If you come to Kurashiki, take a photo in front of the white wall. A kimono and a white wall go really well together, don't they? But a kimono and hakama with red bricks and green ivy in the background might also look pretty good. A five-minute walk from the Kurashiki store is a red brick hotel that has retained its Meiji heritage. Why not visit Kurashiki Ivy Square, a hotel that has been remodeled and utilized as a facility befitting Kurashiki, with its old form and new spirit.

[Joyama Inari Shrine]

Before heading to Kurashiki Ivy Square, first visit the shrine. I don't know who called it Ivy Shrine, but it's located next to the parking lot in front of the hotel. Its official name is Shiroyama Inari Shrine. It is a miraculous shrine that was enshrined as a shrine to Fushimi Inari. There is a wisteria trellis at the side of the entrance, and in spring, pale purple flowers bloom. There are five red torii gates, and a small shrine is located in front of the seven red torii gates that lead to a stone torii gate. You'll feel like you're visiting the main Fushimi Inari Shrine.

[Kurashiki Ivy Square]

Let's go to Kurashiki Ivy Square. When you go through the arch of the main entrance, you will find yourself surrounded by blue skies, red bricks, and green ivy. You will feel like you are in a foreign country. You will be greeted by the ivy that has stood the test of time along with the red bricks that have withstood the wind and snow for nearly a century. The ivy was planted in the factory to keep the temperature down. It is a pioneer of eco-friendly practices. Going through the front desk, you will find Restaurant Tsuta, where you can eat and take a rest. You can even just have a coffee. As you head towards the restaurant entrance, you will see a handmade glass door. If you look closely, you will see the tasteful surface. Carp and turtles welcome you at Ivy Square Ivy Square is a place where various events such as music concerts, cosplay photo sessions, and other events are held, and the summer beer garden is the best. Enjoy a toast while cooling off in the evening in a yukata. There is a moat at the edge of the square where carp are swimming slowly. The turtles may be basking in the sun. There are several chairs so you can take a rest if you get tired. The Ivy Shop has some souvenirs that are only available at Ivy Square. Local sake, denim and igusa accessories, and the best recommendation is the original masking tape with an ivy and brick pattern, which is reasonably priced, not bulky, and lightweight. How about a souvenir or memento of your trip? The experience corner is about 30 minutes long. At the Aimi Kobo, which was created by reusing a storehouse, you can experience pottery, painting, hand-shaping, etc. In addition, souvenirs, miscellaneous goods, and crafts are sold at the shop. How about having a commemorative stamp made at the stamp shop next door?

Kurashiki Ivy Square

Business hours: 9:00-17:30

Restaurant hours: Cafe 9:00-21:30

Lunch snacks 11:00-14:00

Dinner: 17:00-21:00

[Kurabo Memorial Hall]

White walls among red bricks A white-walled building comes into view beyond the stone pavement. The history of the spinning industry is introduced here. Kurabo's progress through each era from the Meiji, Taisho, Showa and Heisei eras is chronicled here. Stepping into the Meiji era room, you are overwhelmed by the shiny black exterior of the cotton blending machine and the large agitator-like machine inside. With a sense of awe, you move on to the Taisho and Showa eras, fascinated by the calligraphy and paintings of Munakata Shiko, and come full circle to the present day. You will have a strange feeling, as if you have traveled through a time tunnel.

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00

Admission fee: Adults 250 yen, Students 220 yen

How was it?

Ivy Square is a hotel made of red bricks and ivy. Ivy has been a symbol of love and encounters since ancient times. Why not come and make new discoveries and encounters? Once you leave the west gate of Ivy Square, you are already on the main street of the scenic area. Please do not step out onto the road as it is not a pedestrian-only street. Cross the road and walk along the cobblestones to return to the white-walled town. Kurashiki tickles the heart with a perfect harmony of exotic and Japanese things, old and new. Look graceful in a kimono, or stylish in a hakama. Leave it to VASARA Kurashiki Kimono Rental Store to help you.

倉敷アイビースクエア 〒710-0054 岡山県倉敷市本町 7-2 086-422-0011