Kurashiki & Bizen Cultural Itinerary — Clay Day

Itinerary

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1. Day 1 — Canal town & mingei walk

   Morning

   First, walk the Bikan Historical Quarter: willow-lined canal, stone bridge and white kura facades.

   Afternoon

   Then, visit the Ohara Museum for an overview of mingei and modern collections; afterward, browse craft lanes and pause for tea.

   Evening

   Finally, unwind at Ivy Square or along the canal when lamps are lit.

   Cultural connection: canal-town mercantile heritage; mingei sensibility; brick-mill renewal at Ivy Square.

2. Day 2 — Museums, kura streets & tea

   Morning

   Next, pair gallery time with annex spaces; meanwhile, step into smaller folk-craft rooms to compare techniques.

   Afternoon

   Afterward, explore kura backstreets for paper, dye or basket shops; instead, choose a short studio demo if you prefer.

   Evening

   Finally, book a relaxed tea stop and watch the quarter settle.

   Cultural connection: everyday craft in merchant districts; modest hospitality and seasonal sweets.

3. Day 3 — Bizen kilns & pottery hands-on

   Morning

   Then, transfer to Imbe for historic climbing kilns and galleries; notice unglazed clay tones and fire marks.

   Afternoon

   Afterward, try a short clay session; consequently, you’ll read surface textures with new eyes.

   Evening

   Finally, pick a small piece to take home, or return to Kurashiki before dinner.

   Cultural connection: Bizen’s wood-firing lineage; form over decoration; touch as a way of seeing.