Hotel overview

Ryokan Kurashiki sits in the heart of the Bikan Historical Quarter, overlooking the willow-lined canal and the stone footbridge that crosses over it.  Take a leap back in time by staying in this welcoming, traditional inn - serving some of the most mouthwatering cuisine imaginable, in a stunning and ambient location.

The former storehouses, or kura, that give the town its name are still proudly standing in this well-preserved district.  Emptied now of their rice and trade goods, many of them host boutique shops selling handicrafts and trinkets, or atmospheric izakaya pubs, dishing out grilled snacks and cold drinks into the wee hours.  Staying in the Ryokan Kurashiki will allow you to get under the skin of this merchant town, and feel like you have woken up in a museum all of your own.  The rooms occupy a warren of buildings, with each suite residing in its own unique part of history.  Whether your room was once the residence of the local merchant, a warehouse for sugar, or a 250-year old granary, this is simply an unforgettable place to fall asleep.

All suites are extremely generous in space, have the options of Western beds (for those unaccustomed to the traditional futon mattresses) and the multi-course kaiseki dinner promises to be one of the best meals you have ever eaten.

Excursion

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido (Multi Day Trip)

Begin your exciting adventure in the trendy, coastal town of Onomichi - a destination that punches above it's weight when it comes to the number of attractions versus it's overall size.  Temples and pagodas stretch out across the steep hills of the downtown area, inhabited by semi-tame but friendly cats.  Senkoji Park - accessed by ropeway or heavily-inclined paths - comes alive with sakura cherry-blossoms in the spring, and enjoys spectacular views across the Seto Inland Sea throughout the year.  The waterfront shotengai (commercial street) sees hipster cafes and shops juxtaposed with century-old ramen shops and izakaya pubs. The major draw for a lot of travellers though is the Shimanami Kaido, a 70km cycle route along a series of bridges that connecting Honshu, via six smaller Setouchi islands, to the city of Imabari on Shikoku.  Traversing the stunning waters between two of Japan's main four islands is an unforgettable experience, and achievable for even moderately fit cyclists... though that's not to say it's a breeze. For anyone with limited time, looking to get a decent taster of the journey, we would recommend spending a few nights in Onomichi, taking one full day to complete a 30km course (crossing three islands, and two of the iconic bridges).  Along the way you can enjoy the spectacular scenery, witness everyday rural life, pass small local temples, and take your time on two wheels to appreciate the Setouchi fresh air.  We will provide you with all the info you need, including bike rental tips, ferry times and general guidance on the route to follow.

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