The City of Kurashiki, Japan’s ‘Little Venice’
The area, with numerous canals running through it, transports visitors to a timeless atmosphere.
The Bikan district, nestled in the city of Kurashiki, not far from Okayama, traversed by the Takahashi River and its canals, is considered the ‘Venice of Japan’. Various waterways wind through this area, offering visitors an ideal setting for a boat trip or just a walk by the water. Bikan is also known for its traditional merchant houses, some of which have been turned into museums to attest to the commune’s feudal past.
Art lovers will also find something for them as the district is home to the Ohara Museum of Arts, the first permanent collection of Western art in Japan. It features works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.
TRENDING
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The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
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Gashadokuro, the Legend of the Starving Skeleton
This mythical creature, with a thirst for blood and revenge, has been a fearsome presence in Japanese popular culture for centuries.
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The Tradition of the Black Eggs of Mount Hakone
In the volcanic valley of Owakudani, curious looking black eggs with beneficial properties are cooked in the sulphurous waters.
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Tokihiro Sato, Shedding Light on an Invisible Presence
Photographers are generally behind the camera, but 'Photo Respiration' represents the artist's ephemeral appearance.
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‘Chindogu’, the Genius of Unusable Objects
Ingenious but impractical inventions: this was all that was required for the concept to achieve a resounding success.
