Episode 82 - Somewhere in time

This is the Bikan Area at Kurashiki.

The Japanese word "Bikan" means "beautiful". Walking into this area, visitors soon find themselves surrounded by a large number of traditional Japanese houses. These are 17th century merchant quarters and warehouses built for the storage of rice harvested in the surrounding localities.

Running through the area is a canal lined with willows. One feels like travelling back to the Edo period whilst walking across the stone bridge over the canal.

I first visited Kurashiki in 1986 on the recommendation of my Japanese friend and have revisited it twice thereafter.

Apart from the traditional houses, the Ivy Square and the Ohara Western Art Museum nearby are also spectacular.

Kurashiki is on the west of Okayama City and is easily accessible by train. The Bikan Area is 15 minutes' walk from the Kurashiki Station. Walking maps are available at The Tourists Information Centre.