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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Together with a guide, explore the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which retains its appearance from 400 years ago, while unraveling its history and culture. Then, cycle upstream along the Kurashiki River towards the Sakazu Reservoir. In the past, the Kurashiki River resembled a canal, with a wide riverbed where Takasebune boats used to travel back and forth. Currently, part of the waterway flows underground as a culvert (ankyo). You will experience both the past and present by viewing materials that showcase the remnants of the era.
The destination, the Sakazu Reservoir, is about 3 kilometers away. Along the way, you will encounter many points of interest, including locations that were once entertainment districts, places that highlight Kurashiki as a transportation hub, and sites where spinning mills once stood.
★This activity involves the use of bicycles. Children are welcome to participate, but it is recommended that they be 140cm or taller.
★Our guide is a joy to explore with！
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Kurashiki City Tourist Rest Area（倉敷市観光休憩所）
Itinerary
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1
1.Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter ~A river that exists, though invisible — A walking tour of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter~ You will take a walking tour of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which is said to retain the appearance from 400 years ago. After a brief explanation of the history of the Ohara family and Kurashiki Spinning Works, we will show photos from that time, depicting the Kurashiki River, which once had a wider riverbed than it does now, and the large boats that used to sail through, which would be unimaginable today. By viewing a large map of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter from the early Meiji period, you can see the appearance of the Kurashiki River at that time and the locations that are now culverted.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
2. Sakazu Reservoir ~Using bicycles, follow the Kurashiki River and irrigation canals from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, heading towards Sakazu, while unraveling its history and culture!~ At the Sakazu Reservoir, after a break at a nearby café, you will visit the Sakazuyaki Kamamoto, where potter Mr. Okamoto will explain the connection between Sakazu ware and the river. Afterwards, you will return along the same route and conclude the tour. After receiving an explanation at the bicycle pick-up location, you will cycle from the point along the Kurashiki River, where swans are located, pass through the culvert, and continue along the irrigation canals. Along the way as you follow the river, you can see remnants of what was once an entertainment district, cross over train tracks, and pass through areas where spinning mills once stood, now replaced by modern commercial complexes. This is a unique cycling tour through a historically rich town.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
3. Sakazuyaki Kamamoto ~The vanished Higashi Takahashi River and the transformed pond — A visit to Sakazuyaki Kamamoto's potter Kensaku Okamoto~ After having lunch, you will visit the workshop of Sakazuyaki Kamamoto's potter Kensaku Okamoto. Sakazuyaki Kamamoto was originally located in central Kurashiki, but it later moved to Sakazu, an area known for its abundant water supply and high-quality clay. Sakazu ware is said to be the oldest existing pottery in Kurashiki. On this tour, you can visit the workshop of Kensaku Okamoto, the sixth-generation potter who has inherited the kiln's tradition. You will have the opportunity to explore the workshop, hear an explanation, and interact with the artist. The Nobori-gama (climbing kiln), which made use of the embankment terrain before the Higashi Takahashi River was abandoned, is a must-see.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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