In a domestic survey, Kurashiki Historical District of Beautiful Scenery was chosen as the most picturesque merchants' district in Japan.

When Tokugawa Government took control of the area about 300 years ago, a magistrate's office was established and the town and its canal were developed into a trade center. This national historical preservation district, nestled along the narrow canal and against the base of the low-lying hill Tsurugata-yama, is by no means large, but its townscape preserves history stretching from the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) when samurai were still commonplace, to the Meiji and Taisho (1868 to 1926) periods when European cultural influence grew. Even tourist information centers and a bank are housed in restored historic buildings.

The District was fortunate enough to escape natural and wartime calamities, and beloved enough by its citizens to have retained both the white walls of its Japanese townscape and venerable examples of older Western architecture in Japan.

Ohara House
With the features such as windows and latticework in a unique Kurashiki style, and austere walls, this is a classic example of a Kurashiki merchant house. It survives to this day in its original form. It is not open for public.

Yurinso Villa
Magosaburo Ohara, who played a great role in making Kurashiki what it is today, built this detached villa for his wife. It is nicknamed "the Green Palace" for its unique roof tiles, fired with a special technique, that appear green from certain angles.

Inoue House
... is oldest House in Kurashiki. It opens public.

Boat Riding
300 yen. It takes 20 min.