We chose Kurashiki and the surrounding area for our "off-the-beaten path" part of our tour -- and are we glad we did. The town of Kurashiki is wonderful with great museums, a scenic canal area, and wonderful shops (all of which seem to close at 6pm or so and are closed on Monday). From Kurashiki we also day-tripped to Takahashi (has Japan’s highest castle) and Okayama (for another castle and garden). It made for a wonderful three days.

The hotel is nice but starting to show it’s age (especially the carpet which needs replacing). This hotel also doesn’t have true non-smoking rooms or lobby area, but the smell of smoke was MUCH less pervasive than in Yokohama. It is also close to the train station and around the corner from the canal area. There was also an air-conditioned coin laundry down the street – which after more than a week in Japan we very much needed!!

The staff was very helpful – especially when it came time to forward the luggage and we wanted to play leapfrog and send one bag to one hotel and one bag to another.

We would stay here again.

Travel tip -- use the luggage forwarding services -- they really work and they are relatively cheap -- less than $20 for a large suitcase. Remember not all train stations have elevators or escalators!