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隨時間走過,留下了些什麼

KURASHI & Trips PUBLISHING 2021 CALENDAR

去年使用了由喜歡的插畫家 小池ふみ 繪製,並由 北歐生活道具店 ( 北欧、暮らしの道具店 @hokuoh_kurashi )發行的月曆一整年,由衷地喜愛,於是看到新的一年月曆釋出之時,便立刻決定2021年也要續用這款月曆,而且要加購桌曆。

以下就慢慢介紹2021的月曆吧!

一次出兩款月曆,一款是大張A4大小的月曆,另外則是小size的桌曆。(封面設計十分簡潔好看)

到了年末,只要在網站上購買,每筆訂單都會贈送一本隨身手帳,是免費的贈品卻一點也不馬虎。

揮別了2020年,2021年的月曆主題是"Home sweet home"

全世界在疫情的影響之下,待在家的時間都更長了,插畫家也因應了這個主題,畫出在家生活的閒適與美好。

無論是大張月曆還是桌曆,在介紹上都會有特別做出每月的個別說明。

把桌曆擺在書桌上的示範照。一面插畫與小月曆展示,另一面忘了拍,但是補充說明,是有格子可以書寫的。

為什麼去年只買了大張的,今年卻想要桌曆也一起收呢?

原因就在這了,插畫太美,且兩份的內容都是有相呼應的。

以下挑幾個月份分享:)

一月是油漆粉刷空間與自己製作木工釘椅子。

三月是下午茶與三明治切盤,皆有季節水果:草莓!

四月春天到了,在院子裡灑水澆花,呼應著春天的植物(也許就從花園裡摘採的):鬱金香、風信子、葡萄風信子。

五月在陽台除了忙著園藝盆栽(畫出工具),也可以準備美食一起佐外頭景色享用。

六月是夏天的梅仕事,畫出過程也畫出成品,花草也有夏日的代表:紫陽花(繡球)!

八月的夏季,不妨舒服的泡個澡吧,給自己一些療癒。好喜歡那些沐浴用品畫下來的樣子!

十一月在家彈鋼琴,享受音樂,也很適合泡一壺茶配著瑪芬度過閒適時光。

用月曆的形式,提供了一年十二個月份在家愉快度過的生活提案,真的是滿心喜歡!

以上大致介紹完了2021的月曆內容,來看一看連續購買的兩年商品一些比較。

一樣有附上隨身手帳當作贈品,去年我拿來紀錄貓咪的日常健康紀錄,今年也延續新的一本作使用。

封面改變但內頁設計基本上是一樣的,巴川紙舒適好寫,小巧尺寸便於攜帶及隨手紀錄。

月曆的主題部份,去年的是北歐旅行,去年寫下的 介紹文章請點這 。

去年沒買桌曆啊(扼腕)

每筆訂單附贈了除了隨身手帳外,還有關於生活的小誌,印刷十分精美。我都當作小型日雜,好好地翻閱欣賞當收藏。

另外提到一個設計的細節,大張月曆圖案與月曆文字接縫處有設計虛線,讓人可以在月曆使用完之後,把畫作單獨框起來展示。

目前我將去年的畫作都一一撕下,打算按照季節隨心去變化家裡的風景。(目前是肉桂捲,哈)

最後放上月曆在我房間的使用現況:

桌曆放在書桌前,每次坐在書桌前就可以欣賞美好的畫面。

大張的月曆則是用木夾掛起來。

說真的,對我來說這份月曆的實際用途,早已不是看日期這麼簡單的事,那是一種心之所向、心的提醒,要自己認真感受生活,以及其中的美。

北欧をはじめとする様々な国で作られたインテリア雑貨や、オリジナル商品ブランドのアイテムなどを取り揃えています。暮らしににまつわるコンテンツも日々お届けしています。

hokuohkurashi.com

↑官網裡頭,充滿了寶物,就算看不懂日文,也可以欣賞到很多關於生活的美。

每當我覺得生活有點灰灰的時候,點進去看網站,總可以找到一絲光芒。

十分推薦給熱愛居家生活與質感物件的朋友。

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  • 2021.12.28 06:21 Bye 2021
  • 2021.03.12 03:50 我的秋冬散步紀錄

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HOME / ミニコラム / 【店長コラム】あたらしいブランド、KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHINGとしてスタートをきります!

店長佐藤のフォトダイアリー。

【店長コラム】あたらしいブランド、KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHINGとしてスタートをきります!

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あたらしいブランドとしての スタートをきります。

本日より当店発のあたらしいブランドとなる、KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHING(クラシアンドトリップス パブリッシング)が始動いたします。

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これまでKURASHICOM BOOKS(クラシコムブックス)として制作してきたリトルプレスやムック本についても、今後この新ブランドからお届けさせていただきます。

ちょうど本日リリースとなったあたらしい冊子「 オトナのおしゃべりノオト 」や「 暮らしノオト収納ケース 」も、この新ブランド発のものです!

つくりたいモノ、届けたいコトは 暮らしのなかのひとさじの非日常。

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「日常(KURASHI)のなかに、ひとさじの非日常(Trips)を」というコンセプトのもと、わたしたちはジャムをつくり、お客さまのもとにお届けしてきました。

このことを繰りかえすうち、わたしたちがつくりたいモノ・届けたいコトは、このコンセプトにすべて集約されていることにあらためて気づくようになりました。

暮らしノオトなどのリトルプレスもまさにそういう想いで毎号つくってきたように思います。

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日々の暮らしは、いいことやきれいなことばかりではありませんよね。

つい溜め息をついてしまうこと、望まなくともそれぞれの立場でたんたんと果たさなければならないことも山ほど。

だけれどそんな日常のなかに小さな非日常体験が入りこむことで、なにかが変わる。

気持ちがゆるんで次の予定をがんばる元気がでたり、もんもんと悩んでいたことをスーッと客観的に見れるようになったり、ひとときの華やいだ気分を得られたり。

わたしたちも日常でそういう経験をしてきました。

当店で発行している出版物についても、1ページ1ページが非日常体験に貢献する存在となれたら。

そんな願いから、クラシコムブックスあらため、KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHINGとして今日から再スタートをきります!

ジャムからはじまったKURASHI&Tripsですが、そこにPUBLISHING(出版する)という言葉をあわせ、わたしたちのこれまでとこれからのモノづくりを象徴するブランドとして育てていけたらと思っています。

KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHINGが これからさらにチャレンジしたいこと。

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実は、この新ブランドでこれからつくっていきたいと思っているのは、リトルプレスや本だけではないんです。

PUBLISHING(出版する)という概念を当店らしく定義して、日常に非日常を添えるあたらしいモノづくりへと発展させていこう!と考えています。

そのプロセスをお客さまにも一緒にワクワク楽しんでもらえたらうれしいなあ。そんなふうにも思っていますよ。

今年の初夏頃にはこのブランドから新たなお知らせをお届けできそうな予感です。今後の展開にもどうぞご期待ください!

本日の編集部recommends!

kurashi and trips calendar

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kurashi and trips calendar

【5秒日記】第7回:家というのは意味もなく独特な遊びが発生し盛り上がる場だ

kurashi and trips calendar

【スタッフの愛用品】色と柄でごきげんに。毎日使いたくなる、リネンのキッチン道具

kurashi and trips calendar

【ラジオ|チャポンと行こう!】第154夜:魔女の宅急便から、ナウシカまで。いくつになっても色褪せないジブリ愛を語りました!

kurashi and trips calendar

【連載エッセー『たゆたゆ – くまがや日記』】第七回:はだか

kurashi and trips calendar

【わが家の愛用品】やりたいこと、やるべきことをそっと後押しする、わたしの助っ人「コーヒーマシン」

kurashi and trips calendar

【暮らしのサイズダウン】〈前編〉目標は、家賃も広さも半分に。60代で訪れた二度の引越しで手放したものたち

kurashi and trips calendar

【しあわせな朝食ダイアリー】旅先で出会った思い出の味を再現して(エッセイスト/整理収納アドバイザー・柳沢小実さん)

kurashi and trips calendar

【バイヤー裏話】植物との暮らしがもっと楽しくなる3種類のグリーンアイテムと、1本でUV対策もトーンアップ*もできる「WELEDA」のUV化粧下地が新発売!

北欧、暮らしの道具店 公式アプリ

2022 Calendars in PDF format

  • Calendars for other years:  2023   ·  2024   ·  2025   ·  2026   ·  2027   ·  earlier years
  • 2022 calendars for other countries: United Kingdom Canada Australia Spain France Germany Switzerland Austria
  • 2022 calendars in other file formats:  Word   ·  Excel   ·  PDF
  • Weekly calendars 2022 (one page for every week of the year)
  • Monthly calendars 2022: January  · February  · March  · April  · May  · June  · July  · August  · September  · October  · November  · December
  • Quarterly calendars 2022
  • Split year calendars 2022/23 (July 2022 to June 2023)
  • School calendars 2022/23 (August 2022 to July 2023)
  • Academic calendars 2022/23 (September 2022 to August 2023)
  • Fiscal calendars 2022 (October 2021 to September 2022)
  • Two year calendars 2022/23 (two years on one page)
  • Three year calendars 2022-24 (three years on one page)

Calendars 2022 in landscape orientation (9 templates)

Template 1: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 1 page, multi-colored

Template 1: Calendar 2022 landscape, multi-colored

  • 1 page, landscape orientation (horizontal)
  • each month in a different color ("rainbow calendar") to reflect the changing of the seasons
  • months horizontally (along the top), days vertically (down the side)
  • US edition with federal holidays and observances
  • free to download, easily printable
  • in PDF format (.pdf file)

Template 2: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 1 page

Template 2: Calendar 2022 landscape

Template 3: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 2 pages, half a year per page

Template 3: Calendar 2022 landscape, 2 pages

  • 2 pages, landscape orientation (horizontal)
  • 6 months / half a year per page

Template 4: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 2 pages, days aligned, half a year per page

Template 4: Calendar 2022 landscape, 2 pages, days aligned

  • days aligned horizontally (days of the week in the same row) for easy week overview

Template 5: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 4 pages, one calendar quarter per page

Template 5: Calendar 2022 landscape, 4 pages

  • 4 pages, landscape orientation (horizontal)
  • quarterly calendar - 3 months / one calendar quarter per page

Template 6: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 1 page, linear

Template 6: Calendar 2022 landscape, linear

  • days aligned horizontally (days of the week in the same column)
  • months stacked above each other
  • for use as project timeline tracker

Template 7: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 1 page, linear, days aligned

Template 7: Calendar 2022 landscape, linear, days aligned

  • days aligned (days of the week in the same column)

Template 8: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 1 page, year at a glance, multi-colored

Template 8: Calendar 2022 landscape, year at a glance, multi-colored

  • classic design annual planner

Template 9: 2022 calendar in PDF format, landscape, 1 page, year at a glance

Template 9: Calendar 2022 landscape, year at a glance

  • other years:  2021   ·  2022   ·  2023   ·  earlier and later years
  • other calendars:  hourly   ·  daily   ·  weekly   ·  monthly   ·  quarterly
  • yearly planners (undated)
  • these templates in Word and Excel file formats

Calendars 2022 in portrait orientation (10 templates)

kurashi and trips calendar

Template 10: Calendar 2022 portrait, two half-year blocks, multi-colored

  • two half-year blocks on 1 page, portrait orientation (vertical)

Template 11: 2022 calendar in PDF format, two half-year blocks on one page

Template 11: Calendar 2022 portrait, two half-year blocks

Template 12: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 1 page

Template 12: Calendar 2022 portrait

  • 1 page, portrait orientation (vertical)

Template 13: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 1 page, days aligned

Template 13: Calendar 2022 portrait, days aligned

Template 14: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 2 pages, half a year per page

Template 14: Calendar 2022 portrait, 2 pages

  • 2 pages, portrait orientation (vertical)

Template 15: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 4 pages, one calendar quarter per page

Template 15: Calendar 2022 portrait, 4 pages

  • 4 pages, portrait orientation (vertical)

Template 16: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 1 page, days in continuous (rolling) layout

Template 16: Calendar 2022 portrait, continuous (rolling) layout

  • 1 column per weekday - good for planning repeating events

Template 17: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 1 page, year at a glance, multi-colored

Template 17: Calendar 2022 portrait, year at a glance, multi-colored

Template 18: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 1 page, year at a glance

Template 18: Calendar 2022 portrait, year at a glance

Template 19: 2022 calendar in PDF format, portrait, 1 page, with US federal holidays, observances, events, festivals and celebrations

Template 19: Calendar 2022 portrait, with federal holidays, observances, festivals and celebrations

  • US edition with federal holidays, observances, festivals and celebrations

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kurashi and trips calendar

What is Kurashi?

kurashi and trips calendar

Marie Kondo’s journey has carried her across continents, where she has introduced countless clients to the power of tidying up . This power does not come from creating a more ordered space — though that is a welcome benefit. Rather, Marie’s approach encourages each of us to imagine and define how we’d like to live.

“The true purpose of tidying is not to cut down on your possessions or declutter your space,” says Marie. “The ultimate goal is to spark joy every day and lead a joyful life.” That goal — that inner why — can help guide everything that we do, and it expands well beyond the home. This is what Marie calls kurashi. 

Whether you have tidied using The KonMari Method™ or are just starting your journey, defining your kurashi will help guide you every day toward a more fulfilling life. Ahead of Marie’s latest book, “ Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life ,” we’d like to introduce you to this way of living that sparks endless joy.

Kurashi roughly translates to “way of life” or  “the ideal way of spending our time,” but like many words lost in translation, it means much more than that.

If you haven’t tidied using the KonMari Method, focusing on your kurashi will motivate you to start. And if you’ve already experienced its life-changing magic, you know that choosing what sparks joy can fundamentally change your every day. The concept of kurashi takes this one step further: by seeing the world through the lens of what matters most, we begin living our best lives.

“I believe that when we consciously cherish something precious, we deepen our relationship with it,” says Marie Kondo. “This, in turn, deepens our bonds with other things in our lives, bringing out the best in them and in ourselves.”

“What if every decision you made, every goal you set and every aspect of your life was guided by what sparks joy?”

The answer to this question is what Marie means by kurashi. By embracing our internal compasses, we find gratitude in the everyday and make more meaningful choices, following them wherever they lead.

How to Explore Your Kurashi

Your kurashi is just that: your own. If you have used The KonMari Method™ to complete a tidying festival in your home, you have followed Marie’s advice to imagine your ideal lifestyle long before discarding. Kurashi invites you to use a similar practice in every aspect of your life. Here are some of Marie’s essential tips from her book “Kurashi at Home.”

1. Expand Your Vision 

Creating your ideal home is vital for a joyful life, but defining your kurashi means looking beyond those walls. Rather than asking yourself, “What is my ideal space?” ask “What is my ideal life?” That life is kurashi, and it will not only guide you on your tidying journey but also help you plan how you’ll spend each day, set goals for your career, build personal relationships and make plans for your future.

2. Let Go of Constraints

“Never hold back when imagining your ideal home and lifestyle,” says Marie. “Give yourself the freedom to imagine your own personal ‘wouldn’t it be nice if’ living space and let your heart brim with joy.”

Often, we are our own worst enemies when setting and pursuing our goals. Defining your ideal way of life means suspending disbelief and trusting your intuition.

3. Give Yourself Time 

How often have you said, “I don’t have time” when faced with two conflicting priorities?  We often have more time than we realize but slip into habitually spending it on tasks that may matter less to us than we realize. To find your kurashi, you’ll need to commit to making time for yourself .

“Set aside your excuses about being busy for a moment and consult your datebook one more time,” says Marie.

4. Hold Space for What Matters

Once you’ve determined what sparks joy for you, your journey is just beginning. Take time to honor the home and life you’ve created by spending time in quiet reflection, appreciation and gratitude of how you’ve filled your home — and do it often!

“Everything you own wants to help you,” Marie says. “So, think about how you can make the space for each one more comfortable….Storage is the sacred ritual of returning things to where they belong.”

The ideal way we spend our time is determined by how we fill it and what — and who — we share it with.

All quotes are excerpted from “ Kurashi at Home .”  To learn Marie’s latest method for creating a joy-sparking life — and to experience the magic of kurashi — order your copy today!

Summary: Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life

By: Author Nina Norman

Posted on Last updated: December 11, 2023

Home » Summary: Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life

Table of Contents

Key takeaways, introduction: learn to live well in your space., create an inspiring vision for your space, start a conversation with your space, invite kurashi into your home, room by room, create rituals to make small moments special, about the author.

  • Do you want to live a more fulfilling and joyful life? Do you want to create a home that reflects your personality and values? Do you want to discover the power of tidying and organizing to transform your space and your mindset? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. In this article, we will review a book that shows you how to apply the KonMari method of tidying and organizing to every aspect of your life, and how to achieve your ideal life through the concept of kurashi.
  • If you are interested in learning more about the KonMari method and the concept of kurashi, and how to use them to create your own way of life, we highly recommend that you read the book Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life. You will discover how to visualize your ideal life, how to communicate with your space, how to make every moment count, and how to share your joy with others. You will also find out how to join the KonMari community and access more resources and support for your journey.

In Kurashi at Home (2022) , interior organization expert Marie Kondo invites readers to conceptualize their ideal kurashi, or lifestyle. Kondo then shows how, through interacting with and optimizing their living spaces, readers can achieve our idea of kurashi.

Inspired by Shinto religious practice, Marie Kondo developed an approach to streamlining and tidying the home that centers simplicity, spirituality, and joy. Her KonMari method, first introduced in 2011, has become so popular that it’s slipped into everyday usage as a verb – as in, I can’t close my dresser drawers any more, I think it’s time to “KonMari” my socks.

Now, Kondo extends her tidying-up philosophy to the broader concept of kurashi, a Japanese word, similar to the English word “lifestyle”, that describes the act of living. Finding your ideal kurashi means finding the ideal way of spending your time. Contemplating, organizing, and spending mindful time in your living space can be key to achieving your ideal kurashi.

Whether you’re a longtime devotee of KonMari, or you’re yet to discover the life-changing magic of tidying up, this summary will walk you through simple strategies to define and achieve kurashi in your living space.

Book Summary: Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home - How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life

I have a question for you, and I’d like you to think about it carefully before you respond.

What is your ideal living space?

Give yourself permission to think big. Given the choice, would you like to live in a modernist Frank Lloyd Wright marvel? A rustic alpine cabin? A Versailles-chic rococo palace? A countryside cottage, a bohemian apartment, a beachside shack?

It can feel silly, imagining yourself in a rococo palace, when in reality you might live in a one-bedroom apartment. You might be thinking, I should probably get my broken kitchen cupboards fixed before I think about installing chandeliers.

But it’s important not to cut corners or focus on constraints – you’re imagining your ideal home, here. And if you can’t allow yourself to fully imagine your ideal space, you won’t be able to inhabit it. Trusting your imagination will allow you to activate your intuition. And all the decisions you make about your space should be guided, above all, by your intuition of how you can achieve your ideal life.

Notice I said ideal life, just then, not ideal space. I’m not about to tell you that you can physically transform your current living space from a studio to a mansion (though later in the summary I will be sharing plenty of techniques to optimize your space). But when you start thinking beyond your four walls, you’ll soon see that the qualities of the ideal home you envisioned earlier can inform every aspect of how you live your life – and help you live as if your space truly were your dream home.

When you begin to make decisions and establish rituals based on reaching your ideal conception of your life, your space will naturally transform into something closer to your ideal space; and, as you consciously work to bring your home closer to your ideal space, you’ll find that your home inspires you towards living your ideal life.

Kurashi is a Japanese word that roughly translates to “lifestyle.” But it’s a bit more nuanced than that: it describes the actions that make up our days, the way we spend our time. After all, it’s our conscious actions and decisions that comprise our way of life. Lifestyle, according to kurashi, is not something you have but something you do.

In the following summary, I’ll tell you more about changing and organizing your home to help you achieve your ideal kurashi. But the first step is allowing yourself to be inspired about the possibilities your space, and your life, holds. Once you have a clear picture of your ideal life, refuse to compromise on aesthetic decisions – because everything in your home should support your vision. Find joy in aspirational images of interiors and lifestyles – even if they seem out of reach to you now, allow them to excite you rather than deject you. Above all, commit to living just like you would inside your ideal home.

I want you to say “Hello” to your home.

Not metaphorically. I want you to actually say “Hello.”

Did that feel a bit weird?

This next part might feel even weirder. But it’s important. I want you to listen to what your home says in response to your greeting. Of course, your home won’t say “Hello” back, but – through its space, its aesthetic, and its atmosphere, it’s talking to you.

Every home has a distinct personality. Your home might be outgoing or quiet, relaxed or sophisticated, approachable or refined. When we spend time with people, we get to know their unique personalities through conversation. I want you to try and do the exact same thing with your home. Spend time with it. Talk to it. Listen to it.

The better you know your home, the better you’ll be able to understand it. The better you understand it, the better you can adapt it to your ideal kurashi.

This same approach works for your possessions, too. Try and understand them, and you’ll get a much clearer picture of how – and if – they work in your space.

Let’s try another little exercise. Look to your left. What’s the first object you see? I want you to try and inhabit the perspective of that object. And once you’re fully inside this new perspective, say the first thing that comes into your head.

For example, your object might be a mug. It might want to say: “I’m crowded here on this shelf. It’s uncomfortable and I can’t breathe!” Then again, it might be saying, “I quite like it here, next to this window.” Repeat this process with ten or twenty more objects. Once you’ve started to look at the space from the perspective of the objects inside it, you might find your possessions are telling you how they would like to be stored. Storing objects in a home that makes them comfortable, and returning them to their home after each use, can become a sacred ritual in your home life.

Some of these objects may also be telling you that their time in your life is over – they no longer spark joy for you, or meet crucial needs. Follow the KonMari method with these objects – thank them for helping you, then give it away.

Some people find that every object they own genuinely sparks joy – how wonderful! In this case, your focus should be on perfecting your storage systems, so that all your beautiful possessions can delight you whenever you encounter them. Store them in intuitive categories – books and stationary in one place, for example, slippers and dressing gowns in another. When objects are stored in drawers, give them space to breathe – you should be able to see the entire contents of a drawer as soon as you open it.

Once you understand their wants and needs, you’ll be able to care for them better. And they’ll be better able to care for you. That’s right – the objects you own are trying to help you.

It’s important to try and deepen your connection with the objects in your home, especially the most cherished and sentimental items. Which cherished item have you held onto the longest? Perhaps it’s a photograph of someone special or a well-loved toy. For Marie Kondo, it’s an old sewing box that she’s owned since she was a child. This humble box has been witness to her joys and sorrows, her milestones and her everyday routine over the years.

Clear some space in your day to spend time with your version of that well-loved sewing box. Reflect on the time you have passed together and tell it how much you appreciate having it in your life. Appreciating what we have, and deepening our respect for our possessions, allows us to take pleasure in what we already have and resist the consumerist impulse to buy more.

In this next section, I’m going to walk you through the layout of a typical house. Room by room, we’ll learn some practical tips for optimizing both the space and the time you spend inside it.

Are you ready? Let’s open the door and walk inside.

The entryway to your home is often one of its smallest spaces – yet it’s also one of the most important. On walking inside you should feel inspired to breathe a sigh of relief and think to yourself “Home at last.” Try not to overfill this space with objects but instead pick out one or two items that spark tremendous joy. On a more practical note, invest in storage for things like coats, shoes, and umbrellas – objects that can all too easily overwhelm this sacred space.

Come through to the living room. This is the heart of the home – so how can it reflect what lies at the heart of your life? If you are all about family, arrange a gallery wall of framed family photos and make a feature of children’s drawings. If travel is your passion, curate a collection of meaningful souvenirs from past trips. If you love literature, your living room might even look like a library!

Remember your living room shouldn’t just spark joy. This is a space where moments of joy are created. Encourage those moments by arranging furniture in a way that invites connection and conversation, keeping the lighting soft and ambient, and ensuring this room is well ventilated.

Let’s turn a corner into the kitchen. Many people spend a significant amount of time in their kitchens each day. And while this room certainly serves a very practical purpose, it can be a warm, joyful space, too. To keep your kitchen tidy and serene, avoid storing anything on your countertop. That way you’ll be easily able to polish it to a sparkling shine after each use. Storing dry goods in an organized fashion allows you to see at a glance what ingredients you have and what needs to be used up. It can be great fun hunting down storage canisters that best reflect your aesthetic – and they’ll uplift you every time you see them. Store refrigerated goods so you can always see exactly what is in your fridge, and avoid food waste.

Now, we come to the bedroom. This is a space where rest and relaxation should be prioritized above all. Pay attention to your sensory experience – invest in high-quality bed linen in colors you love; try scenting the space with a soothing aroma like lavender or rose. When it comes to decoration, less is really more – when you’re trying to sleep you don’t want to be distracted by busy decor. Instead, create a joy niche: a space where you display one object that sparks joy. Ideally, this niche should be positioned so it’s the first thing you see in the morning.

Your bathroom is a place for you to feel clean and calm, so make sure the space, too, feels clean and calm. Store utilitarian objects like soaps and nail clippers out of sight – alternately, decant liquid toiletries into beautiful bottles.

Finally, let’s think about the walls that surround you. The walls of your house are your canvas. Remember your dream home that you envisioned earlier? Your current space might not have windows opening out onto tropical beaches or cosmopolitan city blocks. But you can always hang the scenery you wish to see – along with the art that moves you and the images that inspire you – on your walls.

Making your home a joyful place to spend time is part of enhancing your kurashi; the other part is spending your time at home in a joyful manner. In this summary, I’ll talk you through creating simple, calming rituals to make each day feel special.

Starting the day with a morning routine that centers and energizes you allows you to start the day well. Every person’s ideal routine will be different. Marie Kondo likes to feel calm in the morning, so she wakes before her children, lights some incense and breathes it in, and finally starts the day by saying “Good morning” to her home. How would you like to feel in the morning? Calm? Focused? Energized? Choose a small, simple activity that will help you reach that state.

It’s important to practice your morning routine every day. Here’s a tip: to incorporate a new activity into your routine – let’s say a 5 minute morning meditation – aim to repeat that activity ten mornings in a row. Practicing a new activity ten times is enough repetition for this activity to become a habit. After ten mornings of meditation, sitting down to meditate on day eleven will feel like second nature. This applies to all new activities you’d like to adopt.

Often we spend our days doing things that bring us very little joy. Some of these activities, like, say, filling out tax forms, are unavoidable. But many others – like scrolling social media or mindlessly snacking – are not. Try this: spend one day acting as you normally would, but write down everything you do. Seeing a written record of how you spend your time can be very enlightening. From your record, cherry-pick the tasks you want to do and the tasks you need to do – make a conscious decision to avoid spending time on tasks that don’t fall into either of these categories.

Just as we sometimes spend time doing things that don’t spark joy, we often neglect to attend to the things that do spark joy. Things like connecting with family, engaging our creative side, or simply mindfully relaxing. They may not be scheduled into your calendar the way work commitments are, but these tasks are just as important. So, why not try scheduling them? Look at your week ahead and schedule a time in your calendar to do one or two tasks which you know will bring you joy – perhaps making time to reconnect with a friend or relative, or play around with a watercolor paint kit. Honor these commitments just as you would any other commitment in your calendar.

Finally, remember there is no activity too small or too mundane that it can’t also be special and joyful. Instead of drinking your afternoon cup of tea while you work, take a tea-break. Set a place at your table, inhale the aroma of the tea, and really notice how it tastes when you drink it. Instead of rushing through cleaning, take the opportunity to move and stretch your body in ways that feel good – cleaning your bathroom can be as refreshing as a yoga class. And think of repetitive activities, like chopping vegetables, as a moving meditation. Even the smallest moments can be special.

The key message here is that, when you live mindfully and intentionally in your home, you bring yourself closer to achieving your ideal lifestyle, or kurashi. Remember, kurashi is not something you have but something you do. Even the smallest of actions can make a big difference to your way of living.

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organization consultant renowned for her practical yet sympathetic approach to home organization. She is the author of the multi-million-copy-selling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the star of the Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo .

Preface 7 1 A Dialogue with Yourself 9 2 A Dialogue with Your Home and Possessions 43 3 Visualize Your Ideal Home 61 4 Your Joyful Morning 117 5 Your Joyful Day 137 6 Your Joyful Evening 171 Conclusion 205 Afterword 209 Your Ideal Lifestyle Worksheets 211 Acknowledgments 219 Index 221

Motivation, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Happiness, Home Improvement and Design, Zen Philosophy, Cleaning, Caretaking and Relocating How-to

The book is a visual guide to applying the KonMari method of tidying and organizing to every aspect of your life, from your home to your activities to your relationships. The book is based on the Japanese concept of kurashi, or “way of life”, which invites you to visualize your ideal life and then make conscious choices that reflect it. The book is divided into four parts: Part One introduces the concept of kurashi and how to create an inspiring vision for your space. Part Two shows how to start a conversation with your space and invite kurashi into your home, room by room. Part Three explains how to create rituals that make small moments special and enhance your well-being. Part Four discusses how to maintain your kurashi and share it with others.

The book is a beautiful and inspiring resource for anyone who wants to transform their life and home into spaces of calm and joy. The book is written by Marie Kondo, the world-renowned expert and bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The book is full of stunning photographs and practical tips that illustrate the KonMari philosophy and method of tidying and organizing. The book is not a manual or a checklist, but rather a visual guide that encourages you to use your intuition and imagination to create your own kurashi. The book is not only about decluttering, but also about living mindfully and intentionally, and finding happiness in the present moment.

Nina Norman

kurashi and trips calendar

Nina Norman is a certified book reviewer and editor with over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. She has reviewed hundreds of books for reputable magazines and websites, such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Goodreads. Nina has a master’s degree in comparative literature from Harvard University and a PhD in literary criticism from Oxford University. She is also the author of several acclaimed books on literary theory and analysis, such as The Art of Reading and How to Write a Book Review. Nina lives in London, England with her husband and two children. You can contact her at [email protected] or follow her on Website | Twitter | Facebook

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The Meiji Era (1868 – 1912) reforms brought sweeping changes to all aspects of Japanese life, including the 1873 adoption of the Western calendar, which replaced the lunisolar calendar that had accompanied the seasonal rhythms of life in Japan for over a thousand years. While Japan’s old lunisolar calendar, referred to now as the Kyūreki, may not have been a particularly marvellous calendar in itself, having been in use for so many centuries it provides valuable historical information and insights into Japan’s seasonal traditions. Even in our modern daily lives, the knowledge embodied in the Kyūreki continues to be a source of joy and fascination.

Text : 鈴木充広 Michihiro Suzuki / Illustrations : Aso Yuriko / English Version : Judy Evans

Keyword : Year end fairs / Japanese New Year / Kyureki / Shiwasu / Mutsuki / Toshi no ichi / Omisoka / Japanese Calender

The Old Calendar and the New Calendar

Throughout world history, calendars have undergone periodic reform of one kind or another, generally with the aim of improving their accuracy. Small changes to systems used to determine, for instance, the length of the calendar year can rightly be called “reforms” and these had occurred at intervals in Japan ever since the adoption of the lunisolar calendar in the 7th century. However, what happened to the Japanese calendar during the Meiji Calendar Reform of 1873, rather than being just a calendar reform, was more a case of “out with the old, in with the new”. In this so-called reform, the lunisolar Tenpō Calendar was entirely abandoned and replaced by the Gregorian Calendar.

For the purpose of this series, I shall be referring to the pre-1873 lunisolar calendar system as the “Kyūreki” or “old calendar”, and the Gregorian Calendar as the “Western calendar” or “new calendar”.

What was the Kyūreki Like?

I intend to deal with the Kyūreki itself in more detail in future articles, so will begin here with a broad outline of the three types of calendar; solar, lunar and lunisolar. A lunisolar calendar such as Japan’s old calendar, the Kyūreki, combines two systems of reckoning: the lunar calendar system which synchronises its cycles with the phases of the moon, and the solar calendar system, based on the position and apparent movement of the sun. 

Given that the Kyūreki combines both lunar and solar calendar systems, it is tempting to assume that this must have made it an excellent calendar. However, this wasn’t the case. Rather than combining just the best features of each system and leaving out the problematic aspects, the attempt to combine two separate systems into one ended up creating a whole new set of problems. However, the Kyūreki had been in use in Japan for a period of more than a millennium, spanning much of Japan’s recorded pre-modern history, meaning that a good understanding of the old calendar is essential when examining Japan’s historical record and past traditions. 

There’s more to a calendar, by the way, than just the repeated cycle of days and weeks. A calendar is primarily a way to identify and describe specific points in time, such as the dates of significant past, present and future events. The convenience of having the days, weeks or months set out for us, then, is really a secondary feature.

Shiwasu – The Twelfth Month

Although the months in Japan’s new calendar are numbered in order from one through twelve (rather than each month having its own name as is the custom in the West), each month in the old Japanese calendar had a name that related to seasonal conditions. Shiwasu, “Month of Priests Running”, was the name of the twelfth month. If even the dignified priests were busy enough to be running about getting ready for the new year, this final month of the year must have been a hectic time indeed. In contrast, the first month of the new year was called Mutsuki, “Month of Harmony”.

Preparing for the New Year

Preparations for the New Year would begin on the 13th day of the final month of the year. During the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), this day came to be known as “Kishukunichi”, or “Day of the Ghost”, and was considered a highly auspicious day for everything but weddings. This is when  susuharai  (getting rid of the year’s soot and dust) was carried out at Edo Castle in preparation to greet the gods of the new year, a custom that spread throughout the population and is still followed today. Beginning with  susuharai  on the 13th, New Year’s preparations continue for the rest of the month as sticky mochi rice is pounded for rice cakes, decorations are placed in the  tokonoma  alcove, pine sprigs and other material for New Year’s decorations are gathered, and special  osechi  dishes are prepared.

Toshi no Ichi – Year-End Fairs

Toshi no ichi , or year-end fairs, are open-air markets held during the final month of the year. Stalls sell all sorts of products, ranging from ordinary household goods to special New Year’s decorations and lucky charms. These year-end fairs are held throughout Japan and some are quite specialised in the wares they sell. One such specialist year-end fair in Tōkyo is the popular Hagoita Ichi held every year at Asakusa’s Sensōji Temple from December 17th to 19th. Here customers can browse at dozens of stalls selling all kinds of  hagoita , rectangular wooden paddles originally used to play  hanetsuki , a game similar to badminton. However, the  hagoita  on display here are highly decorative and regarded as lucky objects that can be used to bat away misfortune.

Ōmisoka – New Year’s Eve

The last day of the month is known as “Misoka”, written with the kanji 晦日. An alternative term is “Tsugomori”, which relates to the fact that in the old calendar the end of the month was when the moon could no longer be seen in the night sky. “Tsugomori” is thought to be an altered pronunciation of the term “Tsuki-komori” (月隠り), meaning “hiding moon”. Since New Year’s Eve is not only the last day of the month but also the last of the year, the kanji 大 meaning “big” is added to 晦日 (Misoka), giving us 大晦日 (Ōmisoka), the last day of the year. Once upon a time, people would follow the New Year’s Eve custom of toshigomori  (歳籠), shutting themselves inside the house or in a shrine and staying awake all night in order to welcome the deity Toshigami, who was believed to visit households on New Year’s Day, particularly coming to those who had sat up waiting throughout the dark, moonless night. With Toshigami’s visit, the New Year would begin.

Mutsuki – The First Month

The Japanese word for New Year’s Day is “Ganjitsu” (元日), while the morning of New Year’s Day is referred to as “Gantan” (元旦). Being the first morning of both the first month and the new year, Gantan is a highly auspicious morning when many people will head out to visit power spots in the mountains or on the coast, or pay their respects at temples and shrines. People even seek to gain strength from the new year’s sun by praying before the kanji 旦, which depicts the sun rising above the horizon.

Haru no Nanakusa – The Seven Herbs of Spring

Jinjitsu no Sekku, the first of the five seasonal  gosekku  festivals that take place throughout the year, occurs on the seventh day of the year. The festival is also known as Nanakusa no Sekku. In the morning, people eat rice porridge containing the seven herbs of spring ( nanakusa ) –  seri  (Japanese parsley),  nazuna (shepherd’s purse),  ogyō (cudweed), hakobera (chickweed),  hotoke-no-za (dead-nettle),  suzuna  (turnip) and  suzushiro  (daikon radish) – to wish for good health. However, January 7 th , the seventh day of the year according to the new calendar, is rather too early in the year to be able to gather these seasonal outdoor vegetables. According to the old Kyūreki calendar though, Nanakusa no Sekku falls in February, which makes far more sense.

Kanchū – Midwinter

The coldest time of the year is known as Kanchū (寒中) or Kan-no-uchi (寒の内). This midwinter period begins with Shōkan (小寒 minor cold) on January 5th and lasts until Daikan (大寒 major cold) on February 3rd. The beginning of Kanchū is referred to as Kan-no-iri (寒の入り) or “entering the cold”. Kanchū is a time when people all over Japan perform outdoor rites such as  hadashi-mairi  (barefoot pilgrimages),  kangori  (outdoor ablutions in freezing water) or  kangeiko  (martial arts drills barefoot in the snow or in freezing water). And while Kanchū is certainly the coldest time of the year, it also means that spring is just around the corner.

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Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home

How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life

By Marie Kondo

By marie kondo read by traci kato-kiriyama, part of the life changing magic of tidying up, category: home | self-improvement & inspiration | philosophy, category: home | self-improvement & inspiration | philosophy | audiobooks.

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Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home by Marie Kondo

Nov 15, 2022 | ISBN 9781984860781

Nov 15, 2022 | ISBN 9781984860798

Nov 15, 2022 | ISBN 9780593672006

179 Minutes

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About Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home

Transform your home into a haven of calm and achieve your ideal lifestyle with this inspirational visual guide featuring more than 100 photographs, from the Netflix star and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up .   “Encouraging readers to take an even more holistic and personal approach to curating their environments, [Marie] Kondo shares a visual guide featuring more than 100 photographs to inspire them to envision, and then create, more fulfilling and joyful lives.”—J.P. Morgan’s nextlist 2023 Inspired by the Japanese concept of kurashi, or “way of life,” Kurashi at Home invites you to visualize your best life from the moment you wake up until the end of each day. By applying Marie Kondo’s time-tested query —“ Does it spark joy?”—to your mindset and behaviors, you are invited to take an even more holistic and personal approach to curating your environment by imagining what your life could look like full of connection and free from any limitations. This ideal vision then becomes a touchpoint that helps you make conscious, mindful choices—from how you use every corner of your living space to how you take advantage of every moment.   At its core, the KonMari philosophy focuses not on what to get rid of, but on what sparks joy in your life. In this inspirational visual guide, beautiful photographs and Kondo’s unique suggestions empower you to embrace what you love about your life and then reflect it in your home, activities, and relationships, like creating a calm nook for working, scheduling weekly get-togethers with family or friends, or having relaxing nighttime rituals that promote a restful sleep.   Your newfound clarity will inspire you to clear out the unneeded clutter so you can appreciate the inviting spaces, treasured belongings, and peaceful moments that remain.

Transform your home into a haven of calm and achieve your ideal lifestyle with this inspirational guide, from the Netflix star and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up .   Inspired by the Japanese concept of kurashi, or “way of life,” Kurashi at Home invites you to visualize your best life from the moment you wake up until the end of each day. By applying Marie Kondo’s time-tested query —“ Does it spark joy?”—to your mindset and behaviors, you are invited to take an even more holistic and personal approach to curating your environment by imagining what your life could look like full of connection and free from any limitations. This ideal vision then becomes a touchpoint that helps you make conscious, mindful choices—from how you use every corner of your living space to how you take advantage of every moment.   At its core, the KonMari philosophy focuses not on what to get rid of, but on what sparks joy in your life. In this inspirational guide, Kondo’s unique suggestions empower you to embrace what you love about your life and then reflect it in your home, activities, and relationships, like creating a calm nook for working, scheduling weekly get-togethers with family or friends, or having relaxing nighttime rituals that promote a restful sleep.   Your newfound clarity will inspire you to clear out the unneeded clutter so you can appreciate the inviting spaces, treasured belongings, and peaceful moments that remain. *Includes a downloadable PDF of worksheets and recipes from the book

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Marie Kondo is a tidying expert, star of the Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and founder of KonMari Media, Inc. Enchanted with organizing since her childhood, Marie began her tidying consultant business as a 19-year-old university… More about Marie Kondo

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  • Kurashiki in 2 days
  • 1-Day Kurashiki Itinerary
  • 3-Day Kurashiki Itinerary
  • 4-Day Kurashiki Itinerary
  • 5-Day Kurashiki Itinerary

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Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: west side of town, kurashiki bikan historical quarter.

kurashi and trips calendar

Achi Shrine

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Kurashiki Ivy Square

Ōhara museum of art, mitsui outlet park kurashiki, aeon mall kurashiki, where to eat, kurashiki kokusai hotel, kurashiki takataya, candle watanabe house.

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Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

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Washuzan 2nd Observation Deck

Washuzan highland, kojima jeans street, yuga shrine, yugasan rendai temple, washuzan mizushima observatory, takato udon.

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Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

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Popular road trips from Kurashiki

What's the weather like in kurashiki.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Kurashiki for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Kurashiki in January
  • Weather in Kurashiki in February
  • Weather in Kurashiki in March
  • Weather in Kurashiki in April
  • Weather in Kurashiki in May
  • Weather in Kurashiki in June
  • Weather in Kurashiki in July
  • Weather in Kurashiki in August
  • Weather in Kurashiki in September
  • Weather in Kurashiki in October
  • Weather in Kurashiki in November
  • Weather in Kurashiki in December

All road trips from Kurashiki

  • Kurashiki to Kyoto drive
  • Kurashiki to Osaka drive
  • Kurashiki to Tokyo drive
  • Kurashiki to Hiroshima drive
  • Kurashiki to Seoul drive
  • Kurashiki to Nagoya drive
  • Kurashiki to Kanazawa drive
  • Kurashiki to Fukuoka drive
  • Kurashiki to Himeji drive
  • Kurashiki to Busan drive
  • Kurashiki to Matsuyama drive
  • Kurashiki to Nagasaki drive
  • Kurashiki to Hakone-machi drive
  • Kurashiki to Kochi drive
  • Kurashiki to Kobe drive
  • Kurashiki to Matsue drive
  • Kurashiki to Kamakura drive
  • Kurashiki to Ise drive
  • Kurashiki to Hatsukaichi drive
  • Kurashiki to Kitakyushu drive
  • Kurashiki to Takayama drive
  • Kurashiki to Nikko drive
  • Kurashiki to Tottori drive
  • Kurashiki to Beppu drive
  • Kurashiki to Taito drive
  • Kurashiki to Kagoshima drive
  • Kurashiki to Matsumoto drive
  • Kurashiki to Kumamoto drive
  • Kurashiki to Koya-cho drive
  • Kurashiki to Fujikawaguchiko-machi drive

Explore nearby places

  • Hayashima-cho
  • Satosho-cho
  • Naoshima-cho
  • Kibichuo-cho
  • Tadotsu-cho
  • Tonosho-cho
  • Kumenan-cho
  • Ayagawa-cho
  • Kotohira-cho

All related maps of Kurashiki

  • Map of Kurashiki
  • Map of Hayashima-cho
  • Map of Soja
  • Map of Okayama
  • Map of Yakage-cho
  • Map of Asakuchi
  • Map of Tamano
  • Map of Satosho-cho
  • Map of Naoshima-cho
  • Map of Takahashi
  • Map of Kasaoka
  • Map of Ibara
  • Map of Kibichuo-cho
  • Map of Setouchi
  • Map of Sakaide
  • Map of Utazu-cho
  • Map of Akaiwa
  • Map of Marugame
  • Map of Tadotsu-cho
  • Map of Fukuyama
  • Map of Tonosho-cho
  • Map of Kumenan-cho
  • Map of Zentsuji
  • Map of Bizen
  • Map of Ayagawa-cho
  • Map of Wake-cho
  • Map of Sanuki
  • Map of Takamatsu
  • Map of Manno-cho
  • Map of Kotohira-cho
  • Map of Misaki-cho

Kurashiki throughout the year

  • Kurashiki in January
  • Kurashiki in February
  • Kurashiki in March
  • Kurashiki in April
  • Kurashiki in May
  • Kurashiki in June
  • Kurashiki in July
  • Kurashiki in August
  • Kurashiki in September
  • Kurashiki in October
  • Kurashiki in November
  • Kurashiki in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Kurashiki?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

  • 2-Day Takamatsu Itinerary
  • 2-Day Fukuyama Itinerary
  • 2-Day Sakaide Itinerary
  • 2-Day Marugame Itinerary
  • 2-Day Kotohira-cho Itinerary
  • 2-Day Naoshima-cho Itinerary

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Daisaku Hashimura - CRACK Ichirin-zashi Vase Clear (NEW)

Mellow glass - the boat of the moon (sold), mellow glass - swinging moon (available price upon request), mellow glass - the night that i hear the sounds of bells (available price upon request), mellow glass - quietly waiting for the day (available price upon request), mellow glass - christmas house with a red roof (available price upon request), wara - sekimori stones, sheep design - handmade botanical soy candles, sheep design - handmade aromatic soy candles, takehito ichikawa - ichirin-zashi wooden vases, takehito ichikawa - two-sided wooden candle stand, takehito ichikawa - sculptural wooden object/flower stand (with a minor chip).

680.00 $450.00

kurashi and trips calendar

During the Edo Period (1603-1867), Kurashiki was an important point along the distribution route of Japan's most important commodity, rice . Large quantities of rice from the surrounding area were brought into Kurashiki and intermediately stored there in storehouses before being shipped to Osaka and Edo . Because of the city's importance in the rice trade, Kurashiki was put under direct control of the shogunate , and the city was even named after its many storehouses (kura).

Canals were built to allow boats and barges to navigate between the city's storehouses and the nearby port. A central section of the city's former canal system has been preserved in the Bikan Historical Quarter (�q�~���ϒn��, Kurashiki Bikan Chiku). The weeping willow trees that line the canal and the stone bridges that cross over the water make for a picturesque scene.

kurashi and trips calendar

Along the canal, there are many of the original storehouses that were so central to the city's identity. Recognizable by their white walls and black tiles, the former storehouses have been converted into cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and a number of museums:

kurashi and trips calendar

Ohara Museum •

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Museum of Folkcraft

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Archaeological Museum

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Storehouse Shopping Street

Getting there and around.

The canal area is a 10-15 minute walk from Kurashiki Station's south exit. A main road, Motomachi-dori, leads south from the station to the canal area, but walking through the parallel shopping arcade is more enjoyable and almost as fast.

Travelers, who would rather not walk from the station, can take a bus to the Ohara Bijutsukan bus stop (2 minutes, 170 yen), which is located just beside the Ohara Museum .

How to get to and around Kurashiki

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Ohara museum, hotels around kurashiki.

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Kurashiki Canal Area     View Tours

Kurashiki Canal Area

Kurashiki Canal Area was an important part of distributing rice in large quantities and is also known as the Bikan Historical Quarter. Along the canal you can see large storehouses that have been converted into various facilities, but still maintain the Edo feel. Kurashiki Canal Area is located in Okayama Prefecture and was once an important distribution center for large quantities of rice during the Edo Period (1603-1868). From Kurashiki large amounts of rice were distributed to the surrounding areas. It is one of the reasons you will see many warehouses along the canal. Although today they are no longer used as storage, but have been converted into restaurants, shops, and museums. The canal area is also known as Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and is one of the most picturesque old merchant quarters in Japan. Kurashiki was placed under the direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate because of its value as a trade center for rice. It stored rice that would later be transferred to Osaka and Edo (present day Tokyo). The canals were built as a way to allow boats and barges to move easily to the different storehouses. Great efforts were made to maintain the look and atmosphere of the Edo merchant days. Even though not all of the Kurashiki Canal Area was preserved, the ones located in the center provide a good idea on how the system used to be. The white walls and black tiles are indicators on which buildings were once storehouses. Please see below for tours that include Kurashiki Canal Area:

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Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

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One day in Kurashiki Itinerary – Top things to do in Kurashiki, Japan

While some parts of Japan remain closed off to foreigners, Kurashiki of Okayama Prefecture welcomes explorers with open arms. Overwhelmingly friendly, this small town is full of unique surprises and stores on every corner. Bizen pottery flows from the stores out onto the streets, and many unique food vendors offer samples everywhere you go. Mainly visited by Japanese couples and families looking to relax, Kurashiki recently added a fantastic tourist center at the top of the entryway to Historical Quarter. There are even tour guides available from 1PM-5PM that will walk around town by your side and make sure your one day in Kurashiki is a memorable one.

One day in Kurashiki Itinerary

Guest post by Karen Kim

What’s the best time to visit Kurashiki?

Kurashiki is enjoyable at any time of year, but something to be mindful of are the typhoons that occasionally come through around June-October. Depending on the season, you will see a different side of the town. For example, spring brings blossoms, while winter brings illuminations! Choose wisely, or just return again and again!

Kurasiki

One Day in Kurashiki Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day in Kurashiki .

Immerse yourself in the Bikan Historical Quarter

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is the place to be in this beautiful town. As soon as you enter it, the pavement changes, there are lamp posts on almost every corner, and the entire vibe is completely different from where your journey began. Lining the streets are vendors with mochi, chewy rice ball snacks, and the unique kibidango (きびだんご). This tasty snack comes in many different flavors and was used by Momotaro (the Peach Boy) in epic folklore tales of the past. 

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Weave throughout the town stopping at every street vendor you can, and if you are daring enough to try some Japanese, please do, since they love to talk and hear where you live. Almost every store is unique in some way, including the restaurants. Fortunately for many travelers who don’t speak Japanese, many of the menus are in English and sometimes even French, Chinese, and Spanish.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Shops

Learn about the fascinating Bizen pottery

Pottery is especially important here in Kurashiki. Referred to as Bizen pottery, the ceramics undergo a firing process where the warmth gives the pieces their own unique color. Therefore, they do not need as many ornate decorations and designs as you see in other cultures or areas around Japan.

Bizen Pottery

Many of the shops will custom gift wrap purchases if needed, so be sure to tell them if the gift is a present or needs some extra care for the trek home. There is a truly unique pottery store (website: www.bizen-yaki.net) close to the town centre which you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Not only are the contents reasonably priced depending on your budget, but there is also a beautiful wall around the corner on the outside that is not to be missed.

The wall itself looks like a piece of art, with gray and bluish shades of stone framed by a raised, white tic-tac-toe type structure. Don’t miss the unique bathrooms across the small street and down a few stairs, but be prepared to use some leg strength when getting back up!

Stop for lunch and try something new

As you approach midday, settle down for lunch somewhere.  Be brave and try something new!  There will be a clipboard outside a few restaurants with a wait. Writing your name and the number of people in the party is always sufficient. 

Lunch

Check out the town’s fascinating museums

Ohara Musuem is among the many museums worthy of a tour on your one day in Kurashiki. It has a large gift shop, and inside you will see many artists’ recognizable works. If you are looking for something more off the beaten path, there is a Candy and Piggy Bank Museum, as well. The Momotaro Museum provides a great sense of Kurashiki’s rich past. Truly, the town has something for everyone.

Ohara Museum

Ride the boat in the canal

To rest your weary legs from walking, hop into a boat in the canal. Koi fish swim freely around you as you pass under the photogenic bridges of the town. Vendors line the canal banks and will always give a wave if they are looking your way. Opting to stay off the water means the rickshaw may be a better option. Greeters will try to sell you a short ride around the town as you walk over the canal bridges.  Be nice, they are not pushy like those in other cities!

Kurasiki Canals

Visit the Achi Shrine

As dusk draws near, exploring the Achi Shrine is a good idea since it comes complete with a beautiful view of the town. There is a gorgeous staircase looking up beyond a torii gate, but there is also a ramp that curves along to the right which eases the journey a bit. Making it back downstairs in time to catch the colors of sunset is extremely recommended, and the canal lined by old buildings serves as a gorgeous framework for your shot.

Achi Shrine

Enjoy a beautiful evening

The evening hours bring a completely different feel to the streets of Kurashiki. Somewhat European-looking, the streets become blanketed in the champagne-like color coming from the lanterns. The canal creates a beautiful reflection, and on the clearest of nights you may even see some stars.  There are many photographers lurking in the corners of every alleyway, so be careful not to block shots and for sure offer to take other people’s pictures since they are often too timid to ask.

Kurashiki at Night

Wrapping up your one day in Kurashiki, head to Salon De Rics for some evening cocktails. The Moscow Mule is served in a proper prohibition style mug!  If a jazz cafe is what you desire, Kurashiki has that, too! Be prepared to pay a small cover charge at most places, think of it as the tip since you won’t need to throw down anything extra on top of the bill (unless you feel inspired).  Pressed for time?  Make sure you visit Kurashiki for at least the boat ride in the canal and the Ohara Museum.

Where to stay in Kurashiki

While you can do Kurashiki in one day, for sure, you may choose to stay in a hotel. Be sure to check into your hotel so that you can freshen up and drop the bags before the adventure begins. A fresh face is required for the many pictures there are to take around this charming town. 

Dormy Inn Kurashiki Bath

The Dormy Inn Kurashiki

710-0055 Okayama, Kurashiki, Achi 3-21-11

The Dormy Inn Kurashiki , although a chain, has a beautiful Japanese style onsen/bath on the top floor and is right across the street from the entrance to Historical Quarter. One of the baths is even outdoors, so you are in for a treat if you come here during winter. Many tourists feel bashful in these public style bathrooms; however, once you get over the initial shock, it can be very relaxing. 

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata

Yoshii Ryokan or Ryori Ryokan Tsurugat

  710-0054 Okayama, Kurashiki, Honmachi 1-29   710-0046 Okayama, Kurashiki, Chuo 1-3-15

If Western style hotels are not your thing, consider one of the many ryokans strewn about the town. With these stays, breakfast and dinner are often provided for a cost that is worked into the room rate. Complete with a public bath, most likely, these stays really give you the complete Japanese experience since you stay on the tatami mat floor with dense pillows. Experience one of the two amazing ryokans in town: Yoshii Ryokan or Ryori Ryokan Tsurugat . 

Day trips from Kurashiki

If you have the Japan Rail Pass, the world is your oyster. Kyoto and Osaka are nearby and quite legendary and easy to reach, but for those wanting to remain a little off the beaten path Okayama offers plenty to do. Home of one of Japan’s most famous gardens, Korakuen, Okayama is a charming town with its own electric car still operating. The gardens are attached to the well-known castle where, if you get there early enough, you can sign up to make one of five unique pieces of pottery.  There are a few castles that lay on the outskirts of the town and are accessible by bus, local train, and taxis. Okayama has an abundance of small bars that open mostly after 7PM, Bar Legend, Sky Bar at Hotel Granvia, and Aussie Bar to name a few. Still not sure what to do? Naoshima, the art island, is not far away!

Extra tips for visiting Kurashiki

Kurashiki is also known for its Kojima denim. As a matter of fact, it is the birthplace of Japanese denim. Many stores will display fun things in the storefronts, but do look beyond and enter into the shops. Keep an eye for the store that uses a pair of jeans as a noren, how clever! As with any Japanese town, be sure to check opening and closing times, since they vary more than you can imagine. Enjoy your day trip to Old Japan!

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in  Kurashiki Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Karen Kim is a former professional dancer turned yoga teacher and fitness guru. Currently moonlighting as an amateur travel blogger, Karen is spending every spare moment she has exploring Japan. Relocated from NYC, this is her second time living in Japan. She is passionate about sharing places to vacation that aren't the norm and, most importantly, ways to escape the draining city life.  She believes that travel, whether physically or through other means like social media or television, is the gateway to understanding cultures outside of our own. Karen began a photo diary of her travels around Japan on Instagram to help other expats and tourists.  IG handle: yoga_travel_happyhr_repeat.

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Kurashiki Travel Guide: 17 Best Things To Do in Kurashiki Japan as a Solo Traveller

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Wondering what to do in Kurashiki Japan ? The small charming town in Okayama Prefecture in Japan is famous for the picturesque canal along with the weeping willow trees . The city was an important point along the distribution route for Japan’s most important commodity, rice. Canals were built to allow boats to go through the town and nearby ports.

Today, you will find restored warehouses converted to shops and restaurants in this beautiful and charming town. With so many things to do in Kurashiki Japan, it is no wonder the small town is gaining popularity!

I love getting off the beaten path in Japan and discover gems like Kurashiki. There are many things to do in Kurashiki, including walking through the historical area , sampling local cuisine and visiting world-class museums . If you want to experience the small-town charm of Japan, then you must visit Kurashiki.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before visiting Kurashiki Japan

Before you visit all the Kurashiki attractions, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan . I included a lot of information including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are additional travel tips that you may find useful for travelling to Kurashiki city:

  • Walking is the best way to see Kurashiki.
  • ICOCA is the prepaid IC card for Okayama Prefecture. It is a rechargeable smartcard where you can take public transportation including bus, train and etc. It is useful to have especially if you are taking day trips to Okayama, Naoshima , Teshima or other destinations.
  • You can see all the best things to do in Kurashiki in one day .
  • If you are travelling to Okayama , making a day trip to Kurashiki is quick and easy. Kurashiki is just a stone’s throw away (17 minutes to be exact).

How to get to Kurashiki City

Kurashiki is a small town 18km southwest of Okayama in Okayama Prefecture. There are several ways of getting into the city from the airport and Okayama City.

Streets of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter are full of traditional Japanese houses

From Okayama to Kurashiki

If you are flying, domestic (Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo and Okinawa) and international (Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) flights fly into Okayama Momotaro Airport . From the airport, there are non-stop bus services to Kurashiki.

  • Time: 35 minutes
  • Cost: about ¥1,150
  • Check for bus schedule here

If you are taking the train from either east or west of Kurashiki, you will arrive at Okayama first then take another train to Kurashiki. Check Hyperdia for schedules and fares . Here are a few sample routes:

Travelling from east: Osaka to Kurashiki

  • Time: 45 minutes
  • Cost: from ¥5,940 (covered by JR Pass except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains)
  • Time: 17 minutes
  • Cost: ¥330 (covered by JR Pass)

Travelling from west: Hiroshima to Kurashiki

  • Time: 40 minutes

Where to stay in Kurashiki Japan

A lot of people go to Kurashiki as a day trip. But I definitely think it is an excellent city to stay for a few days in the picturesque town.

Most Kurashiki accommodations are close to the historical area and near the train station . Here are a few Kurashiki accommodation recommendations:

  • Check prices & reviews: Agoda

kurashi and trips calendar

Kurashiki Attractions Map

Most visitors will wonder what to do in Kurashiki other than Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. But there is so much more you can discover in the picturesque town. Let me show you all the places you can visit.

All the top Kurashiki attractions are pinned in the interactive map. You can find more information about each attraction by clicking on the individual pin.

17 Best things to do in Kurashiki Japan

1. kurashiki bikan historical quarter.

The main Kurashiki attraction is the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter . When you google “Kurashiki,” you will find images of charming and picturesque photos of houses next to a canal and along with weeping willow trees.

The original town was built more than 300 years ago. Today, retails shops, restaurants line both sides of the canal in restored historic buildings, such as Kurashiki Monogatarikan (a tourism and cultural centre) and Kurashiki Craft Work Village (a space for craft making and traditional Japanese tea ceremony).

You can also take a traditional boat tour of Kurashiki canal (20 minutes, ¥500 per person) during the warmer months and see the city from another perspective. Or take a rickshaw tour around Kurashiki through the small narrow streets.

kurashi and trips calendar

2, 3, 4 & 5. See a panoramic view of Kurashiki and visit Achi Shrine, Kanryuji Temple and Honeji Temple

Sitting on the top of Tsuragatayama Hill are a few important temples in Kurashiki. And not to mention a gorgeous unobstructed view of Kurashiki.

The Achi Shrine has been around for more than 1,700 years. The shrine is known for the massive granite rocks known as iwakura rocks, which are sacred rocks and has origins that relate to Korean shamanistic roots.

Moreover, Tsuragatayama Hill was much closer to the Seto Inland Sea hundreds of years ago, which made Achi Shrine the perfect spot for enshrining the goddesses of the sea and voyages.

And before you leave the park, take a look at the peaceful Kanryuji Temple and Honeji Temple at the bottom of the hill.

kurashi and trips calendar

6 & 7. Honmachi and Higashimachi

Kurashiki used to be a city for merchants dated back to the Edo Period. The traditional houses have austere white-washed walls with black and white latticework pattern . That is a typical Kurashiki architectural style.

Just south of Tsuragatayama Park, Honmachi and Higashimachi are areas in Kurashiki that were once the main areas in Kurashiki. They are both major roads for transportation of rice and other goods for the merchants and artisans back in the days.

Today, you can still see the traditional houses with the signature Kurashiki style, but they are now renovated storehouses. You can find restaurants, cafes, and galleries in these renovated storehouses.

kurashi and trips calendar

8. Kurashiki Demin Street

Kojima is a small city 17km south of Kurashik and is the birthplace of Japanese denim .

And in Kurashiki, you will find retailers selling denim products that are made in Kojima. From jeans, shirts, dresses, skirts, bags and many more.

Some vendors even sell food in blue colour. But don’t worry, the blue colour comes from ai , Japanese indigo, which is a plant used to colour Japanese denim. It is totally edible!

kurashi and trips calendar

9. Kurashiki Ivy Square

Kurashiki Ivy Square is a multipurpose space that was formerly a cotton mill. Today, the cluster of red brick buildings houses a hotel, pottery workshop, retail stores and a cotton mill memorial museum.

10. Buy Washi Tape at Tanex612 Factory

Kurashiki is the birthplace of washi tape , a roll of masking tape made with washi (Japanese paper) where each roll has aesthetically pleasing designs. Typically, washi tape is used for scrapbooking and any type of arts and crafts.

Although you can find washi tape anywhere in Japan, it is extra special to buy the unique tape in Kurashiki. Tanex612 Factory in Bikan Historical Quarter selling hundredss of washi tapes.

Rows of Washi Tapes in Tanex612 Factory

11. Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki

Just north of Kurashiki train station, visitors can do some major shopping at the Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki . They have local stores and international brand names. If you are a visitor, bring your passport, so you don’t have to pay for taxes for purchases over ¥5,000 in participating retailers.

12. Ohara Museum of Art

As the first western art museum in Japan, the Ohara Museum of Art has an extensive collection of paintings by French and Japanese artists. Since 1930, Ohara Magosaburo started collecting art, and the collection continues to grow. Today, there are many masterpieces by western and Japanese artists.

For an entrance fee of ¥1,300, you can see Monet’s Waterlilies, Pablo Piccasso’s Bird Cage, and the museum’s most famous painting, Annunciation by El Greco.

As you tour through the property, you can see black and white latticeworks on the exterior walls of some of the buildings. The contrasting latticework is Kurashiki’s signature architectural style.

Make sure you visit the Ohara House and Shinkei-en Garden , they are part of the Ohara Museum as well.

kurashi and trips calendar

13. Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft

Set in a traditional storehouse along the canal, Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft showcases objects from everyday lives from the 18th century. For an entrance fee of ¥700, you can see the renovated space displaying objects from people’s daily lives like pottery, glass, textiles, ceramics, lacquerware, and other folk crafts.

14. Momotaro Karakuri Museum

As one of Japan’s best-known folk tales , Momotaro is a legendary character that originated from Okayama. He was born from a giant peach (momo) and befriended a monkey and a dog by offering them kibi-dango  (small sticky millet dumplings).

The museum displays prints, picture-card and other displays related to Momotaro. You can see everything related to Momotaro for just ¥600.

Entrance to Momotaro Karakuri Museum

15. Ohashi House

The Ohashi family built the Ohashi house in 1796 and is a typical representation of a Kurashiki merchant house. It is an important cultural property by the national government. For ¥500, you can see a traditional merchant house.

16. Kurashiki City Art Museum

Originally built as the Kurashiki City Hall, the space is now the Kurashiki City Art Museum where it contains large-scale exhibitions on modern, contemporary Japanese art. The museum also holds related lectures and workshops in Japanese.

17. Try local Kurashiki food

Okayama Prefecture produces a lot of fruits and rice because of the great weather and mineral-rich soil. And the city’s proximity to the Seto Inland Sea means fresh seafood is never far. Try some of these local specialties:

  • Bara Sushi – a variety of seafood cut into small pieces, marinated in vinegar and scattered over rice. Hence it is called “scattered sushi.”
  • Mamakari Sushi – sappa (a small Japanese sardinella fish) sushi
  • Chiya Beef – Okayama Prefecture’s local cattle strain, as good as Matsuzaka beef and Kobe beef. There are a limited number of cattle being bred and raised, which makes chiya beef a rare treat. Can be eaten in sukiyaki hotpot, yakiniku (grilled at your table) and eaten as sushi.
  • Okayama Demi-katsudon – deep-fried pork cutlet over rice with a sweet demi-glaze sauce
  • Kibi-dango – small sticky millet dumplings with sugar
  • White peaches – a juicy summer fruit that is super popular in Okayama Prefecture
  • Muscat and pione grapes – Okayama Prefecture has a large variety of grapes like muscat (green) and pione (purple) grapes.
  • Sake  – a Japanese rice wine produced by omachi rice, which is grown in the mineral-rich soil in Okayama Prefecture

kurashi and trips calendar

Where to eat in Kurashiki

Like most places in Japan, dining solo is very typical in Kurashiki. You will never feel out of place just because you are eating by yourself. Here are some suggestions on where to eat in the best Kurashi food:

  • Kappa Tonkatsu ( かっぱ ) ($) – for less than ¥1,000, you can get tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) with rice and miso soup. The entire kitchen is run by a group of women. There is such a homey feel to this place!
  • Bukkake-Udon Furuichi ($) – try their nikuten bukkake udon noodle. It comes with beef, shrimp tempura and egg for ¥740.
  • Yuurin-an Cafe ($) – they are famous for their “happy pudding.” They make 80 each day, and each pudding has a different happy face. Very popular with the locals and tourists as well.
  • Toraiya Hompo (冨来屋本舗) ($$)- choose from several of Okayama’s typical dishes. From chiya beef, mamakari sushi, bara sushi to anything in between. An English menu is available.
  • Scarecrow ($) – a small little cozy coffee shop just south of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
  • Yamau Coffee Stand ($) – serving delicious coffee and matcha latté, the small coffee shop is an excellent place for a hot beverage. It is located right next to the canal.
  • Tenmaya Happy’s Supermarket ($) – located just north of Kurashiki Station, the supermarket has a wide variety of produces and also prepared food. The supermarket is in Ario Kurashiki (shopping mall) which has many retail shops and a food court.

Tonkatsu at Kappa Tonkatsu

Other things to do in Kurashiki: day trips from Kurashiki

Visit the capital city of Okayama Prefecture and see the Okayama Castle along Asahigawa River , nicknamed “ujo” (crow castle) due to its black exterior. Even though it is the reconstructed castle (the original was destroyed during WWII), it is still worth seeing.

Then walk over to  Korakuen Garden which is not too far away. Don’t miss the garden as it is one of the best landscape gardens in Japan. Enjoy the beautiful gardens before popping into one of the museums like the Hayashibara Museum of Art . You can see all the major attractions in Okayama in one day .

From Kurashiki, take either the train on JR Habuki Line or JR San-yo Line . It only takes 20 minutes to get there and it cost ¥320.

Okayama Castle in Okayama City

If the names Yayoi Kusama and Tadao Ando mean anything to you, then you must visit  Naoshima . Naoshima is a small island full of contemporary museums, galleries and art installations. Spend the day visiting Chichu Art Museum , Benesse House Museum , Ando Museum and take photos of Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin !

For Kurashiki to Naoshima, you have to take the train and a ferry. First, take JR Habuki Line or JR San-yo Line from Kurashiki Station to Okayama Station . Then hop on the JR Uno Line from Okayama Station to Uno Station . You may need to change trains at Chayamachi Station across the platform (depends which train you are taking). The entire train journey will take about 70+ minutes and cost ¥900. From Uno Station, walk about 5 minutes to Uno Ferry Port and hop on one of the scheduled ferries to Naoshima Miyanoura Port .

Naoshima can be visited in a day. Learn how to get to Naoshima and what to do on the art island.

Just west of Naoshima, Teshima is another fantastic island full of contemporary artwork in the Seto Inland Sea. Spend the day on an electric bicycle and visit Teshima Yokoo House , La Forêt des Murmures , and most of all, you have to see the installation at Teshima Art Museum . It has to be one of the best installations I’ve seen anywhere in the world!

Going to Teshima is similar to going to Naoshima. Follow the directions above for Kurashiki Station to Uno Station. Once you arrive at Uno Ferry Port , take one of the scheduled ferries to Teshima Ieura Port .

If you love contemporary art, then you must visit Teshima Island as it is one of the best contemporary art island in Japan

Which Kurashiki attractions are you most excited to see?

Most travellers will visit Okayama as it is a bigger city and more well known. But personally, I enjoyed Kurashiki much more than Okayama! It is not a well-known place, but that is part of the charm in itself. And I can see that Kurashiki tourism is starting to flourish as there were more people in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter towards the end of my trip.

I hope you enjoyed reading my top things to do in Kurashiki, Japan. And when you are planning a solo trip to Japan, make sure to follow my Kurashiki Japan guide!

Thank you for reading my Kurashiki travel post

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

  • Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
  • Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
  • 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
  • Japanese Food Culture: 11 must-try food
  • One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kanto region

  • 5-day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors
  • Where to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers

Kansai region

  • Kyoto 2-day itinerary
  • Uji day trip from Kyoto
  • Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
  • 2-day Osaka itinerary
  • Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary
  • Himeji day trip from Osaka

Chugoku region

  • Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
  • How to spend one day on Teshima Island
  • 13 Top things to do in Onomichi Japan
  • Shimanami Kaido: how to spend one day cycling Japan’s best bike route
  • Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
  • Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Kyushu region

  • 10-day Kyushu Island itinerary
  • 25 Best things to do in Fukuoka Japan
  • Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
  • Kumamoto City in one day
  • Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
  • 11 Top things to do in Kagoshima Japan

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kurashi and trips calendar

queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Best Tokyo Food: Edo Fuji

Tokyo Food Guide: Where and What to Eat in Tokyo, Japan

Learn how to get to Naoshima art island and see the famous Naoshima Pumpkin.

Naoshima Art Island: How to Get to Naoshima and One Day Itinerary

Be Kobe

Osaka to Kobe Day Trip: Best Things to Do in Kobe in One Day

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I refered to this guide when I traveled to Kurashiki earlier this month. Out of all the websites/articles I came across, this was the best one. Thank you for this, it was very informative!

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Hi KL, thank you for your comment. I really enjoyed my time in Kurashiki – I think everyone should see this little quaint town. So happy you had a good time there too. Thank you again! 🙂

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From Museums To Shopping! A Trip Itinerary For Kurashiki

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Kurashiki, located in Okayama, is a beautiful place with many historical townhouses and warehouses. In this article, we follow a one-day itinerary designed to showcase these stunning locations and art spots.

What Kind of Place Is Kurashiki?

美術館巡りからショッピングまで 倉敷を1日で巡ろう

Kurashiki, located in Okayama prefecture, is a town that flourished under the direct control of the Edo Bakufu government . With traditional machiya houses and warehouses in abundance, you’re sure to feel the weight of Japanese history in the air around you as you walk by the white plastered walls of this popular town. And with the Ohara Museum of Art as its representative art gallery, Kurashiki has also become a city where the fine arts have prospered as well.

How to Reach Kurashiki from Okayama

The most convenient route to take from Okayama city to Kurashiki is the train. Take the JR Sanyo line from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station; it takes only 15 minutes and costs 320 yen. The majority of the sightseeing spots and the most beautiful districts in Kurashiki are located with about a 15-minute walk from the station.

For directions on how to travel to Okayama from Tokyo or Osaka, please refer to: Okayama and Kurashiki Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Local Food, Festivals , specifically the section entitled ‘Access to Okayama’ .

Model Sightseeing Course for Kurashiki

美術館巡りからショッピングまで 倉敷を1日で巡ろう

Photo courtesy of: Kurashiki Tourism Board This model itinerary for Kurashiki will focus on its two most famous points: viewing some of the more beautiful and historical buildings in the town and checking out some of the galleries. By using the following course as a guideline, you’re sure to spend a very aesthetically satisfying day in Kurashiki.

9:00 Depart from Kurashiki Station for Ohara Museum of Art

美術館巡りからショッピングまで 倉敷を1日で巡ろう

The Ohara Museum of Art is a 15-minute walk from Kurashiki Station.

At the Ohara Museum of Art, not only will you find works by Picasso , Monet , Gauguin and other internationally known painters, but carvings and other pieces by Japanese artists as well. Visitors can also appreciate Japan’s four seasons here at the incredibly popular Shinkeien Garden , which has free admission. It’s best to visit this place in the morning - that way you can really take your time and enjoy the space. For more about the Ohara Museum of Art, please see: Monet and Picasso!? Early Works of World-Famous Painters at Ohara Museum of Art.

Ohara Museum of Art Address: Okayama, Kurashiki, Chuo 1-1-15 Website: Ohara Museum of Art

10:30 Stroll Through the Beautiful District and Have Lunch

美術館巡りからショッピングまで 倉敷を1日で巡ろう

After taking in the arts at the Ohara Museum of Art, let’s now head towards the beautiful, historical district known as a ‘Bikan’ in Japanese. The numerous historical machiya houses spread out around you here, making it a charming place to enjoy the atmosphere of the past, as this area has been both preserved and protected for over 300 years, from the Edo era.

Some of the machiya and warehouses have been re-purposed into restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling various souvenirs and general goods. Stop by one of these renovated traditional houses for lunch and then soak up the historical ambiance of the area by looking for souvenirs at Nyochikudo , a great little shop that has a variety of interesting items.

Also, after sunset, the lights are lit in the city, creating different fantastic sights, such as the effect of the lights as they reflect through the old latticed windows, or the image of the white walls as they reflect on the river. To learn more about this stunning area, see: Kurashiki Bikan - Where 300 Years of History Still Linger .

13:00 Boating Downstream

美術館巡りからショッピングまで 倉敷を1日で巡ろう

Photo courtesy of: Kurashiki Tourism Board

On the Kurashiki River that flows to the center of the Bikan, you can also enjoy a trip downstream piloted by their expert boatmen. The cruise departs every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 17:00 and costs 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children. Tickets can be purchased from the Kurashiki Tourist Information Center .

Kurashiki Tourist Information Center Address: Kurashiki Chuo 1-4-8 Website: Kurashiki Tourist Information Center

13:30 Visit Kurashiki Ivy Square

美術館巡りからショッピングまで 倉敷を1日で巡ろう

Nearby the Bikan area you will find Kurashiki Ivy Square , a red brick building built in the Meiji era that housed a spinning mill that is covered in lush green ivy - hence the name. At Kurashiki Ivy Square, you will find the Kurabo Memorial Hall , which has exhibits on the history of spinning in Kurashiki, a workshop where you can take part in pottery making classes, a music box museum, and the Kojima Torajiro Memorial Hall , so please take your time here and enjoy the sights. Tickets for the Kojima Torajiro Memorial Hall can be purchased from the Ohara Museum of Art.

Kurashiki Ivy Square Address: Kurashiki, Honmachi7−2 Website: Kurashiki Ivy Square

15:00 Visit the Momotaro Folktale Museum

As soon as you exit Ivy Square, you will come across Momotaro's Karakuri Museum. The popular folktale Momotaro is said to have originated in Okayama, and in this museum you can see exhibits of historical materials and other exciting attractions made using karakuri, or mechanical dolls.

Momotaro's Karakuri Museum Address: Kurashiki, Honmachi 5-11 Website: Momotaro's Karakuri Museum

In Conclusion

And that brings us to the end of our one-day course in Kurashiki. If you find that you have extra time after visiting the museum, why not stroll through the town and see how the atmosphere of this historical townscape changes once the sun sets? Please think of this article as your guide to sightseeing in Kurashiki.

** Any prices included in this article are based on information provided by the facilities themselves, and are current as of December 2016. These are subject to change, so please check the prices yourself before traveling.

Okayama and Kurashiki Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Local Food, Festivals Not Just Another Stationery Shop - Find Kurashiki Souvenirs At Nyochikudo Monet and Picasso!? Early Works of World-Famous Painters at Ohara Museum of Art Hop On A Tram And See Popular Spots Like Korakuen And Okayama Castle! The Town Of Jeans, Kojima In Okayama – A Selection Of Three Great Denim Shops

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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  1. KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHING|オリジナルアイテム

    KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHING|オリジナルアイテム - 北欧、暮らしの道具店. 2015/07/30 『小旅行や日常で使いたい大人顔トート。. 2015/11/09 『特集|ほしいものづくり、始めています。. 2016/04/14 『書き心地なめらかな、自由なノートができました。. 2018/08/01 『アイディア ...

  2. KURASHI & Trips PUBLISHING 2021 CALENDAR

    KURASHI & Trips PUBLISHING 2021 CALENDAR. 2021.03.15 11:27. 去年使用了由喜歡的插畫家 繪製,並由 北歐生活道具店 北欧、暮らしの道具店 @hokuoh_kurashi )發行的月曆一整年,由衷地喜愛,於是看到新的一年月曆釋出之時,便立刻決定2021年也要續用這款月曆,而且要加購桌曆 ...

  3. 【店長コラム】あたらしいブランド、KURASHI&Trips PUBLISHINGとしてスタートをきります!

    ジャムからはじまったkurashi&tripsですが、そこにpublishing(出版する)という言葉をあわせ、わたしたちのこれまでとこれからのモノづくりを象徴するブランドとして育てていけたらと思っています。 kurashi&trips publishingが これからさらにチャレンジしたいこと。

  4. 2022 Calendar

    Template 4:Calendar 2022landscape, 2 pages, days aligned. 2 pages, landscape orientation (horizontal) days aligned horizontally (days of the week in the same row) for easy week overview. 6 months / half a year per page. US edition with federal holidays and observances. free to download, easily printable.

  5. What is Kurashi?

    Kurashi invites you to use a similar practice in every aspect of your life. Here are some of Marie's essential tips from her book "Kurashi at Home." 1. Expand Your Vision Creating your ideal home is vital for a joyful life, but defining your kurashi means looking beyond those walls.

  6. Summary: Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your ...

    In Kurashi at Home (2022), interior organization expert Marie Kondo invites readers to conceptualize their ideal kurashi, or lifestyle. Kondo then shows how, through interacting with and optimizing their living spaces, readers can achieve our idea of kurashi. Introduction: Learn to live well in your space.

  7. Japan's 72 Microseasons

    A fresh, warm start. February 4th marks the start of Japan's ancient calendar/almanac, the Kurashi no Koyomi (暮らしの暦, lit. lifestyle calendar). Which, rather than standard Gregorian weeks, is measured out in 72 "kō" (候)—what we in English have taken to calling "microseasons." Nowadays, it's regarded as something of trendy-chic ...

  8. Living by the Old Calendar. No.1. Shiwasu and Mutsuki

    Shiwasu and Mutsuki. The Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) reforms brought sweeping changes to all aspects of Japanese life, including the 1873 adoption of the Western calendar, which replaced the lunisolar calendar that had accompanied the seasonal rhythms of life in Japan for over a thousand years. While Japan's old lunisolar calendar, referred to ...

  9. Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home

    About Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home. Transform your home into a haven of calm and achieve your ideal lifestyle with this inspirational visual guide featuring more than 100 photographs, from the Netflix star and #1 bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. "Encouraging readers to take an even more holistic and personal approach to curating their environments, [Marie ...

  10. 72 Microseasons

    Japan's 72 Microseasons - #68. "Underground Springs Thaw" and the New Year begins in true. Jan 15 •. Kurashi no Koyomi. 8. A newsletter about Japan as viewed through the lens of an ancient almanac and its tiny, poetic seasons. Click to read 72 Microseasons, by Kurashi no Koyomi, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

  11. 小池ふみ Fumi Koike on Instagram: "KURASHI &Trips PUBLISHING 2023 CALENDAR

    Something went wrong. There's an issue and the page could not be loaded. Reload page. 757 likes, 1 comments - fumi_koike on August 23, 2022: "KURASHI &Trips PUBLISHING 2023 CALENDAR, March @hokuoh_kurashi".

  12. 2-Day Kurashiki Itinerary

    Day 2: West side of town. For day 2, we recommend exploring the west side side of town. Start the day off with Washuzan 2nd Observation Deck, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Washuzan Mizushima observatory. All together, your day would be filled with about 6 hours of non-stop fun.

  13. Home decor

    Mellow Glass - The Night that I Hear the Sounds of Bells (Available! Price upon request) $9,999.00 AUD. Mellow Glass - Quietly Waiting for the Day (Available! Price upon request) $9,999.00 AUD. Mellow Glass - Christmas House with a Red Roof (Available! Price upon request) $999.00 AUD.

  14. Kurashiki Canal Area (Bikan Historical Quarter)

    A central section of the city's former canal system has been preserved in the Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区, Kurashiki Bikan Chiku). The weeping willow trees that line the canal and the stone bridges that cross over the water make for a picturesque scene. Along the canal, there are many of the original storehouses that were so ...

  15. KURASHI&TRIPS PUBLISHING Original Tissue Box Case

    KURASHI&TRIPS PUBLISHING Original Tissue Box Case. JapanTOPAWARDS ASIAMarch 30, 2021Winners, 2021, others, Cardboard. KURASHI&TRIPS PUBLISHING Original Tissue Box Case. Design Company: Kurashicom Inc. Art Direction/Design:Takashi Sato. Country: Japan. Tissue boxes tend to have a lived-in feel so we wanted to make something different.v When you ...

  16. Kurashiki Canal Area Tours 2024-2025-2026

    8 Days 7 Nights | from US $3598.00. Saga / Nagasaki / Takachiho / Beppu / Kitsuki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Takamatsu / Kurashiki / Himeji / Kobe. Explore a little deeper into the rural, "must see" sights of Southern Japan and admire the season's renowned cherry trees. Start Date. End Date.

  17. Top things to do in Kurashiki, Japan

    The Dormy Inn Kurashiki. 710-0055 Okayama, Kurashiki, Achi 3-21-11. The Dormy Inn Kurashiki, although a chain, has a beautiful Japanese style onsen/bath on the top floor and is right across the street from the entrance to Historical Quarter. One of the baths is even outdoors, so you are in for a treat if you come here during winter.

  18. Your Best Kurashiki City Travel Planning Guide

    Achi Shrine is one of those shrines in Japan that have many festivals and events throughout the year. Kurashiki Hinamatsuri (倉敷雛めぐり) - Kurashiki's Doll's Festival: late Feb to mid-Mar from 9 am to 3 pm. This is your chance to see some rare Hina dolls on display. Cherry Blossom Festival - early Apr from 10 am to 3 pm.

  19. 17 Best Things to do in Kurashiki Japan

    Here are some suggestions on where to eat in the best Kurashi food: ... Other things to do in Kurashiki: day trips from Kurashiki Okayama. Visit the capital city of Okayama Prefecture and see the Okayama Castle along Asahigawa River, nicknamed "ujo" (crow castle) due to its black exterior. Even though it is the reconstructed castle (the ...

  20. 小池ふみ Fumi Koike on Instagram: "KURASHI &Trips PUBLISHING 2023 CALENDAR

    347 likes, 0 comments - fumi_koike on August 23, 2022: "KURASHI &Trips PUBLISHING 2023 CALENDAR, October @hokuoh_kurashi"

  21. From Museums To Shopping! A Trip Itinerary For Kurashiki

    The most convenient route to take from Okayama city to Kurashiki is the train. Take the JR Sanyo line from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station; it takes only 15 minutes and costs 320 yen. The majority of the sightseeing spots and the most beautiful districts in Kurashiki are located with about a 15-minute walk from the station. Okayama and ...