How to Get to Kurashiki. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Kurashiki

Major Airports & Airlines

Most international travelers fly into a major international airport and then connect to Kurashiki.

Airports & Carriers

Okayama Airport (OKJ): Closest domestic airport, 30-40 min by bus from Kurashiki Station. Mainly domestic flights from Tokyo Haneda.
Kansai International Airport (KIX): Major international gateway for western Japan (Osaka). A lot of foreign connections.
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): Another international option, fewer routes than KIX.

Direct Flights & Seasonality

Direct international flights generally do not operate to Okayama Airport (OKJ).

Flight Information

The majority of foreign visitors fly into KIX (Osaka), Narita (Tokyo), or Haneda (Tokyo). Connect to Kurashiki by domestic flight to OKJ or Shinkansen.
Flight prices go up during peak seasons: cherry blossom, autumn foliage, Golden Week, Obon, New Year's.
Lower prices appear during off-peak seasons: winter (excluding New Year's) and the rainy season (June-July).

Okayama Airport OKJ

Smaller airport with basic shops, a few restaurants, and car rental. Direct limousine bus to Kurashiki Station (30-40 mins, approx. JPY 1,200).

Kansai International KIX

Large, modern airport with extensive facilities: duty-free, many restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, SIM/Wi-Fi rentals. Excellent train connections.

KIX to Kurashiki by Train

JR Haruka Express from KIX to Shin-Osaka (50 min), then Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama (45-60 min), then local JR Sanyo Line to Kurashiki (15 min). Total: 2-3 hours.

Transfer Options from KIX

Train Routes Most Efficient

Take the JR Haruka Express from KIX to Shin-Osaka Station (approx. 50 minutes).
From Shin-Osaka, transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen for Okayama Station (approx. 45-60 minutes).
Finally, use the local JR Sanyo Line from Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station (approx. 15 minutes).
Total travel time is typically 2-3 hours.

Bus Options More Economical

Some direct highway buses operate from KIX to Okayama Station (approx. 3.5 hours).
From Okayama Station, take a local train to Kurashiki.
This option is generally slower than the train combination it can be more economical.
Great for travelers with more luggage.

Land Transportation

Train Network

Kurashiki connects well by train. The Sanyo Shinkansen links Okayama Station to major cities (Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima). The local JR Sanyo Line connects Kurashiki Station to Okayama Station (15 min) and nearby towns.

Long-Distance Buses

Highway buses connect Okayama and Kurashiki to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. Companies like JR Bus and Ryobi Bus operate these. They are a more economical, though slower, alternative to the Shinkansen. Overnight buses exist for longer journeys.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) and domestic license are needed. Drive on the left. Roads are well-maintained. Expressways have tolls. Parking is limited/costly near the Bikan Historical Quarter. Search DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

While Kurashiki itself is inland, nearby ports offer sea connections.

Uno Port Tamano City

Approximately 40 minutes by train from Kurashiki.
Major ferry terminal for the Seto Inland Sea.
Regular ferry services to popular art islands like Naoshima and Teshima.

Cruise & River Transport

Kurashiki does not have a cruise port. River transport is for sightseeing.

Notes

International cruise ships typically dock in major ports like Kobe, Hiroshima, or Osaka.
Traditional "Kawabune" (canal boat rides) operate within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
These boat rides are a popular visitor activity for sightseeing, not point-to-point transportation.

Departure Information

Plan your departure to ensure a smooth the conclusion of your journey.

Exit Fees & Procedures

Exit Fees: An International Tourist Tax of JPY 1,000 is usually included in international flight/ship tickets. No separate payment at airport/port.
Departure Timing (OKJ): Arrive 1-1.5 hours before your domestic flight.
Departure Timing (KIX): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flight for check-in, security, immigration.

Airport/Station Facilities

Ensure a comfortable wait prior to your trip.

Available Services

Okayama Airport (OKJ): Basic shops, a few restaurants, observation deck.
Kansai International Airport (KIX): Comprehensive shopping (duty-free), many dining options, lounges, currency exchange.
Kurashiki Station: Convenience stores, cafes, souvenir shops, bento boxes.

Road Conditions and Safety

Excellent Roads

Roads in Japan are in excellent condition. Traffic is generally orderly, and drivers are courteous.

High Safety Standards

Japan experiences low rates of road accidents. Always be aware of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in narrow historical streets.

Strict Enforcement

Observe all traffic laws, as enforcement is strict. Seatbelts are mandatory, and drunk driving laws are severe.

Luggage Delivery Tip

If you have large luggage and are traveling long distances by train, consider using Takuhaibin (luggage delivery service). You can send your luggage from your hotel to your next hotel or the airport, allowing you to travel light on trains. Plan for at least one day for delivery.

How to Get to Kurashiki