Kurashiki Cycling Cultural Tour with a Local Guide
With a guide, we will stroll through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area, which still looks as it did 400 years ago, and while unraveling its history and culture, we will cycle up the Kurashiki River to the Sakazu Water Distribution Pond. The Kurashiki River used to be a canal-like river, with a wide channel and takase-boats coming and going. Today, part of the channel is culverted and flows underground. We will show you materials that reflect those days and give you a sense of the past and present. It is about 3 km to the destination, the Sakazu Water Distribution Pond, and during the tour, you will see many places of interest, such as a former entertainment district, a place that shows Kurashiki as a transportation hub, and a former spinning factory. At the Sakazu water distribution pond, we will take a break at a nearby café, and then go to the Sakazu kiln, where potter Okamoto will explain the connection between Sakazu pottery and the river. We will then return the way we came and finish the tour.
Days of Week
Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Fri,Sat
Duration
4 hours
Adult (ages 10+)
JPY 7,500
Highlights
Highlight #1
The tour will unravel the history and culture of "water," an indispensable element for the current prosperity of Kurashiki, by riding a bicycle from the Kurashiki River in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter to Sakazu, following the irrigation canal.
Outline
Schedule
Pickup / Checkin
Dropoff / Checkout
9:00 - 9:15
Meet at Kurashiki City Tourist Resting Place
Self-introductions and a brief description of the route will be given. We will also give you some notes on how to ride your bicycle.
9:15 - 9:40
Walking around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
We will stroll through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter on foot. We will visit the Ohara Museum of Art, Kurashiki Folkcraft Museum, and Kurashiki River, and explain the history of Kurashiki, the difference between the old and new Kurashiki River, and culverts.
9:40 - 10:00
Visit Kurashiki Monogatari Museum to see a map of the Kurashiki River area
At Kurashiki Monogatari Museum, visitors can see a map of the Kurashiki River area made in the late 1860s and learn what the river looked like at that time.
10:00 - 10:45
Riding a bicycle up to Sakazu, following the waterway
Ride a bicycle and travel to Sakazu, touring the waterways. In Kawanishi Town, you can catch a glimpse of what it was like when the entertainment district was located across the waterway. The train goes up the overpass and crosses the railroad tracks. From the overpass, there are many railroad tracks leading to Ibara, Mizushima, and other areas, showing that Kurashiki is a transportation hub. We will then follow the waterway that winds between the two adjacent commercial buildings, explaining the transition of the place.
10:45 - 11:00
Arrive at Sakazu Water Distribution Pond.
Arrive at Sakazu Water Distribution Pond. Take a short break.
11:00 - 11:40
昼食
You can choose from either "Mizube-no-Cafe Miyake Shoten Sakazu" or "Kurashiki Sabo Ouka". The "Mizube-no-Cafe Miyake Shouten Sakazu" is a renovated old house by the water where you can enjoy pizza, coffee, etc. The "Kurashiki Sabo Ouka" is a healthy buffet restaurant with a focus on vegetables. *Please pay for your own food and beverages at the cafe. Not included in the tour price.
11:40 - 11:55
The Sakazu Water Distribution Pond.
Explanation of the flume, the East-West Water Supply Association, and the replacement of the Takahashi River will be given at the Sakazu Water Distribution Pond.
11:55 - 12:15
Visit to Sakazu Pottery
Mr. Kensaku Okamoto, potter of Sakazu Pottery, will explain the connection between Sakazu Pottery and the river. *Optional pottery making experience is also available. International shipping is available.
12:15 - 12:45
Move toward Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
We will move from Sakazu to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter by bicycle.
12:45 - 13:00
Arrive at Mukaimatsu Dorm
You will arrive at Mukamatsu Dorm. After returning the bicycles, we will disperse.
Checkin Times / Locations
9:00
Checkout Times / Locations
13:00
Add-ons / Transportation
Add-ons
Pottery Experience/Shipping to China, Korea and Taiwan
[Description]Pottery experience at the Sakazu Pottery. Includes international shipping to China, Korea, and Taiwan. *Please pay the customs duty on arrival by yourself. *We are not responsible for any damage caused by shipping. (We will pack your artwork with the utmost care.)[Price]Adult (ages 10+)JPY 11,050
Pottery Experience/Shipping to Asia (excluding China, Korea and Taiwan)
[Description]Pottery experience at the Sakazu Pottery. Includes international shipping to Asia (excluding China, Korea and Taiwan) *Please pay the customs duty on arrival by yourself. *We are not responsible for any damage caused by shipping. (We will pack your artwork with the utmost care.)[Price]Adult (ages 10+)JPY 11,650
Pottery experience/Shipping to Oceania, Canada, Mexico, Middle East, Europe
[Description]Pottery experience at the Sakazu Pottery. Includes international shipping to Oceania, Canada, Mexico, Middle East, Europe. *Please pay the customs duty on arrival by yourself. *We are not responsible for any damage caused by shipping. (We will pack your artwork with the utmost care.)[Price]Adult (ages 10+)JPY 13,320
- Show All Add-ons
Plan Information
What's Included
- Guide fee (Japanese)
- Bicycle rental fee
- Insurance Fee
What's Not Included
- Meals at "Mizube-no-Cafe Miyake Shoten Sakazu" or "Kurashiki Sabo Ouka"
Restrictions
- Please contact us regarding the participation of children between 6 and 9 years old.
What to Bring
- Please wear comfortable clothes that can protect you from the heat and cold.
- Sneakers (those that cannot be secured at the heel are not acceptable)
Additional Info
- If you are a non-Japanese citizen, please be sure to inform us of your nationality in advance.
- Tours will be conducted in case of light rain（In case of rain on the day of the tour, we will consult with our guests to determine if the tour will be held or not.)
- There is no parking.
- Please bring enough water with you.
- Child seats for bicycles are not available.
- We reserve the right to cancel or change the content of the tour in the event of weather changes or unforeseen circumstances during the tour.
- We reserve the right to refuse participation if we deem that you do not meet the athletic ability stipulated for cycling.
- Participation in the tour after consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Our parking lot may be available if space is available. Please inquire for details.
Minimum Participants
- 2
Cancellation Policies
0%
2 days before to 17:00
50%
1 day before to 17:00
After 17:00, 1 day before
100%
Participation Date