KURASHIKI BIKAN HISTORICAL QUARTER 倉敷美觀地區, KURASHIKI, OKAYAMA, JAPAN

Till now I still can't believe that I've stepped into the land of Japan and my very first prefecture unlocked is Okayama. Who would've thought so? For most people, their first visited prefecture is either Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or Hokkaido and I'm glad I manage to stand out a bit from the rest lololol.

Although I've heard about Okayama (just roughly) but I still don't know what they had to offer, so this trip to Okayama and Tottori really made me learn more about Japan's Chugōku region and how fun it was. I'm gonna breakdown my trip this round and blog it area by area, I hope you can find the beauty of Okayama and Tottori prefectures through my blog (and maybe plan an itinerary based on these blog entries?).



Our first destination of the trip was Kurashiki City's famous white walled kominka 古民家 (traditional houses) district called Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Prospered since Edo period 江戸時代 (1600s), this historical quarter preserved the beauty of old times and transported me back to the era where the Tokugawa shogunate roam the land of Japan.

willow trees lining up at the bank of Kurashiki River

Traditional boat tour available to admire Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter from another perspective

Green willow trees and red autumn leaves formed such a contrast view and the photo doesn't do the pretty scene justice

Awed by the cleanliness of the river, even swan swims happily on it and it such a pretty sight to see!

And just when we were happily strolling around, enjoying the good weather which shows Okayama welcoming us, we saw this scene in front of a local temple. I was confused as I never saw something like this in my own country, hence we were curious what it's about:

Seasonal fruits giveaway for free

Only to find out that the temple offers fruits that were overproduced that season to visitors for free. You can take as many fruits as you want - free of charge. I'm not sure if the fruit was yuzu but I'm very sure I was shocked by this warm gesture offered by the locals. Seriously, I wouldn't mind living in a country where people giving away free fruits and ask for nothing as repay. 

Besides that, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a town which you can find almost everything with a strong hint of local specialties in it:

• Okayama is Japan's denim capital

And with this statement, you are sure to find a lot of denim/jeans shop around this quarter where you can buy high quality Japan jeans or jeans/denim souvenirs for friends and family. 

You can find denim kimono/yukata here (Kurashiki Kimono Komachi's shop owner - Mr. Kazuhiro Terao's creation), and even rent it for the day and stroll around town in this beautiful piece.

Everything denim, including traditional Japanese accessories to go along with your kimono/yukata look

Denim Kimono are limited only to 3 people per day so be sure to make your reservations as early as possible. Aside Kurashiki specialty denim kimono, casual kimono are available for renting as well. 

Rental Price Chart (Sales Tax not included in prices listed below)

■Women
Kimono: Day Rental 3,500 Yen
Kimono: Night Rental 4,500 Yen

Yukata: Day 3,500 Yen
Yukata: Night 4,500 Yen

Denim:Day 5,500 Yen
Denim:Night 6,500 Yen

Simple Hair Styling 1,200 Yen

■Men
Kimono:Day Rental 4,500 Yen
Kimono:Night Rental 5,500 Yen

Yukata: Day 4,500 Yen
Yukata: Night 5,500 Yen

Denim:Day 5,500 Yen
Denim:Night 6,500 Yen

■Couples
Kimono: Day 6,900 Yen
Kimono: Night 8,900 Yen

Yukata: Day 6,900 Yen
Yukata: Night 8,900 Yen

* Kimono available from mid-September through mid-June.

** Yukata available from mid-June through mid-September.

1. Day: 9:00~18:00

2. Night: 15:00~12:00 noon of the following day

--- All rental prices include undergarments, sashes, sandals, and a bag. ---

An English speaking staff member is available to assist you. Please make all rental reservations in advance.

To reserve your rental kimono, call 086-427-0132, or send an e-mail to: kura.kimono@gmail.com

For more information, do check out Kurashiki Kimono Komachi Website here!

Cute findings and good luck on managing your budget lol 

• Museum Shop - Hayashi Genjyuro Shoten

Based on the theme: "Richness of Life", I find Hayashi Genjyuro Shoten very attractive as it's a combination of museum, cafe, restaurant, shops for living goods and clothes etc all in one. If you like zakka stuff like I do, you definitely have to visit this shop!

Japanese doll shop 

• Okayama: Home of Japanese Folk Hero - Momotaro

Momotaro Karakuri Museum

With Momotaro being the most popular folktale of Japan, I grew up reading this story from story books in my school library how Momotaro fought off evil which roam his village with the help of his friends along the journey. It is a wonderful story of courage and kindness and now I'm standing at the land of Momotaro hometown. Can you imagine how bizarre I felt? 

Do spend some time to know more about Momotaro's story and its origin by visiting this Momotaro Karakuri museum that was located inside the historical quarter too. And don't forget to eat peach (momo) or kibi dango right after as treat because Okayama is also known for best tasting peaches and kibi dango!

■Operating Hours: 10:00-17:00

■Admission fee]:

Adults 600 yen

Elementary, Junior, High School Students 400 yen

Child (5 yrs and over) 100 yen

Tel: 0864232008 

Add: Okayama Pref. Kurashikishi Honmachi 5-11

• Kurashiki - Hometown of MT Washi Tape

Tanex612Factory

I lost myself when I learn that Kurashiki is the hometown of MT washi tape where Kamoi's Company is located right in this prefecture itself. Feeling overwhelmed when we visited Tanex612Factory because there are more than a thousand types of washi tapes available for washi tape and journal lovers to add into their collection.

Being the clueless, clumsy person I usually am, I hate myself for not knowing this fact earlier and did not do my research and I missed out my chance of buying the limited edition Kurashiki Machiya 町家 (townhouses)  washi tape here. (T______T) I bet it's more meaningful to buy this particular washi tape right here. So do remember to add this into your collection if you're visiting Kurashiki, don't be like me!

Aside from buying washi tapes, you can have fun decorating your own washi tape storage box by joining a decorating workshop provided by the shop:

create your own personalised washi tape storage box to keep your washi tape collections. Here are the workshop details:

Per Person　500円＋tax
※inclusive of 2 MT washi tape and a storage box

■Duration：About 20 minutes
■Operating Hours：10:00～18:00（Last appointment 17:00）

※Based on first come first serve appointment basis (please make appointment through website or check with shop's staff)
※not suitable for kids below primary school age (safety concern due to usage of scissors during the workshop)
※Box are available for purchase. Please contact for more details.

★for more information
Tel : 086-486-3618
Mail : tane@kurashiki.shop

Website: http://kurashiki.shop

• Traditional Boat Tour

One of the fun thing to do at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is to take the traditional boat ride and see the historical township from another perspective. 

You can see we are super excited for the boat ride, and the boat rower is giving us straw hats as photo props!

From a lower, further angle and away from the crowds, I can see the white walled townhouses in a much clearer sight. With the blue sky, willow trees and koi fishes swimming around our boat, the whole boat tour around Kurashiki river took about 20minutes and local boat rowers will tell you some histories about the townships and stone bridges being built. (translator not included tho lololol)

The weather was super good and I love this photo so much!
Kinda sums up the beauty of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.

■Boat ride fee:
Adults: 500yen
Kids: 250yen (5-12years old)
One boat can fit 6 pax

■Operating Hours: 09:30-17:00

• Local Confectionary Shops

A visit to historical township ain't complete without some local confectionaries. There are plenty of confectionary shops around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and this particular one has the famous Kurashiki confectionary called "Murasuzume" むらすゞめ.

Kikkodo 橘香堂- The origin of Murasuzume

Murasuzume is a red bean paste wrapped with thin crepe confectionary that's been around for over 140+ years (since beginning of Meiji period). It uses daily fresh eggs, special dough and red bean from Hokkaido to create this famous confectionary. I've seen many visitors come into the shop and bought a lot of Murasuzume as souvenirs. 

You can try making Murasuzume by yourself too as Kikkodo offers murasuzume making experience for a small fee of 600yen.

it may looked easy but in fact we are awed by how smoothly the lady staff can flip and twist the murasuzume without yelling "atsui!"  (means hot)

I made my own Kurashiki famous confectionary! Achievement unlocked!

■Price:
Normal size 3 pieces making experience 600 yen
Jumbo size 1 piece 1200 yen 

■Operating Hours: 10: 00-16: 00 

■Website: http://kikkodo.com/?mode=f6

Aside from what I've listed above, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter has more to offer as there's Ohara Museum, Ohashi House, Ivy Square and so much more. I guess it'll be best to spend a 2 days 1 night around Kurashiki city to experience the fullest of this Historical Quarter both day and night scenery. 

How to get there:

If you plan to visit Japan but got bored of the usual destinations, do give Okayama a try as it is super easy to reach. It only takes about 44 minutes from Shin-Ōsaka to Okayama by Sanyō Shinkansen "Nozomi" and Kansai WIDE Area Pass (for 2 person or more this option will be cheaper) does cover this area too! (click here for more information).

Shinkansen is the transportation that can reach Okayama fastest departing from Shin-Ōsaka station.
Fare：3,600 yen ~ 8,460 yen
Necessary time：About 50 min ~ 70 min
First Train/Service：6:00(Departure)→6:50(Arrival)
Last Train/Service：23:06(Departure)→23:57(Arrival)

For conventional JR lines which departure station is from “JR Osaka Station”:

Fare：2,370 yen ~ 3,020 yen
Necessary time：About 3 hours
First Train/Service：5:52(Departure)→9:08(Arrival)
Last Train/Service：20:24(Departure)→23:03(Arrival)



For more information of available travel routes and method, please click here.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical District basically located at just about 10minutes wallk from JR Kurashiki Station south exit. 

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide Website - Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

5 REASONS YOU SHOULD TAKE COLLAGEN

After stepping into 30s, I no longer feel that I'm as energetic as I was. Then it dawned on me that my body is no longer young and functional like how it used to and I felt like there's no turning back. Until I discover about supplements such as collagen that has benefits of maintaining body in a healthy way. 

I started trying NH Colla Plus 3 recently and it's made by 100% natural ingredients and advance ingredients such as Tea Polyphenols, Yeast Ceramide and also Olive Extract. Slight bitter taste ( I like the taste! Less sweet is better!) and devoid from any preservatives, synthetic flavoring, coloring and chemical addictives.

So here's the 5 benefits why collagen can help improve body conditions:

1. COLLAGEN HEALS GUT

Collagen has been shown to heal and strengthen mucosal lining and low stomach acid, hence the healing digestives can incredibly heal the gut and soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Collagen heals gut lining and solve intestinal issues. 

2. BONES, JOINTS, CARTILAGE STRENGTHENING

Another ageing trait of mine was pain in the knee cap, which I know is very very bad for my knees as the collagen around that area starts to decrease and causes my knee bones to rub against each and cause pain especially when I walking down the stairs. 

When joints, bones and cartillage are partially made by collagen, daily use of collagen supplements can improve joint pain and strengthen our bones, joints and cartillage if one uses collagen for a long period. 

3. COLLAGEN HELPS FIRMING SKIN

As mentioned above, wrinkles cellulite and stretch marks happen when body produces less and less collagen (especially women T_T) and loss of collagen will leads to skin aesthetic issue such as wrinkles, sagging and sallow skin. Although there are skincare that contains collagen, but consuming collagen is the most effective way to supply collagen to body.

Collagen will help skin remain firm and elastic so our skin won't have connective tissue breakdown problem hence skin won't have cellulite or stretch marks issue. Yeast Ceramide in NH Colla Plus 3 helps hold skin together, forming a barrier for skin to block polluted environments and support skin structures prevents wrinkles and lines. 

4. COLLAGEN BOOSTS HAIR AND NAIL GROWTH

When our hair and nails are made up mostly of keratin, a type of fibrous protein, it needs amino acids to grow. While collage is a type of protein made up of amino acids, if our body has lots of collagen, it will fasten the growth of hair and nail. If you have weak and brittle nails and hair, do make sure you're consuming enough collagen for body to absorb to see improvement of hair and nails.

5. COLLAGEN REDUCES INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is the natural response of our body to harm. If we knock our knees at the corner of table, knee will turn red and swollen which is the sign of inflammation. Same as wounds, collagen helps reduce inflammation and heals body and skin in a faster pace. 

Although I just started drinking NH Colla Plus 3 for about a week, I already can see the signs of improvement both body and energy. I felt more energetic even though I averagely slept 3 - 5 hours for the week (due to work and travel) and my skin seems brighter and smoother than before. 

I kinda think I made a good decision to bring NH Colla Plus 3 with me to Japan so I can continue my collagen intake everyday and still feeling great! 

PERFECT TRAVEL BUDDY

Konnichiwa from the land of Japan! As you know I'm super excited for my first trip to Japan and after spending few days with bloggers, it was such an enjoyable trip! I'm still half way through my first Japan trip but there's something I wanna share with you today.

Since I get to meet Cheesie and Chanwon up close and spent a few days with them, I've noticed their skin is like pika-pika (Japanese slang for shiny) and super smooth. And seriously that made me very envy of their skin conditions because I'm always facing some skin issue such as oilyness, dull, back acnes and such. It is so hard to take care of my own skin and I kinda wanna give up already.

Until I receive this:

SUNMAY Facial and Body Cleansing Brush Set

With 2 brush heads, I get to allocate different brush head for head or body usage. Programmed with an upgraded motor system, this cleansing brush cleanses even though pressure was applied and don't worry, it won't damage your skin as it rotates in a very gentle way so for me, I do think that apply pressure on skin is very important.

8800 rotations per minute

While the rotating is gentle to skin, with 8800 rotation per minute it can easily remove dirt and grease from my skin with a relaxed-massage-like kind of feeling that can feel a bit ticklish if pressure wasn't apply on. lol. There's also 2 minute function settings for your timing needs to focus cleansing each and every area of my body and face and there's a 20 seconds pause for user to change skin area. 

I like the low speed function because I love how relaxing the touch is of the cleansing head brush rotating on my skin. I can totally relax and just move the brush around one section of my skin to cleanse it. Since there's 2 brush heads, the smaller ones gentle massage the skin, removes excessive oil and dead skin cell for better skincare product absorption while the bigger brush can unclog pores and cleanse away dirt on skin. Such a convenient cleansing experience with more exfoliating effect. 

Then while I cleansing my skin, I was thinking: will I get electric shock from this cleansing brush?

Then after looking up product description and user reviews, only to find out this cleansing brush has IPX7 Waterproof level which means it is 100% waterproof hence it is totally fine to bring this into shower/bath tub without worrying of water immersion. 

Combine Sunmay cleansing brush with my onsen session, I really think I'm having the best skin condition in Japan right now as the weather doesn't make my skin too oily/too dry, and every dirt and impurities are literally clean off with the brush so when I apply skincare products on my skin it absorbed super fast. With USB power adapter, recharging for this device is super easy and the set comes with a travel pouch for easy storage hence I'll love to bring it around whenever I travel.

So if you're interested with this product, I'm giving away exclusive 20% discount + free shipping for the first 10 readers/followers who bought this cleansing brush at Sunmay Specialty Store. Just use this promo code to buy it online

SUNMAY07

from Sunmay Shopee! CLICK HERE TO BUY

Thank you Sunmay, now I can look forward owning flawless skin like other bloggers soon too!

GRAND LAUNCH OF ROBINSONS KUALA LUMPUR

I guess the hottest question of the week was: Have you check out Robinsons/ The Shoppes at Four Season Place /Four Seasons Hotel? Thank god I was invited to the grand launch of Robinsons which took place last week, or else I'll definitely suffer some FOMO moments seeing that I'm born and raise in KL and haven't check out this place. 

If you followed my Instagram (please follow if you haven't, I update more often there! CLICK HERE) you probably know that my high heels decided to give me a hiccup and broke right after I come down from my car. I was wearing my sandals whole night long and I never felt so underdressed and I've decided to look for a pair of new heels. Yes, at Robinsons.

Kate, me who is trying to act like nothing had happened and Jessica

This new Robinsons flagship store located right at the heart of Kuala Lumpur draws a lot of attention of shoppers lately. Why? Because there are many brands that are exclusively brought in by the company and you can't find it elsewhere in Malaysia. Since I'm already in the mood for shopping, I might as well have a good look what Robinsons is offering.

Perfume Bar
Whole section of perfumes just for the perfume lovers

Beauty brands and exclusive ones like Ladurée!

Sales Assistant of Ladurée Malaysia is very kind and helpful

Dyson and their latest hype product: Dyson Airwrap
We had so much fun playing with the airwrap that night
(you're missing out if you missed my instastory~)

If you're not a fan of styling your own hairstyle, maybe you can visit:

Leekaja Beauty Salon
One of the latest hype among KL's social media users too
Have yet try their service tho, is it good?

Found Maison Kitsuné here!

I love love loveeeeee Maison Kitsuné clothes, maybe because it's a French label, maybe because it's a French Japanese collaboration hence their aesthetic totally fits my love for both Japan and France. Maybe the fox logo is too cute not to love, I was so excited when I saw this! I do hope Robinsons will carry the label's womenswear into the store soon too. 

Boy London

Why do guys get all the nice stuff this round? Right after I saw Maison Kitsuné, then I saw these! I still can remember back those days when street style isn't all about Hypebeast and Supreme, Boy London literally ruled the urban clothing industry. And I believe that this is a "Robinsons Exclusive" label too, so you only can get it here.

AHHHH! MY HEART SCREAMS WHEN I SAW THIS

Another Robinsons Exclusive label - Chiara Ferragni Collection! If you don't know her, we can't be friends. 

Nah I'm joking. 

But who wouldn't know her? Labeled as one of the Top Social Media Influencer, Chiara Ferragni's wedding media impact value has brought in 36 million dollars value. She's decided to become the CEO of her company, living a Girl Boss life now with her husband and baby Leo, I mean who wouldn't look up to someone who is as independent and capable like her?

Hence when I saw these shoes I was like OMG I feel so close to Chiara!!! Shoes selections this round were quite limited I do hope that Robinsons are bringing in more options also clothings and accessories too! I'm gonna save up to buy these I promise!

Just when I thought I saw everything that makes my heart goes pumping, I saw these at Level 3:

Le Creuset's colorful collection
Did I saw there's 50% discount corner?

SMEG!
Fridge goal!!!

Since I'm moving house soon, I guess Robinsons have some wide selections of premium kitchen appliances as well as bath and bedding sections. It's really fun to get inspiration for new house while walking around level 3.

If you're feeling tired of walking, maybe you can get some time off and enjoy coffee-or-tea moment at these cafes:

Croisserie Artisan Bakery

SevenFriday Space
where timepieces and coffee meets, perfect for the guys who are waiting for their shopaholic partners eh?

Last but not least, we ended the wonderful night with a special curated place: Robinsons Bar

Although at the end of the day I didn't manage to get a pair of heels (buying shoes really requires luck+fate), but I had so much fun exploring the new Robinsons Kuala Lumpur. It really does give me the "curate your wonderful" feeling as I can curate my personal style (or housing style) from what Robinsons have to offer. 

It's time for you to check out this wonderful place and discover more than I did! For full list of shops, click HERE! Thank you for having me Robinsons KL!

For more information:

Robinsons Malaysia Official Website

SHOPPES AT FOUR SEASONS PLACE,
145 JALAN AMPANG, 50450 KUALA LUMPUR


OPEN : 10AM – 10PM DAILY


PARKING RATES:
MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS
First hours or part thereof: RM5
Every subsequent hour or part thereof: RM4

SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
First 3 hours or part thereof: RM5
Every subsequent hour or part thereof: RM4

Additional Fix Rate (12 midnight to 7am)
RM12

Motorcycles
RM2/ent.