≫ City of Japan Heritages KURASHIKI CITY City of Japan Heritages
KURASHIKI CITY
Kurashiki City, which borders the Seto Inland Sea, has a population of approximately 480,000 people. The place flourished as a city of merchants in the Edo period and a city of spinning in the Meiji era. In recent years, it has grown into an industrial city and a city of culture and tourism. Boasting a mild climate typical of the Seto Inland Sea region and fertile land provided by the Takahashi River, the city enjoys thriving agricultural and fishing industries.
In addition, the city has the largest number of Japanese Heritages at three. The Japanese government recognizes the historic attractions and features of regions as Japan Heritage stories. Come and enjoy the attractions of Kurashiki.
Three Japan Heritage Stories
of Kurashiki
A Kurashiki story beginning
with a single cotton flower
with a single cotton flower
the textile town where Japan and the West are woven together
Kurashiki's textile industry developed on land created by a reclamation project. As the city grew into Japan's leading textile city, the traditional merchant houses and the Western-style buildings built after the Meiji period blended well with each other in the townscape.
A different world entwined
with the dreams of men
who overcame the stormyseas
with the dreams of men
who overcame the stormyseas
Ports of call for of kitamaebune ships/Shipowners' village
Since Kurashiki was a port of call for kitamaebune ships, the port towns bustled with merchants bringing in herring meal used as fertilizer for cotton from Hokkaido. The current townscape and votive offerings made to the shrines tell you how prosperous Kurashiki was back then.
Okayama, Birthplace of
the Legend of Momotaro
the Legend of Momotaro
A tale of ogre conquest handed down through ancient Kibi heritage
The northern part of Kurashiki City was once a powerful force comparable to Yamato Province and Izumo Province as part of Kibi Province. There remain various historic sites, including Tatetsuki Site, which appears in the ogre hunting folklore, and Yata Otsuka Burial Mound.
What is Japan Heritage?
A certification given by the Japanese government to recognize stories that introduce Japanese culture and traditions through historic attractions and the features of regions. This program utilizes and introduces various tangible and intangible cultural properties.
