Former Ohara's Residence — Attraction in Kurashiki

A beautiful property which acts as a museum, with access to several small rooms describing the history of the family and showcasing some of their possessions. It's disappointing that most of the information is only in Japanese , though if you aren't a big fan of history then that won't bother you as they give you a booklet with a little bit of background info.

The entrance has hanging quotes of the heads of the house, with his mercantile mindset for business shown "I can foresee ahead ten years", or "Business must be begun by the time three of ten people agree with it. It's too late when 5 people agree and it's no use when 7 people agree"

The highlight of the visit is the architecture of the buildings and the beautiful garden out the back. The cafe also looks nice and it's situated inside...

Ohara Residence – A Hidden Masterpiece in Kurashiki

Tucked away in the historic heart of Kurashiki, the former Ohara Residence is a quiet triumph of Japanese domestic architecture. Elegant, serene, and impeccably preserved, it whispers the refined lifestyle of a bygone era.

But what truly sets it apart is the garden and the room that opens onto it. Simply extraordinary. This is not just a garden — it’s one of the finest examples of residential landscape design in Japan. Every stone, branch, and reflection seems placed with effortless grace. From the tatami room, the view is pure poetry: framed, minimal, alive.

It’s a place to sit, breathe, and feel time slow down. Understated, timeless,...

Amazing garden during fall, The rest of the old house is also very interesting to look at. You get a discount if you also go to the Ohata museum...