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Half-Day Shared Tour at Kurashiki with Local Guide

Kurashiki, JP
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (10 reviews)
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Free Cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

    Highlights

    • Learn about the history of Kurashiki
    • Visit Kanryuji Temple and see the remains of a samurai battle
    • Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Achi Shrine
    • Explore the Tsurugatayama Tunnel and discover its mysterious rumors
    • Discover the charm of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
    • Duration 3 hours
    • Expert Local Guide
    • Small Group Tour
    • Includes coffee/tea
    • Visit Bikan Historical Quarter
    • Souvenir included

    Join us on a half-day shared tour at Kurashiki with a local guide and immerse yourself in the rich history of this enchanting city. Explore the Bikan Historical Quarter, accompanied by Hiroyuki Hara, a descendant of the famous Hara family that has lived in Kurashiki for 400 years. Discover hidden gems and fascinating stories that only locals can share. Visit Kanryuji Temple, dating back over 1000 years, and see the remains of a samurai battle. Experience the tranquility of Achi Shrine, situated on Mount Tsurugata with breathtaking views over the quarter. Journey through the iconic Tsurugatayama Tunnel and learn about the mysterious rumors surrounding it. Delve into the history of Kurashiki at Kurashiki Ivy Square and Cafe El Greco, both steeped in fascinating stories. The tour concludes with a visit to Cafe Ueda where you can chat with Hiroyuki Hara and share your thoughts on this unforgettable experience. Book now and unlock the secrets of the "real Kurashiki."

    At a Glance

    • Free cancellation
    • 3 hours
    • Available in English, Japanese
    • Mobile voucher
    • Small Group tour
    • Guided
    • Family friendly

    Featured Reviews

    Excellent (10 reviews)
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    Viator
    Jane_D
    Apr 24
    This was a fascinating tour which gave us an insight to the great history of Kurashiki, delivered by two direct descendents of noble families if the area. A delightful and informative morning.
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    Erika_P
    Jan 24
    Had an amazing time with Mr. Hara and Misa-san. Kurashiki is a lovely place and even more so if you are able to discover it with knowledgeable people explaining the story of the place and its traditions so well. We saw the most iconic places, some unexpected ones (The Igarashi Yumiko Museum!) and then we had a lovely chat in a cafe. I really liked this experience and I really recommend it, especially if you want to see a different reality from busy Kyoto or Osaka and spend some quality time in a lovely and traditional place. Mr. Hara and Misa-san were super warm and nice and made me feel so welcome. I also had the chance of meeting a young high school student interested in my home country, which was quite interesting as well.
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    gyaoza
    Oct 23
    The essence of the real Kurashiki is perhaps best felt by relishing every sight and sound that unveils its beautiful and profound history. Despite having embarked on many tours during our 3-week honeymoon trip throughout Japan, none struck a chord quite as intimately as the half-day Kurashiki tour we went on with the Daihyō (managing director) of the business, a ninth-generation Kurashiki resident and, Keiko (also a multiple-generation Kurashiki resident) who is great at English having studied in America and England before. We went on a deep journey through both the history and lore of Kurashiki, and got to connect the past with the present throughout the tour. We learned about the culture and norms around the shrines. We were tomodachi, friends, sharing laughter and memories while learning about the ever-evolving story of Kurashiki. It's evident that Daihyo and Keiko don't merely show you around their city; they make you fall in love with it. This is not a tour run by guides, but by passionate and devoted Kurashiki natives sharing the charm of their beloved city with you. If you want to engage with Kurashiki at a level that's rare to find and enrich your Japanese experience with this inspiring half-day tour. Regardless of where our travels might lead us in the future, the unforgettable memories of our day exploring Kurashiki will forever be etched in our hearts. We also got great marriage advice! To Keiko -- we will look to smile and be happy with each other every day!
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    Bensmom55
    Sep 23
    The best historical, cultural and local walking tour around the Bizen historical area. Our guide was Hiroyuki Hara who has deep familia ties to the area. Since we only speak English, the tour company automatically hired an English interpreter (Keiko) at no cost to us. Such service!! We walked up to the Shinto shrine and the Buddhist temple and he explained the history starting with the Edo period and ending with the Meiji era and how the government rulings affected the common people of the area. He told us stories about the feudal loads of the area and the battle of Sekigahara (East vs West war) and how that affected the trade routes and agricultural items in Kurashiki. It was a fantastic morning making new friends and learning about how the local Japanese have had to adapt to the many changes of the government for the future of Kurashiki. If you like history and cultural traditions, then you will love this tour!!
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    jkumble
    Jan 25
    I had a great day in Kurashiki with Hiro, a fantastic guide whose family has lived in Kurashiki for over 300 years (9 generations), and Keiko, our wonderful interpreter (her family has been in Kurashiki for over 330 years 13 generations). Our time together started with a short (and very interesting) history lesson complete with illustrations, handouts, and visual aids. Then we toured lovely Kurashiki. We visited shrines and temples, strolled through the beautifully preserved town featuring homes and buildings from the Edo Period, as well as the Meiji Restoration, and saw the canals that run through Kurashiki. Hiro and Keiko are smart, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. They clearly love their hometown and it shows. They are excellent communicators. They gave me dining suggestions and told me of other points of interest in the area. Our tour ended at a charming cafe where I was treated to the coffee/tea drink of my choice and a sweet treat. After the tour, Hiro and Keiko walked me to the Ohara Museum of Art, which I enjoyed. I highly recommend a visit to Kurashiki.
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    Half-Day Shared Tour at Kurashiki with Local Guide

    Explore Kurashiki's rich history with a local guide on this immersive half-day shared tour through its historical quarter.

    Included

    • inclusion
      Guide fee
    • inclusion
      Tiny gifts※Please let us know if there is anything you cannot eat due to allergies or other reasons.
    • inclusion
      Coffee and/or tea
    • inclusion
      insurance
    • inclusion
      Translator fee

    Excluded

    • exclusion
      Snacks
    • exclusion
      Admission to ohara museum of art
    • exclusion
      Money offered to the gods.(saisen) 10 yen per one prayer

    Meeting Point

    Our guide will wait for you in front of LOGIN Kurashiki Annex / Mukaimatsu Dorm.

    Meeting point

    2 Chome-5-1 Tsurugata, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0056 , Japan

    End point

    End Point

    Meeting point

    2 Chome-25-43 Achi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0055 , Japan

    End point

    What to expect

    1

    Mukaimatsu Dorm

    Let's learn about the history of Kurashiki! The guide will wait for you in front of Mukaimatsu Dorm. At the meeting place, the guide will explain the origin and history of Kurashiki. (Our interpreter will also accompany you from this part to the end of this tour.)

    Duration 30 minutes
    2

    Kanryuji Temple

    Visit Kanryuji Temple,one of the oldest temples in Kurashiki with a history of over 1000 years. The temple is deeply connected to the history of Kurashiki, and you can actually see the remains of a samurai battle that took place over 150 years ago. It is also a mysterious place where a shrine exists inside a temple.

    Duration 20 minutes
    3

    Achi Shrine

    Achi Shrine Visit Achi Shrine, a shrine that protects the peace of Kurashiki.Achi Shrine, Zodiac sanctum and all, is such a place, always welcome when just the thought of yet another tourist shop makes one tired. The Shrine is located at the top of Mount Tsurugata, overlooking the kurashiki Bikan Hitotrical Quarter.

    Duration 40 minutes
    4

    Tsurugatayama Park

    Tsurugatayama Tunnel. The tunnel was built in 1927 and runs from Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter to the north passing under Tsurugata Mountain. The tunnel is also associated with Emperor Showa. Why was the tunnel built here? Let us tell you some of the rumors surrounding the tunnel.

    Duration 20 minutes
    5

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    About the alley. We will move while talking about the alley, including the story of World War Ⅱ.

    Duration 10 minutes
    6

    Kurashiki Ivy Square

    Kurashiki Ivy Square. We will tell you about Kurashiki Ivy Square, which is now a hotel, in relation to the history of Kurashiki.

    Duration 20 minutes
    7

    Yurinso

    Yurinso Villa We would like to tell you about Yurinso Villa, a place associated with the Ohara family. The villa was built by Magosaburo Ohara, the founder of the Ohara Museum of Art, for his sickly wife, and is also called "Midori-goten" (green palace) because of the unique color of its roof tiles, which glow green depending on the angle of view.

    Duration 10 minutes
    8

    Ohara Museum of Art

    The Ohara Museum of Art It is the first private western art museum in Japan built by Magosaburo Ohara, who is indispensable to the history of Kurashiki. We will show you the relationship between the history of Kurashiki and the Ohara Museum of Art while looking at the exterior of the museum.

    Duration 10 minutes
    Admission Admission Not Included
    9

    Ueda

    Come and talk with Hiroyuki Hara at a coffee shop loved by locals for more than 50 years. Also, let us know what you think of the tour and any questions you may have!

    Duration 20 minutes

    The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

    Additional Information

    • Additional information
      Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Additional information
      Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Provided by TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL

    What our experts say

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      Try the coffee at Cafe Ueda!
    • icon
      Visit Ohara Museum after the tour.
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      Check out local shops in Bikan.
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      Bring cash for small offerings.
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      Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

    Why Book with Evendo?

    More About this Experience

    Introduction

    Welcome to Kurashiki, a city with deep historical roots and a rich cultural heritage. In this captivating half-day shared tour with a local guide, Hiroyuki Hara, you will embark on a journey through time and uncover the hidden gems of the Bikan Historical Quarter. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, this experience offers a more personal touch, allowing you to connect with the city's history and locals in a meaningful way.

    What to expect?

    During this 190-minute tour, you can expect to be immersed in the captivating history of Kurashiki. Starting at the iconic Mukaimatsu Dorm, you'll meet our knowledgeable guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. Learn about the origins and fascinating history of Kurashiki, with the interpreter ensuring a seamless understanding. Explore the ancient Kanryuji Temple, a place steeped in history and witness to a long-forgotten samurai battle. Discover the mystical Achi Shrine, perched atop Mount Tsurugata and offering breathtaking views of the Bikan Historical Quarter. Traverse the Tsurugatayama Tunnel and unravel the secrets and rumors surrounding its construction. Along the way, stroll through the charming alleyways of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where you'll hear captivating stories, including those from World War II. Learn about Kurashiki Ivy Square, a historic hotel that holds a unique place in the city's narrative.

    Who is this for?

    This tour is for anyone with a curious mind and a love for history. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this experience is designed to captivate and educate. History enthusiasts will appreciate the in-depth knowledge shared by our local guide, while culture seekers can delve into the heart of Kurashiki's heritage. This tour is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends looking to discover the authentic side of Kurashiki.

    Why book this?

    Book this tour to uncover the hidden treasures of Kurashiki, ones that cannot be found on the internet or in guidebooks. With a local guide at your side, you'll gain unique insights and discover the city's best-kept secrets. Unlike traditional sightseeing, this experience offers a personal connection to the history and culture of Kurashiki, allowing you to forge a deeper understanding of this enchanting destination. By the end of the tour, you'll also receive a special souvenir, a memento of your unforgettable journey.

    Good to know

    This half-day shared tour requires a total duration of 190 minutes, ensuring ample time to soak in the history and beauty of Kurashiki. It is important to note that the meeting point is in front of Mukaimatsu Dorm, where your guide will be waiting for you. Throughout the tour, an interpreter will accompany you, ensuring smooth communication and a deeper understanding of the city's heritage.

    Reviews

    Visitors who have embarked on this incredible journey through Kurashiki's past have left glowing reviews. They praise the knowledgeable guide, Hiroyuki Hara, and his ability to bring history to life. Travelers have raved about the personal connections made, the captivating stories shared, and the authentic experiences encountered during the tour. From the awe-inspiring Kanryuji Temple to the charming Kurashiki Ivy Square, visitors have been enchanted by the city's hidden gems and have left with a newfound appreciation for Kurashiki's rich cultural tapestry.

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