Overview

A deep city walking tour with the 9th generation representative of the Hara Family, a prominent family in Kurashiki. Your guide will explain the 400-year story of how the streets of Kurashiki, which were a feudal domain during the Edo Period, were formed into the current-day Bikan Historical Quarter. Get to know, see, and feel the "real Kurashiki" and hear the story of why this city prospered through your 9th generation guide. At the end of the tour, enjoy a coffee break at a long-established Kurashiki cafe.

Schedule:
*Based on a 9:00am start

① Meeting at Mukaimatsu Dorm (9:00*)
Learn about the history of Kurashiki! The guide will wait for you in front of Mukaimatsu Dorm. At the meeting place, the guide will explain the origin and history of Kurashiki. (Our interpreter will also accompany you from this part to the end of this tour.)

② Kanryuji Temple (9:30)
Visit Kanryuji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kurashiki with a history of over 1000 years. The temple is deeply connected to the history of Kurashiki, and you can actually see the remains of a samurai battle that took place over 150 years ago. It is also a mysterious place where a Shinto shrine exists inside a Buddhist temple.

③ Achi Shrine (9:50)
Achi Shrine is said to protect the peace of Kurashiki. Achi Shrine is a quiet and peaceful place to visit when you are tired of the tourist crowds! It is located at the top of Mount Tsurugata, overlooking the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

④ Tsurugatayama Tunnel (10:30)
The tunnel was built in 1927 and runs north from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, passing under Tsurugata Mountain. The tunnel is also associated with Emperor Showa. Why was the tunnel built here? We will tell you some of the rumors surrounding the tunnel.

⑤ About the alley (10:50)
We will stroll while talking about the alley, including the story of World War Ⅱ.

⑥ Kurashiki Ivy Square (11:00)
We will tell you about Kurashiki Ivy Square, which is now a hotel, in relation to the history of Kurashiki.

⑦ Cafe El Greco (11:20)
The guide will tell you the history of the ivy-covered building of the coffee shop El Greco.

⑧ Coffee Break at Cafe Ueda (11:40)
During the coffee break, you will have the chance to talk with Mr. Hara at a coffee shop loved by locals for more than 50 years. You can ask him questions about the area or about his family history.