Kansai & Chugoku

A Soothing Treat on the Eyes and Saké Treats for the Palate

- Jonathan Gan 

KURASHIKI BIKAN HISTORICAL QUARTER

Your search for the bucolic, rustic scenes of olden Japan will probably hit its peak when visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter located in the Okayama Prefecture of Chugoku. Despite being one of the largest industrial towns in Western Japan, the town’s historical sites have resisted development remarkably well with 17th to 20th-century structures standing strong against the vicissitudes of time. With white earthen-walled warehouses, serene flowing rivers and weeping willows floating gently above still waters, one cannot help but feel transported back to a time where women in kimonos flooded the streets and daimyos (lord) ruled over towns.

While visiting the town, why not spend time at Japan’s first museum of Western art, the Ohara Museum which features many of the classic paintings of Monet, Matisse, Gauguin and Renoir.

OKAYAMA KORAKUEN GARDEN

While modern executives and masters of the universe may enjoy their wine and dine at Club Med or the latest Starwood Hotels, influential daimyos in 17th century Japan did so in private retreats such as their own parks.

While many sprung up in Japan during the 17th century, few if any matched the splendor and beauty of the Okayama Korakuen Gardens. Given the top rank by the Michelin Green Guide and known as one of Japan’s three great gardens, the Korakuen Gardens is one of the few gardens that has retained its original appearance from the Edo Period up to the present day. The garden was constructed in 1700 by Tsuda Nagatada, retainer to the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa. In the past, the garden was used as a place to entertain important guests and also as a retreat for the daimyo.