current owner of a 150-year-old kimono shop. This is more than just an experience—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the tea culture deeply rooted in the everyday life of Kurashiki. Historically, tea was originally a practice reserved for men, and to this day, there are tea rooms where women are still not allowed. This rich tradition raises intriguing questions: Why tea in Kurashiki? What led to the spread of tea culture here? Step away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots and walk through local streets, where you can feel the daily life of Kurashiki’s residents. In a space rich in history, enjoy Japanese hospitality in a beautifully renovated kura, built 190 years ago, as the current owner personally prepares your tea. This is your chance to connect with the traditions of the past in a way that feels both authentic and intimate.

Foreign visitors to Okayama want to experience "true Japanese culture." We have prepared two activities that allow you to experience the traditional culture of Japan and Okayama. It is said that there are fewer than 30 swordsmiths in Japan who make Japanese swords as their main occupation. Yoshimasa Tomioka is one of the most promising swordsmiths, with numerous awards to his name. This is a rare opportunity to see him forge his swords up close. Fifty years ago, when families were large, bara sushi was made and eaten in every household in Okayama. However, with families becoming smaller, it has become less common. This opportunity to experience the joy of making and eating it together as a group is a rare experience. Both activities are part of a culture that even Japanese people can no longer experience.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area ; "Even just an alley looks pretty" This area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the prefecture and is lined with specialty shops, including canvas, jean, and Japanese sake shops and cafes made from renovated traditional wooden townhouses. This area also offers other attractions, such as riverboat rides and the museum of art, and visitors will never get bored strolling in this area all day.

Tamashima is a historic port town that prospered as a key point along the Seto Inland Sea trade routes. The brewery, founded in 1878, stands in what was once a bustling wholesale district shaped by the passage of Kitamaebune trading ships. The techniques and philosophy refined and handed down through generations continue to produce celebrated labels such as Sanzen and Kiseki no Sake. Its sake is consistently recognized with high honors at international competitions. With an English-guided tour led by brewery staff, guests can enjoy a tasting centered on the flagship label Sanzen. This special experience offers insight into the terroir of Okayama’s renowned sake rice—Yamada Nishiki and Omachi—alongside an explanation of the fermentation process inside a brewery filled with Mozart’s music. The program includes a sake souvenir, as well as the opportunity to join an exclusive tasting session.

This is a walking tour. Discover the timeless charm of Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter on a half-day tour led by an experienced, nationally licensed guide. Stroll along picturesque canal lined with white-walled storehouses that are used as shops and museums now, willow trees, and beautifully preserved merchant homes from the Edo period about 300 years ago. Along the way, we will visit Japanese traditional old house and Kurashiki Folk Craft Museum or Momotaro's Karakuri Museum to enjoy feeling Japanese nostalgic life. You can choose Ohara Museum of Art (to be reopened on April 25, 2026) instead. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Kurashiki and seek an authentic cultural experience beyond sightseeing. Kurashiki is easily accessible from Okayama, Naoshima, Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto! *No cancellation for rain, only for severe weather

In the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, immerse yourself in the art of sashiko stitching with high-quality denim from Kojima. This workshop offers the chance to craft your own unique sashiko cloth, using hand-dyed threads that showcase the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Engage with the intricate techniques of this centuries-old art form while appreciating the luxurious texture of authentic denim. A perfect blend of creativity and culture awaits you in this charming setting.

Create a poetic “Sakura Light” lantern that projects cherry blossom patterns onto the floor — a signature Rakkō (falling light) design found only in Kurashiki. Experience Japanese craftsmanship inside Saikan, a 100-year-old townhouse along Achi Shrine’s peaceful approach. Blend tradition and creativity using Kurashiki-made masking tapes and delicate paper-cut art to design your own lantern. Guided by local artisans, enjoy a mindful, hands-on workshop suitable for couples, families, and art lovers. Take home a piece of Kurashiki, a handcrafted lantern that glows with the warmth and beauty of Japanese aesthetics.

This is the only tour that allows you to visit the Kurashiki Museum of Folk Craft with a folk craft expert and a nationally-licensed guide! (As of September 2023) By touring the Kurashiki Museum of Folk Craft with a folk art expert and interpreter, who usually does not have written explanations of the exhibits, you can learn more about folk craft and the exhibits!

Enjoy the history and scenic beauty of Kurashiki on a leisurely 3.5 hours cycling tour with the British-made Brompton bike. Guided in English, this tour takes you to hidden gems known only to locals, such as the picturesque Bikan District, artisan workshops, and a café on a strawberry farm. Experience Kurashiki’s unique charm and the warmth of local hospitality, creating a special journey that will linger in your memory.