Kurashiki Things to Do

Attracting nearly 250,000 people, this colorful yomatsuri (night festival) is comprised of six huge, decorated floats hung with lanterns and paraded along the streets to Chichibu Shrine to the accompaniment of music and dancing... more

As a day trip from Tokyo, this open-air museum is well worth a visit. You will be rewarded with a sculpture-garden containing both modern and contemporary pieces. The major focus is on post-Rodin, for example Burdelle, Milles a... more

Hofuku-ji which dates to the 16th century is the site of the geisha Tojin Okichi's tomb. Okichi was born in Shimoda in 1841, and at age 17 was a courtesan who was sent to work at the residence of Townsend Harris, the first US C... more

Hatsuhanaso is a traditional style Japanese inn, situated in a quiet corner of the famous Hakone Yumoto Onsen area. All the rooms are Japanese-style tatami, and guests sleep on futon rolled out for them by the maid. Hatsuhanaso... more

Ishidan-no-yu is a public bath in the middle of the hot springs village of Ikaho-machi. Admission includes a towel, unlimited time and entry to the hot spring museum on the second floor. Baths are segregated and the water comes... more

Built by a nearby college in the early 1980's, with the aim of preserving ancient inn keeping traditions, the inn is a perfect reproduction. Staff dress in Edo-era peasant garb and Japanese-style rooms are exquisite. A specia... more

This collection focuses on the prominent Hojo clan and the Okubo clan. Painted wood panels by the nihonga artist Shuki Okamoto, who was patronized by the Okubos, are displayed. Swords, lacquered cosmetic sets, paintings, manusc... more