This city can be an excellent destination for a day trip during your holidays in Japan. Kurashiki is a pleasant city for a walk or to learn more about the history of the country. The weekend markets are very pleasant, but weekdays are better to avoid the crowds. There are numerous souvenir shops and whacky stores, like the one that is entirely dedicated to gadgets decorated with cats.
I very much enjoyed strolling through the market and in the narrow streets of the Bikan district. The historical black and white warehouses and the traditional houses are very elegant and are home to many boutiques and museums. The walk along the canal is very pleasant and you can even take a boat trip.
I climbed the hill to get away from the crowds and visited the Honei-ji and Kanryo-ji Temples. The hill is peaceful and shady and the view on the city is impressive.