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Kurashiki, Okayama

Kurashiki
倉敷市
Core city
Bikan district of Kurashiki
Bikan district of Kurashiki
Flag of Kurashiki
Flag
Location of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture
Location of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture
Kurashiki is located in Japan
Kurashiki
Kurashiki
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°35′N 133°46′E / 34.583°N 133.767°E / 34.583; 133.767Coordinates: 34°35′N 133°46′E / 34.583°N 133.767°E / 34.583; 133.767
Country Japan
Region Chūgoku (San'yō)
Prefecture Okayama Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Kaori Itō
Area
 • Total 354.71 km2 (136.95 sq mi)
Population (December 2012)
 • Total 477,983
 • Density 1,350/km2 (3,500/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Camphor
 • Flower Wysteria
 • Bird Kingfisher
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City hall address 640 Nishinakashinden, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama-ken
710-8565
Website www.city.kurashiki.okayama.jp

Kurashiki (倉敷市 Kurashiki-shi?) is a historic city located in western Okayama Prefecture, Japan, sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea.

As of December 2012, the city has an estimated population of 477,983 and a population density of 1,350 persons per km². The total area is 354.71 km².

The modern city of Kurashiki was founded on April 1, 1928. Previously, it was the site of clashes between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the Heian period. It gradually developed as a river port. During the Edo period, it became an area directly controlled by the shogunate. Distinctive white-walled, black-tiled warehouses were built to store goods. During the Meiji Restoration (Japan's Industrial Revolution period), factories were built, including the Ohara Spinning Mill, which still stands as the nostalgic tourist attraction Ivy Square.

On August 1, 2005, the town of Mabi (from Kibi District), and the town of Funao (from Asakuchi District) were merged with Kurashiki.


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