[Let's go see Japan's hidden gems!] 5 retro townscapes to visit in Okayama Prefecture

[Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter] A journey to experience the traditional white-walled streets and history

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a beautiful tourist destination where traditional Japanese scenery blends with modern charm. It is a charming area lined with white-walled storehouses and black-tiled roofs that date back to the Edo period, and willow trees line the river. It is a great spot for taking photos, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you have traveled back in time to old Japan.

There are also many shops and cafes where you can enjoy local specialties such as traditional crafts and denim products, making for a great place to eat and shop.

Access: 10 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station

https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E5%80%89%E6%95%B7%E7%BE%8E%E8%A6%B3%E5%9C%B0%E5%8C%BA/@34.5957388,133.7614868,2797m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0 x355156479638dad5:0x11ce694116eb0dbe!8m2!3d34.5957392!4d133.7717651!16s%2Fg%2F1229kq8p?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[Fukiya Furusato Village] Experience historical Japan in a beautiful Bengala-colored townscape

This village prospered from copper mining and the production of Bengala (a red clay pigment) between 1600 and 1912, and even today, buildings painted with Bengala still stand side by side. The uniformly reddish-brown streets have a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time. Surrounded by nature, the village has a quiet, relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy the scenery of each season. You can also experience Bengala dyeing and make your own original accessories, which make great souvenirs.

Access: 1.5 hours by car from Okayama Station

Click here for the tour to Fukiya Furusato Village ↓

Traditional Chinese https://www.ryobi-tours.jp/901258tw/

Englishhttps ://www.ryobi-tours.jp/901258en/

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E5%90%B9%E5%B1%8B%E3%81%B5%E3%82%8B%E3%81%95%E3%81%A8%E6%9D%91/@34.8616196,133.4316909,5670m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m 10!1m2!2m1!1z5ZC55bGL44CA44G144KL44GV44Go5p2R!3m6!1s0x3556ca62144991e3:0xcc5518 59227ef017!8m2!3d34.8616177!4d133.4698019!15sChjlkLnlsYvjgIDjgbXjgovjgZXjgajmnZFaGSIX5ZC55bGLIOOBteOCi-OBleOBqCDmnZGSARJ0b3VyaXN0X2F0dHJhY3Rpb27g AQA!16s%2Fg%2F1yy3vks8s?hl=ja&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District] A town where history and art come together

It is a beautiful historical area that strongly retains the atmosphere of Japan from around 1600 to 1868, and the streets lined with merchant houses are decorated with "noren" curtains. These "noren" curtains are a fusion of local tradition and modern art, and each shop has a unique design, making it fun to stroll around wondering "What kind of shop is this?"

The historic streets and relaxed atmosphere are perfect for relaxing and forgetting about time. There are also long-established sake breweries and facilities where you can experience local culture and crafts such as dyeing, allowing you to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Chugoku Katsuyama Station

Click here for the tour to the Katsuyama Townscape Preservation District ↓

Traditional Chinese: Currently under construction, will be announced at a later date

English: Currently under construction, will be announced at a later date.

[Tsuyama Castle Town] A trip to enjoy Japanese history and fine cuisine

The castle town of Tsuyama City is an attractive spot that still retains the atmosphere of the period from 1600 to 1868. The ruins of Tsuyama Castle have been developed into Kakuzan Park, where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, and the cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring are particularly captivating to visitors.

The castle town is lined with traditional merchants' houses and old folk houses, creating a landscape that evokes history. In recent years, art spaces have been renovated from old folk houses, and you can enjoy local specialties and handicrafts such as Sakushu Kasuri while strolling around.

You can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, such as Tsuyama specialties "Tsuyama Offal Udon" and "beef dishes," allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of Tsuyama through food.

Access: 15 minutes on foot from JR Tsuyama Station

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E6%B4%A5%E5%B1%B1%E5%9F%8E/@35.0624558,134.0050044,652m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3554313c903e1cfd:0xb1de4b 666549c7d!8m2!3d35.0624558!4d134.0050044!16s%2Fm%2F05zpb5q?hl=ja&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[About 30 minutes by bus from Fukuyama Station] Enjoy Japanese history and delicious food in the good old port town of Tomonoura!

Tomonoura is a beautiful historic port town along the Seto Inland Sea. It has flourished as a commercial hub since ancient times, and even today, buildings and scenery from the Edo period remain. This town, which has also been the setting for numerous movies and the anime "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea," is charming with its unique atmosphere created by the calm sea, cobblestone streets, and old townscape.

As a port town, you can also enjoy fresh seafood, so you can enjoy food here. It is a place where you can experience Japanese tradition and natural beauty at the same time, strolling around historical buildings and relaxing while gazing at the sea.

Access: 30 minutes by bus from JR Fukuyama Station

Click here for tours to Tomonoura ↓

English: Currently under construction, will be announced at a later date.

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