🏮✨ Kurashiki Bikan Weekend Escape: A Journey Through Edo-Period Japan

#summervacay
*Perfect for history lovers • photographers • slow travelers*

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### **🌿 DAY 1: Canals & Timeless Beauty**
**🚄 9AM:** Train from Osaka (1hr) → Kurashiki Station (10-min walk to Bikan)
**🏨 11AM:** Check into **Ryokan Kurashiki** (traditional rooms overlooking canals)

**🛶 1PM:**
- **Canal boat ride** (¥500, 20-min glide past willow-lined waterways)
- **Ohara Museum** (Western masterpieces in Edo warehouses)

**🍡 3PM:**
- Matcha & warabi mochi at **Kurashiki Ivy Square**
- **Kimono rental** (@Yumeyakata, ¥3,500 for full set)

**🌙 7PM:**
- Kaiseki dinner at **Ryotei Hitoshi** (Michelin-listed)
- **Night illumination walk** (best photos 8-9PM)

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### **🎎 DAY 2: Artisan Alleys & Hidden Gems**
**☀️ 8AM:**
- Sunrise photos at **Tsuruya Honkan** (empty cobblestone streets)
- Breakfast at **Kurashiki Coffee** (100-year-old kissaten)

**✋ 10AM:**
- **Bikan Craft Studio** (try indigo dyeing)
- **Kurabo Memorial Hall** (Japan’s denim heritage)

**🚲 1PM:**
- Bike rental to **Achi Shrine** (viewpoint over red roofs)
- Lunch at **Mamakari-tei** (local sardine cuisine)

**🎭 7PM:**
- **Kurashiki Folk Craft Museum** night tour
- Izakaya hopping along **Honmachi-dori**

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### **🛍️ DAY 3: Leisurely Farewell**
**🍙 9AM:**
- Breakfast bento from **Kurashiki Morning Market** (Sundays only)
- Final canal-side stroll

**🎁 11AM:**
- Souvenir shopping:
- **Bikan-chiku glassware**
- **Denim goods** @ Japan Blues
- **Local sake** @ Kikkawa Brewery

**🚆 2PM:** Peaceful train ride back

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### **📸 Iconic Shots:**
1. **Willow reflections** in morning canals
2. **White walls + black tiles** of kura warehouses
3. **Stone bridges** framed by lanterns
4. **Kimono-clad strolls** at dusk

**💡 Pro Tips:**
✔️ **Weekday mornings** = no crowds
✔️ **April** = Kurashiki Spring Festival
✔️ **Combined ticket** for Ohara + Folk Craft museums

**#kurashikibikan #japantravel #hiddenjapan #edoperiodcharm**

🛶 **Save this for your timeless escape!**