Ryokan Kurashiki

Converted from former rice and sugar storehouses, Ryokan Kurashiki is full of traditional Japanese appeal. In honour of the town’s trading heritage, the property has been styled with an engaging blend of both Japanese and European antiques and furnishings. White plasterwork, black tiled roof, original wooden beams, tatami mat flooring and a charming dinning room all add to the ambience of this distinctive ryokan.

The property is overseen by the okami (manager) and her staff. Her fluent English, detailed knowledge of the area, warm hospitality and local connections makes a stay here truly memorable. Nothing is too much trouble, and everything can be arranged for guests to maximise the time spent in the town. 

There are seven spacious, light, and airy suites, with Japanese furniture, large living areas, cedar bathtubs and Western-style beds, sleeping between 1-4 guests. The most spacious and prestigious is the Okuzashiki Suite, featuring two Japanese tatami mat rooms, bedroom with two double beds, private bathroom and two separate WCs. There is also a smaller Deluxe Room, Yu, a Japanese-style guestroom, which sleeps between 1-2 guests on traditional futons.

Breakfast is served in your tatami mat room and every evening a delicious Japanese kaiseki dinner is served either in the dining room overlooking the garden or in-room. There is an emphasis on seafood from the nearby Seto Inland Sea and the menu is reflective of the seasons, making delicious use of the local produce.

Ryokan Kurashiki can be found in the Bikan district of Kurashiki. The area is bisected by a canal which boasts a series of lovely old stone bridges, and the ryokan sits at the edge of this peaceful waterway. Kurashiki means ‘warehouse village,’ and picturesque Bikan is still home to these well-preserved historic 17th century buildings. Guests can stroll around the immediate area admiring the old merchant houses, visit the local sake brewery, as well as exploring landmark attractions including the Ohara Museum of Art and the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.