Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, is one of the prefecture's leading tourist cities. The Bikan Historical Quarter, where rows of white-walled storehouses remain unchanged from the Edo period, is a particular highlight of Okayama tourism. The Ohara Museum of Art, which boasts a vast and astonishing collection spanning both the East and West, is located in the Bikan Historical Quarter and can be said to be one of Japan's leading art spots. The Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum, which boasts 600 permanent exhibits, is also interesting.

Located in the very heart of this area, right next to Nakabashi Bridge on the banks of the Kurashiki River, is the famous Ryokan Kurashiki, which has been frequented by famous foreign guests such as world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, as well as Shiko Munakata and Ryotaro Shiba.

This time, the facility has reopened after a comprehensive renovation that began at the end of last year. I had the opportunity to experience the whole facility, so I would like to give you an overview of it before anyone else.

The inn has been transformed in a truly impressive way.

"Kurashiki Inn" was founded in 1957, but the main part of its structure was a sugar wholesaler's mansion and storehouse built in the Edo period, which was renovated to become an inn. It is a building that has been around for 280 years. The last time I visited was exactly 10 years ago. How has it changed since then?

In a word, it has been transformed into a lodging that represents Western Japan, combining dynamism and delicacy. Not only the framework, but parts from the Edo period are beautifully fused with modern wood and washi paper throughout. However, it does not feel overly Japanese, giving it a modern feel.

The layout of each guest room has been changed, and the ceilings are now wider, making them more relaxing. Each of the eight guest rooms has a completely different feel. What they all have in common is that they are all equipped with bathtubs made from Japanese cypress. Each room also has a miniature garden with lovely flowers that evoke the natural surroundings of the mountains and fields. I was also impressed by the fact that they were particular about making all the window frames in each room out of wood. It goes without saying that they have made the most of the structures that were once wholesalers and storehouses from the Edo period.

The furniture in the rooms, both old and new, is also very tastefully selected, which makes it fun to change rooms over consecutive nights or even to return to the same room.

There are three notable public spaces. First, the "Terrace," a lounge that guests can use, is a very comfortable space. Drinks and snacks are available for free. The "Harayu" private bath is also wonderful. It can be used for 50 minutes per group, but the Aji stone bathtub is magnificent, and although it is not hot spring water, it is free-flowing all day long, which is a plus and makes it feel good.

The third is Coffee House, adjacent to the inn, a specialty roaster of coffee. Since opening in 1971, they have been carefully selecting beans and perfecting their roasting techniques. Not only does it have an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time, but they also serve up superb drinks such as the top-grade Emerald Mountain, the Amber Queen, which is coffee with plenty of liqueur, honey, and fresh cream, and coffee jelly. This shop is billed separately from the inn.

Exquisite cuisine made with Setouchi's bountiful ingredients

I would like to touch on the cuisine at the inn. For dinner, we had the "Starry Night Hazuki Menu." Everything was excellent, but the soup with sesame tofu and edamame in a soup made from red pumpkin harvested in Okayama had a hearty, comforting flavor, and the conger eel shabu-shabu, dipped in onion paste, soy milk, and dashi, was exquisite. The beautifully cooked wagyu sirloin from Okayama was garnished with apple sauce, freshly rubbed wasabi, and salted kelp, which was a novel and wonderful match. The salt-boiled Setouchi blue crab with lemon jelly in vinegar was new and refreshing, and the final dish of the seasoned rice was excellent, combining the sweetness of the corn with the aroma of charred rice.

The head chef takes advantage of the Setouchi region, which is blessed with an abundance of ingredients, and incorporates plenty of seafood and mountain produce into the menu, demonstrating his outstanding skill in bringing out the flavor of the ingredients directly. The dishes change every month, which adds to the enjoyment of the food.

Finally, the bed was so comfortable that I asked about it and was told it was Maruhachi. The pillows were also soft and I had a great sleep.

Also, within the scenic area, a three-minute walk from the inn, where townhouses and merchant houses line the streets, there are two residences that can be rented out as a whole. These townhouses, over 100 years old, have been renovated into a modern Japanese style and are also extremely excellent lodgings.

The accommodation connects various cultures to the city and the sea

Kurashiki is also a cultural center. This inn aims to walk alongside the local culture. Just like the Ohara Museum of Art directly opposite, guests can also visit a Bizen ware kiln, see local folk art such as "Kurashiki Temari", or visit a local sake brewery and experience sake tasting. In the evening, bar hopping, each with its own distinctive features, is also a lot of fun.

They also offer guided art tours to Naoshima on a boat. Lunch-included cruises on the Seto Inland Sea and island hopping are also available, which are often requested by overseas guests. The SETOUCHI ISLANDER catamaran yacht will enhance your luxury experience.