While the ancient townscape of Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter still remains, “Hayashi Genjuro Shoten” can be found situated on a boulevard slightly away from the bustling tourist area.

Opening in 2012, “Hayashi Genjuro Shoten” is a facility complex that includes 8 shops whose tenants are “searching for the richness of life through clothes, food and living”.

Visited by both locals and tourists, a new flow of people now visit the once quiet boulevard.

Though originally built by the Hayashi family who from the Edo period ran a drug store for generations, the building was eventually vacated. After carefully considering how it could be used and with a view to maintaining it, the builiding has become a place where people have the chance to think over how to live in the moment, a place to learn, and a place to see the richness of the region in which they find themselves.

Let’s take a peek inside the facility.

The Hayashi Genjuro Pharmacy museum on the second floor of the main building is dedicated to the family who gave its name to the facility. Contributing to the health and wellbeing of the people living in the region, you can see the history of Hayashi Genjuro Shoten and the Hayashi family who ran the pharmacy business.

The museum shop and café of Design Museum Kurashiki are situated beside the memorial room.

As well as products with a new twist, the museum shop sells foods and general goods that have been passed down in the region for generations. The products in their fashionable packages make great souvenirs and presents.

The museum café is a space with chairs, lighting and tableware made in the hands of creators both from Japan and abroad. Here you can come into contact with masterpieces you wouldn’t normally have the chance to see.

This is the Miyake Shoten Cafe Kobo located on the 3rd floor of the main building.

When the weather’s good, do step out onto the terrace.

As Kurashiki has few tall buildings, this terrace is known for its great views. You can take a relaxed break while drinking tea and gazing at the beautiful white-plaster walls of Kurashiki.