Charming Kurashiki
People have a natural hesitation to visit places they have never heard of. If it’s not Tokyo, Osaka/Kyoto, or some ski resort, the parts of Japan that are off the beaten path do not get the attention they deserve. Kurashiki, located just South of Okayama City, is one such destination. And yet, in the couple of days I was able to visit, I absolutely fell in love with it.
You will see images like the above one on all of the posters advertising Okayama prefecture. The canal in Kurashiki’s historic district is a staple tourist destination, and it did live up to that hype, perfectly picturesque with tickets available for the boat ride (make sure to buy first thing in the morning). The buildings are restored in a class white-walled aesthetic with stone roof tiles and shops that just ooze local character. The highlight is denim, especially jeans but in many forms. Japan’s premier denim companies manufacture in the Kojima district, which is a different part of the larger Kurashiki city borders. Kurashiki’s historic district has a denim street with a few shops that keep a good stock of jeans, so naturally I had to pick up a pair, instantly becoming my new favorites.
Enjoy the images, and I encourage all to consider these charming smaller cities for your next adventure anywhere in the world. You’ll be glad you did.
Photos taken with the Nikon Z9 and NIKKOR Z 14-24 f/2.8 S, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lenses