One if by Shin, Two if by Boat
You walk out of the station not knowing what to expect. The high speed rail, or “bullet train” as Americans like to call it, dumped you off in a place called Kurashiki. “It’s historic,” your guide said as you got on the train, “they have old traditional Japanese buildings there.” Doesn’t sound magnificent but could be anywhere other than Kyoto or Tokyo. The “Shin” as the high speed rail is called by the locals, took about an hour and now you are here. Lost in a city of canals, not knowing what to expect.
Almost like the Venice of Japan, Kurashiki is home to many artists. You can spot their easels dotting spots between the traditional lanterns along the canals. Little shops hang their wares out on the pavement, a boulevard without cars really, although if you’re careful you can spot a traditional rickshaw whirling past as you walk.
Kurashiki is Not Just Rice Silos
Picture this: you’re wandering through the charming streets of Kurashiki, Japan, when you stumble upon a serene canal that makes you question your life choices while simultaneously inspiring you to write poetry about the beauty of nature. You know, the kind of place where you can hear the gentle lapping of water against wooden boats, and the only thing interrupting the tranquility is the occasional duck quacking about its existential crisis. If you’re lucky, there might even be a swan in the canal, honking its way around the weeping willow trees.
This is Kurashiki. A town that dates back to the Edo period of Japan, about the 1600’s or so by our calendars. The town used to be storehouses for rice, in fact a lot of the traditional buildings there today were once used for this purpose, though now they have been repurposed, converted into shops and small businesses. There is a large museum in town, hosting many western artists and an ice cream parlor that looks like it could be traditional Americana, circa about 1955. Think sock hop and you are there.
All Ashore That’s Not Going to Row
Now, let’s talk about those boats. They’re not just any old vessels; they’re like the introverts of the water world. Kurashiki is home to these fascinating wooden boats that glide along the canals as they have done for ages. Quietly floating, reflecting the world around them, and probably judging the noisy tourists on the shore, the boats make their way through the historic city center.
Each boat has its own personality, from the weathered wood that tells tales of countless adventures to the perfectly still water that mirrors the trees like a nature-themed funhouse mirror. Seriously, if you squint just right, you might even see a tree contemplating its own reflection. Deep stuff, right?
Mirror, Mirror on the Kurashiki Reflections
The canals are home to some wonderful reflections. Let’s not forget the reflections, you know how I love them so, it’s one of my favorite photographic subjects. Oh, the reflections in Kurashiki! They’re like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m fabulous!” The trees, with their leafy tendrils, seem to be practicing yoga poses, stretching gracefully over the water. It’s a tranquil scene that could easily be the backdrop for a meditation retreat, if only the boats could stop whispering their secrets to each other.
But here’s the kicker: while you’re soaking in this serene moment, you can’t help but wonder about the stories behind those boats. Have they ever been on a wild adventure? Did they once carry a couple on a romantic date, or maybe a family on a quest for the perfect picnic spot? Or are they just content to sit there, sipping on the tranquility like it’s a fine wine?
The Boats the Time Forgot
In a world that often feels like a chaotic whirlwind of deadlines and responsibilities, this little slice of Kurashiki reminds us to pause, breathe, and maybe even chuckle at the absurdity of it all. So, the next time you find yourself near a body of water, take a moment to appreciate the boats, the reflections, and the gentle whispers of nature. Who knows? You might just find a little piece of serenity waiting for you, too.
As for Kurashiki itself, it’s a place I would love to revisit. I could image spending a week here and just getting lost in it all. The artists, the museum, the canals, the rickshaws, the ice cream shop, the antique weathered wooden boats, heck even the Shin that glided me to this wonderful spot. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Some days, when life gets to me, I think about Kurashiki, about the quiet serenity on the canals, with the willow trees and the antique weathered wooden boats. It’s a beautiful place for sure.
Until next time…
