Sugō

Sugō is a historic district where traditional wooden buildings line canals bordered by weeping willow trees. The structures follow the water routes and create a connected network of narrow streets and open spaces.

The district grew during the Edo period as a major trading hub where merchants stored and sold rice in warehouses connected by waterways. This role made it a wealthy and active place whose development remains visible in its buildings today.

The district maintains numerous original merchant houses from past centuries, with many transformed into museums displaying local crafts and artifacts.

The district is easy to reach on foot and sits about ten minutes from Kurashiki Station. Marked paths lead directly to the canal zone, where walkways are flat and simple to navigate.

The Ohara Museum was founded in 1930 and was Japan's first museum created by a private collector dedicated to European art. Its collection features works by major Western artists and draws visitors who want to explore art history in this historic setting.