Recommended local specialties
Kurashiki specialty food items, nurtured by a rich and varied natural climate
Bitchu washi (handmade rice paper)
The crafting of this paper uses traditional techniques dating back to the Nara period (710–794). Sturdy and beautifully responsive to ink, this paper is ideally suited for flowing, cursive Japanese calligraphy.
Kurashiki Dantsu hand-woven mats
Hand-woven from rush grass and cotton threads, these mats feature designs that go well with either Japanese or Western-style interior designs.
Kurashiki cotton canvas cloth
70% of Japanese cotton canvas cloth is produced in Kurashiki.
Japanese Jeans
People from all over Japan seek out the jeans manufactured in Kojima. Every step of the process, from material production to dyeing, weaving, sewing, finishing and treating, reflects the superior techniques refined over many years, evident in the high-quality finished products.
Products woven from rush grass
Originally a side-industry for farmers in the Kurashiki region (a major producer of rush grass), these products have a reputation for delicate handiwork and appealing floral and geometric patterns.
Candle World
At this candle shop in Kurashiki Ivy Square, you can produce your own hand-made candles.
Tamashima Daruma figures
Representing “Bodhidharma who answers prayers,” Daruma dolls like these have been treasured since days of old as lucky objects with the power to answer prayers.
Kurashiki sushi
This scrumptious local specialty, pleasing to the eye as well as the palate, consists of a rich mix of seafood and seasonal vegetables gathered from the area.
Murasuzume (sweet bean paste cakes)
This famous sweet is made with top-quality, rough-textured sweet azuki bean paste wrapped in a spongy egg-and-flour pancake. You can also try your hand at making them yourself!
Bukkake udon noodles
This popular style of udon has a venerable history dating back to the days when Kurashiki was under Shogunal control.
Local Kurashiki sake
This sake is produced purely from rice and water, and has an almost fruity taste and a crisp, satisfying finish.
Funao Muscat Wines (sweet, dry or medium)
These wines have an elegant nose and rich, fruity palate. Produced from Muscat grapes raised in heated greenhouses, wines from the Funao region constitute about 40% of domestic Muscat wine production.
Muscat grapes
With an elegant sweetness and fragrance, these grapes are in season in September and October.
Peaches
Ｐeaches are representative fruits in the “kingdom of fruit,” Okayama. They are characterized by white skin and a delicate sweetness.
