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With a splendid panoramic view from atop Mt. Tsurugatayama, historic Achi Shrine was built on man-made constructions to hold back invading sea tides; in time it became the very heart of prosperous Kurashiki. The shrine is ensconced amid lush greenery and the slabs of granite creating the stairs are a rare and striking sight.

Still extant 17th Century granaries, white walls, latticed windows and black tiles contrasting with the green backdrop of elegant willows shadowing the Kurashiki River, created a visually striking and evocative impression on any visitor. The much admired Japanese sense of austere beauty is lovingly maintained in designated (1979) Bikan Historical District, a nationally treasured area of white walled 'namako' (plaster lattice) storehouses with black roof tiles, traditional private residences and wealthy merchant mansions. The authenticity of the area is strictly maintained under the vigilant eyes of local authorities and to the delight of photo enthusiasts power lines are buried underground thus averting visual pollution.

Ohara Museum of Art privately built in 1930 was architecturally designed to imitate the ancient Greek Pantheon. The primary aim of Magosaburo Ohara was to provide a home for a splendid collection of Western art as exemplified by over 140 works by world famous masters such as El Greco, Monet, Renoir, Corot, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse and Rodin to name but a few. As well, a new gallery wing was added in 1961 to house acclaimed modern Japanese paintings along with Japanese tapestries, wood-block prints, pottery and Oriental antiques. The museum, a focal center of Kurashiki's vibrant cultural activities, currently offers art seminars and several concerts a year.

The Ohashi House is the ancient residence of one of Kurashiki's most influential merchant families with a noble 'samurai' heritage. It is a very beautiful example of an elegant Edo Period (1603-1867) town house with spacious 'tatami' (straw mat) rooms, kitchen, bathroom facilities and storehouse with gracious elements permitted only for privileged 'samurai' houses.

With white walls and black roof tiles, eye-striking rice granaries from the Edo period have been re-structured to display an impressive array of folk-craft objects including ceramics, rugs, textiles, 'washi' paper, wood and bamboo ware. The museum is a tribute to talented local and foreign craftsman who create useful products with ingenuity and attractiveness.

In the same charming cluster of Kurashiki museums and galleries, 5 000 fascinating Japanese toys some centuries old and others from all over the world are displayed in a former private residence. Adjacent to the gallery, a cafe to relax and shops such as "Side Terrace" offer fine table ware and traditional crafts.

A charming area, this brick-paved square with red brick facade covered by green ivy, embraced by a limpid pond and clear river, exudes an aura of past memories; inside the compound are cultural facilities such as the Ivy academic hall, the Kurabo memorial hall, as well as hotels, studios, souvenir shops and restaurants.

The rustic side of Kurashiki with old, unembellished homes still intact is best explored via the road traversing working class neighborhoods.