【Okayama/Kurashiki x Cycling】A guided cycling tour to unravel the history and culture of the town. (Not Includes to visit a Sakazu pottery artist)
◎Content: Kurashiki Cycling Tour ◎Course: the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Qurter - Kawanishi Town - Kurashiki Mirai Park - Sakazu Water Distribution Pond - the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Qurter [1] Tour Guide Kurashiki is a city that is full of Kurashiki and its people, and the guides love to make it fun! Comfortable! Safely! [2] Electric bicycles We will use small-diameter bicycles with electric power assist that can be enjoyed by everyone from children of elementary school age and older to the elderly. The white and black chassis and brown saddle are truly a design typical of Kurashiki with its white walls. [3]This cycling tour is more than just a city bike tour; it also has an adventure element! Kurashiki cyling tours follow the Kurashiki River, which flows through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, to a place called Sakazu. Along the way, you will cross railroad tracks, weave between commercial facilities, and enjoy riding your bicycle with commentary from your guide as needed.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 5,500
Create Your Own Temari: Interactive Crafting Session in Kurashiki
Why don't you make your one and only Temari in the world? She usually runs a glasses shop, but for everyone's benefit, Grandma Yasue will teach you how to make them for those who come to Kurashiki! Temari has long been a favorite folk craft of Kurashiki. Temari is made by wrapping thread around a core filled with rice husks and embroidery. In this experience, you will start by embroidering the core that has been made in advance. We will hold a workshop of "Temari", a popular Kurashiki souvenir. Please make your own one-of-a-kind temari with your favorite pattern. You can decorate your room, make a key chain, or use it in any way you like. The workshop will last approximately 3 hours. With an English-speaking guide. *There is an option to support other languages (Polish, Russian, Ukrainian), contact us if necessary.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 9,900
Explore the Cotton Manufacturing Journey: Guided Tour of Teimen Factory with a Ride on Mizushima Rinkai Railway
TEIMEN, a cotton manufacturer that has kept the old-fashioned manufacturing method. Take a ride on the Mizushima Rinkai Railway to visit a cotton factory. Learn about the history and relationship with cotton in Kurashiki, a town that prospered with textiles. Kurashiki was the sea about 400 years ago. The land was reclaimed during the Edo period (1603-1867), but the soil was so salty that it was difficult for crops to grow. Therefore, cotton, which is resistant to salt, was grown. Kurashiki flourished as a textile town in order to utilize the cotton grown there. Today, Kurashiki hardly produces cotton at all. Growing cotton requires large tracts of land, which is difficult to do in Japan, a country with such a small land area. However, even under such circumstances, there is still a cotton manufacturer in Kurashiki that has been in business for more than 70 years and carefully produces cotton using traditional methods, although the cotton is purchased from abroad. Let's visit their factory and experience the history of Kurashiki through cotton. The factory tour begins with an explanation by Mr. Kishimoto, president of Teimen Corporation, of the history of Teimen, the differences in the raw material, cotton, depending on where it is grown, and the manufacturing process through watching a video. Visitors can actually touch the raw cotton and feel the differences. Visitors move to the warehouse to see the imported raw cotton mass (about 450 kg). We can see that there are differences in the level of processing of flower and wood waste depending on the country of origin. Coma yarn, the short fibers from the spinning of high quality yarn, are mixed with the cotton to produce a pleasant-to-the-touch cotton. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the raw materials. Next, we move on to the actual process of making non-fat cotton. We will visit a workshop with a total of 25 carding machines, including the oldest carding machine made by Pratt in England in 1913 and others acquired from Kurashiki Spinners. The number of carding machines in operation changes depending on the time of year. The sight of cotton stretched into sheets flowing through the orderly rows of carding machines is overwhelming. The carding machines manufactured today have been improved and are running at higher speeds, but the machines at Teimen are still operating almost exactly as they were in those days. Although production efficiency is reduced, the carding machine is an important machine that unravels fibers and removes impurities while aligning them in a certain direction to form sheets. After passing through the carding machine, the cotton sheets are rolled and then moved on to the next process. The rolled cotton sheets are dewaxed. The rolls, weighing a total of 50 tons, are fished out by crane and placed in the kiln. There, they are dehydrated and dried after a total of seven hours of processing, and then rolled back again. Compared to the case where the cotton is first dewaxed and then made into cotton sheets, this method, called "after-zarashi," requires one more process and takes more time and labor, but the cotton is more uniform and the cotton sheets have a gentler texture. The rolled cotton sheets are then shipped to various locations. After the factory tour, visitors can shop for Teimen's original products. Teimen wipes for babies with sensitive skin and cosmetic cotton for those who are interested in beauty. The packaging is also environmentally friendly. Mizushima Rinkai Railway, which will be used for the round trip, is a local railroad beloved by the locals, celebrating 80 years in operation between Kurashiki and Mizushima in July 2023. The company operates seasonal event trains, so if you are lucky, you may be able to board a special train. From the train running on the elevated tracks, you can see the towns and countryside of Kurashiki and Mizushima. When cotton (non-fat cotton) is made, it is washed many times to remove the oils that the cotton has. This requires a large amount of water. At Teimen, we use water from the Takahashi River. The Takahashi River is now one river, but it used to be divided into the West Takahashi River and the East Takahashi River. Due to flood control work, the East and West Takahashi Rivers became one river, the Takahashi River, and the East Takahashi River east of Sakazu was abandoned. The Mizushima Rinkai Railway was built on the old embankment of the abandoned East Takahashi River. The Takahashi River is indispensable for making cotton (non-fat cotton). Riding on the Mizushima Rinkai Railway, visitors can feel the water flow of the Higashi-Takahashi River as they head for the factory tour.
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri
JPY 14,500
Get to Know Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
In this tour, you will learn more about the heart of Kurashiki - Bikan district. A walk through the area under the guidance of a guide who will tell about the city and interesting facts about it. You will learn about the main figures of Kurashiki, the history of the city, visit a former industrial workshop and visit the main Bikan shrine. Discuss architecture, lifestyle and much, much more.
Days of week: Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri
JPY 2,000
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
JPY 7,500
Kurashiki Tabilazzi(1hour )
\\Share on SNS and get a 1,000 yen discount! [Promo Code : SNSDSCT] // [Terms]A photo delivered with "#Tabilazzi" and "#TAKAHASHIGAWATRAVEL" and Post on Twitter or Instagram. *This discount is subject to end without notice. ▼What service? We will accompany you on your city walk and take pictures of your trip with a single-lens reflex camera. If requested, we will also stop to take commemorative photos. The photographer who accompanies you is a lover of this city, so he will be happy to give you travel advice if you wish. Last-minute reservations are possible, depending on the availability of the photographer. The service name "Tabilazzi" was created by combining the words "Tabi" (means travel in Japanese) and "Papalazzi" (taking private photos of celebrities in secret). ▼Shooting time Approximately 1 hour after meeting the client *Excluding the time for explanation of the shooting. ▼ Retouching None. You will be given the data as it is taken. ▼This is for people who -want more than just a selfie. -want to rental Kimono or Furisode but too expensive to have a photo taken. -want to have their photo taken as a commemorative photo, but are reluctant to ask passer‐by to do so. -want to leave a natural travel scene. -want to have a family photo taken on a non-special occasion. -want to take a picture of the boat floating in the water. -want to take a picture with my pet. -need help with filming for YouTube. ▼How this service was created I love to travel and often explore places with camera in hand. I love to travel both alone and with multiple people. Naturally, when I have a camera, I get more images of landscapes and friends, but one day I notice that I have very few photos of myself. I think most camera enthusiasts are naturally divided in that way, but it is still a bit lonely, so I thought it would be nice if there was someone who could take pictures of me instead. Also, it is difficult to ask a passerby to take a picture of you at a tourist spot, isn't it? I am a shy person myself, so I understand exactly how you feel. It's nice to have someone you can ask to take your picture without hesitation! Nowadays, people are taking pictures with their smartphones in hand to post on social networking sites. The performance of smartphone cameras has evolved tremendously, but a picture taken with a single-lens reflex camera is still very different. In this service, the photographer basically does not intervene in the conversation of the customer. We take pictures of you enjoying your trip in a natural way. However, if requested, we will be happy to discuss photo shooting locations and provide travel advice, so please do not hesitate to ask us. We look forward to meeting you. ▼About the photo shoot One photographer will be on location for the shoot. The equipment used is the minimum necessary for a one-person operation. Rather than taking well-crafted photos, we take photos of the natural appearance of the subjects. ▼Note -When entering a restaurant or facility, the photographer will either wait outside or accompany you after you have paid for the food, beverage, and facility entrance fees. In such cases, the photographer will take pictures only after obtaining permission from the restaurant or facility. The time while the photographer is waiting is included in the activity time. -The price shown is per group. -We recommend a group of 1 to 4 people. -Payment is currently accepted in cash only. -Please designate a meeting place that is convenient for you. -Please be within walking distance from the Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter. ーIf you have promo code, enter it on check out page. ▼About the data taken We will send you the URL for downloading within 24 hours to your e-mail address at the time of reservation. We will check the blurriness, focus, angle of view, etc., of the data taken, and will send you several photos that we have selected. ▼If you would like us to assist you in filming for YouTube Please indicate on the reservation form that you would like assistance in filming a video for YouTube. We will confirm the specific details of your request and decide whether we can accept your request. (Basically, we will borrow your smartphone for filming.)
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Private Kimono Photo Walk in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter ( Yukata instead of Kimono during the summer season)
If you're going to rent a kimono, why not take a stroll around the photo spots? With an English-speaking guide, you will walk through the historic streets of Kurashiki and visit beautiful places for memorable photos. The guide will also explain the history of Kurashiki and how the city was built. Do not worry! Our English-speaking guide will help you from the moment of kimono rental to the end of the tour. If you want to wear a more authentic kimono, this is the place for you! There are more than 100 types of kimono to choose from. 【What's included】 ・Gratuities ・Assistance with photography with a smartphone by a guide ・Kimono rental fee ・Geta / Setta (Japanese footwear sandals) ・Shawls, bags and bands for rent 【What's excluded】 ・Hair setting (Additional Payment Required) ・Make up
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Restaurant Reservations Evening(5:00PM~Closing Time)
Eat at popular restaurants without waiting in line, rather than waiting in line for most of your sightseeing!! We make the restaurant reservations for you. When making a reservation for this product, please provide the name and address of the restaurant of your choice and the desired time of use (first to third choice). Please note that no refunds will be made once the reservation is completed. Caution: Some restaurants do not allow reservations. Restaurant formats include typical restaurants, bars, taverns(izakaya), snack bars, cafes, etc. Please note that special arrangements such as birthday or engagement surprises are not available This reservation page is for evening (from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) reservations. For morning (9:00 am to 11:00 am) reservations, click here:https://yoshiiya.book.ntmg.com/products/ed0cf7b3-7c05-5c95-93d1-bbb92100a63e?lng=en. For lunchtime (12:00 pm to 4:30 pm) reservations, click here:https://yoshiiya.book.ntmg.com/products/3feb8a7f-daf4-5ee1-9cef-f01c60646c0b?lng=en.
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Restaurant Reservations Lunch(12:00PM~4:30PM)
Eat at popular restaurants without waiting in line, rather than waiting in line for most of your sightseeing!! We make the restaurant reservations for you. When making a reservation for this product, please provide the name and address of the restaurant of your choice and the desired time of use (first to third choice). Please note that no refunds will be made once the reservation is completed. Caution: Some restaurants do not allow reservations. Restaurant formats include typical restaurants, bars, taverns(izakaya), snack bars, cafes, etc. Please note that special arrangements such as birthday or engagement surprises are not available This reservation page is for lunchtime (12:00 pm to 4:30 pm) reservations. For morning (9:00 am to 11:00 am) reservations, click here(https://yoshiiya.book.ntmg.com/products/ed0cf7b3-7c05-5c95-93d1-bbb92100a63e?lng=en). For evening (from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) reservations, click here(https://yoshiiya.book.ntmg.com/products/dc861fb3-6014-5459-aa10-75cfe03c1e85?lng=en).
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Restaurant Reservations Morning(9:00AM~11:30AM)
Eat at popular restaurants without waiting in line, rather than waiting in line for most of your sightseeing!! We make the restaurant reservations for you. When making a reservation for this product, please provide the name and address of the restaurant of your choice and the desired time of use (first to third choice). Please note that no refunds will be made once the reservation is completed. Caution: Some restaurants do not allow reservations. Restaurant formats include typical restaurants, bars, taverns(izakaya), snack bars, cafes, etc. Please note that special arrangements such as birthday or engagement surprises are not available This reservation page is for morning (9:00 am to 11:00 am) reservations. For lunchtime (12:00 pm to 4:30 pm) reservations, click here:https://yoshiiya.book.ntmg.com/products/3feb8a7f-daf4-5ee1-9cef-f01c60646c0b?lng=en. For evening (from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) reservations, click here:https://yoshiiya.book.ntmg.com/products/dc861fb3-6014-5459-aa10-75cfe03c1e85?lng=en.
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Romantic Reclining Night Experience at Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory
The Kurashiki Observatory is conveniently located 5 minutes on foot from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and is well known by those in the know. The observatory is truly an oasis at night in the city of Kurashiki, and the viewing room with telescopes will be open as a private space for one hour. You can look through the telescope, gaze at the starry sky in our signature infinity chairs, or simply relax in the twilight. The "Kuraten Concierge" will be stationed at the facility to teach you how to use and enjoy the telescope and other facilities, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask us anytime.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 3,500
Sightseeing in Kurashiki by renting a E-bike♪
This plan allows you to freely explore Kurashiki City by rental bicycle. You can rent a bike at any time during the rental period. (Open from 10:00 to 18:00) ◆Hours You can come at any time you like within the hours of 10:00-18:00! ◆Target Elementary school senior high school students and above Height 140cm or taller ◆Time required to get to recommended spots in the vicinity By Bike Sakazu Water Distribution Pond: about 20 min. The foot of Mt.Ashitaka: about 20 min. Arawazu Kannonji Temple: about 25 min. Funao Winery :about 45 min. Hayashima Town Tourist Center :about 45 min. Fujito-ji Temple :about 45 min. Mizushima Ryokuchi Fukuda Park :about 60 min. Tamashima Townscape Preservation District: about 90 min. Kojima Jeans Street :about 120 min.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 2,200
Special Ikebana experience guided by an ikebana master, Mrs. Inao, in Kurashiki with over 60 years of ikebana experience. (with an English guide)(2h)
Why not try ikebana at a class in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with flowers associated with Okayama Pref.? The English guide interpreter will explain the history and spirit of ikebana at a flower store that has been loved by the locals for 70 years. After that, you will be able to choose one type of flower for yourself. (Other flower materials will be prepared by the flower store, taking into consideration the balance of the flowers.) You will travel from the flower store to the classroom through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. A teacher from Ikenobo, Japan's oldest school of Ikebana, who has been arranging flowers for 65 years, will teach you everything from techniques to etiquette. This tour is not just a hands-on experience, but also a springboard to a deeper understanding of Ikebana and Japanese culture. The spirit of ikebana is rooted in the idea of giving life back to life by arranging flowers that had once been cut off by plucking. If flower arrangement is an aesthetic of addition, ikebana is an aesthetic of subtraction. In ikebana, the nagative space between the flowers and plants to be arranged is important. Let's try to deepen your understanding of the Japanese people's love of nature and the culture that has been passed down from generation to generation through ikebana experience!!
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 11,500
Tea Ceremony Experience in Okayama Kurashiki.
"Tamashima is a region known for its thriving tea culture. Historically, Tamashima prospered as a trading port connecting the circulation of the Takahashi River and the Seto Inland Sea under the Bitchu-Matsuyama domain. Around Tamashima Port, various merchants gathered, contributing to its prosperity. In the late 1700s, as a pastime for merchants, tea rooms were established to entertain guests, and it is said that their number reached as many as 400. Even today, there are about 40 tea rooms in Tamashima. In this activity, you can participate in a tea ceremony that is enjoyable for both beginners and experienced individuals, led by the seventh-generation owner of Kirakudo Rouho, Ms. Yuko Kirakudo. Why not experience a tea ceremony at Kirakudo, a long-established store with over 150 years of history in the sale of tea utensils in Tamashima? The tea experience begins with a tour of the tea garden, where explanations about the plants and trees are provided. After entering the tea room, you will be served tea. The proper etiquette for tea will be taught by Kirakudo in an enjoyable and easy-to-understand manner. Please savor the serene atmosphere of the tea room along with delicious tea and sweets. Why not immerse yourself in the long-established tea culture that has been rooted in daily life as ""the town of tea""? By experiencing this culture, you can feel closer to the lifestyle of the Japanese people."
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 3,000
The walking tour around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which has continued for 400 years in Kurashiki by Hiroyuki Hara
Hiroyuki Hara, the famous Hara family that lived in Kurashiki for 400 years (Edo period), represents a deeper history of Kurashiki. Speaking of the origin and history of Kurashiki, we will visit places in the Bikan Historical Quarter. You will be able to discover the charm of the Bikan Historical Quarter, which only locals who actually live in Kurashiki can talk about. Let's learn more about Kurashiki from the city's history, not just sightseeing. At the end of the tour, Come and talk with Hiroyuki Hara at a coffee shop,Ueda, loved by locals for more than 50 years. Also, let us know what you think of the tour and any questions you may have! A nice souvenir is included!
Days of week: Sun,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 7,000
Tour of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft by the owner of a long-established folk crafts store that has been running for over 50 years with a nationally-licensed guide (3h)
Welcome to the world of "Mingei". The tour will be led by Mr. Yamamoto, the owner of "Toru Mingei Shop," a long-established folk craft store for over 50 years, and will tour the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft while receiving explanations in English translation. Hear an explanation of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, which usually has few explanatory notes or explanations, from the perspective of the guide, Mr. Yamamoto. Folk crafts are " products that ordinary people need in their daily lives," or in other words, "crafts of the people, by the people, and for the people. (Website of the Japan Folk Crafts Association) Yanagi Muneyoshi, the father of the folk craft movement, called the daily utensils produced by nameless craftsmen "mingei" (folk crafts). He advocated a new value of beauty, saying that folk crafts rooted in daily life have a "wholesome beauty" that is in accordance with their utility. By learning about the relationship between folk crafts in Japan and Kurashiki, what folk crafts are in the first place, and the history and attractive aspects of folk crafts, visitors will deepen their understanding of and attachment to folk crafts. By learning more about folk crafts, each participant may have the opportunity to develop a deeper love for his/her own region. Let's think about what is a rich life in these days of mass production and commonplace things by learning about the activities of Mr. Yanagi and his colleagues. The exhibits at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft do not have written explanations. Usually, this tour is left to the imagination of the participants, with explanations by the guide, and you can ask questions. This is a precious opportunity to learn more about folk crafts.
Days of week: Sun,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 14,500
【Currently out of service】Kurashiki Folk Craft Experience Tour
Experience Mingei with a lecturer, the owner of a longestablished folk craft store, and a guide Interpreter. Visit Ohara House, Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum and Mukai-matsu dormitory. This guided tour includes a sushi-making experience at Mukai-matsu dormitory. Mingei is nothing more than old-fashioned furnitureand tableware. By learning the way of thinking and how to enjoy it, you should change your "view of things" after the tour is over.
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日本、岡山県倉敷市本町1丁目4 倉敷美観地区
【Currently out of service】The Great Seto Bridge and the stars: A photo lecture tour on beautiful nighttime vistas, led by a Kurashiki expert
Photograph night scenes and the starry skies in the Seto Inland Sea at spots recommended by a professional astrophotographer! You'll want to share these outstanding night views with somebody. While enjoying various night scenes unique to Kurashiki, including its factories, starry skies, and towers, You won't want to miss the combination of the Great Seto Bridge and the starry skies viewed from the peak of Mt. Washu! Welcoming as its guide Kazuhisa Mishima, curator of Life Park Kurashiki Science Center, this tour features planetarium views of the starry skies from Mt. Washu and tips on astrophotography using SLR cameras. Following the lecture, proceed to recommended spots on Mt. Washu to photograph the starry skies to your heart's content, amid luxuriant views that fuse natural light with manmade structures. After taking photos, view them with each other in the Hoshinohikari no Sumiwatari cafe inside the Kurashiki Observatory—Japan's first privately owned observatory.
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【Kitagi Island, Okayama】Guided tours that blend in with the history spun by stones and the lives of the islanders who support the "present".
"A relaxing experience on a stone island." Why not take a bike tour of Kitagi Island, one of the Kasaoka Islands, and see the island's spectacular scenery while tracing its history? Kitagi Island stone was used in the old days for the stone walls of Osaka Castle, and has been used for the Bank of Japan, the Otorii (Grand Gate) of Yasukuni Shrine, and other structures that symbolize the modernization of Japan. On this tour, an interpreter will translate the explanations of islanders who are familiar with the history of Kitagi Island. Islanders will explain where stone has been used on Kitagi Island, the current situation on Kitagi Island (population, industry) local industries other than the stone industry on Kitagi Island. Chobako is a lake formed when rainwater accumulated in the ruins of a quarry dug by mining operations. It is characterized by a clear lake about 40 meters deep and vertical rock surfaces created by human intervention, and is famous as a spectacular view of Kitagi Island. There are no traffic lights and few cars on the road, so you can enjoy cycling while taking in the scenery at a leisurely pace. Kitagi Island also offers an exhilarating cycling experience that cannot be found in the city or other experiences. Riding along the coast, you can look out over the surrounding islands and enjoy cycling while soaking up the island air. This tour is a refreshing break from everyday life while learning about the history of Kitagi Island, famous for its stone island.
Days of week: Sun,Sat
JPY 25,000
【May 19th Limited!】The Rare experience a curious event only in Kurashiki.
Spring festival at Achi Shrine will be held on May 18th and 19th. Achi Shrine is a representative shrine of Kurashiki with a long history. Among its festival activities, there is a curious event. It's called "Suinkyo." They dress up in traditional costumes and stroll through the town as an old man and an old woman. They are holding folding shibu-fans*. Being gently tapped on the head with these shibu-fans is believed to bring happiness to the recipient. This curious event is exclusive only in Kurashiki.Let's experience something special together with members of the Kurashiki Suinkyo Preservation Society, who uphold this tradition. Choise this curious event that held only in Kurashiki just twice a year in spring and autumn! *A fan coated with persimmon tannin. Brown and sturdy. *Accompanied by English interpreter
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"You, Again"