Ryokan Kurashiki

By the canal in the heart of the historic district, this is the best ryokan in town, incorporating several beautifully restored Edo-period buildings. The spacious suites all have tatami lounge areas with attached twin-bed rooms and bathrooms. Dinner is a multicourse kaiseki affair, featuring Inland Sea delicacies – also available to nonguests (from ¥8000). Some English is spoken.