Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum

This museum tells one part of the rich history of Kojima as an important point of trade in early Japan. Once an island, when Kurashiki City reclaimed land, several islands were connected and became part of the city, but this part of Kojima became even more important as a port for local and regional trade, a resting spot as sailors and merchants waited for the changing tides or storms to pass, and became a center for such business many years ago. I visited this spot after seeing other areas of Kojima that were featured in the movie, Napping Princess (ひるね姫). Several locations from the beginning of the movie are a short walk towards the Great Seto Bridge, including the bus stop where several of the characters were waiting. After visiting here, check the Nozaki family estate (旧野崎家住宅) in downtown Kojima. This compliments the salt trading history of Kojima as well as connecting more pieces of history related to other parts of Japan.

This is a hidden gem just past the wharf that lies under the Great Seto-Ohashi bridge. It is a museum built in a house that is well over 100 years old, and lies in the historical district. There are models of old ships and artifacts from the old shipping days like iron sea chests and the like. Slowly things are being labeled in English, so a handful of things don't have a label yet, but it's a really great find, and not known by many. First, I recommend going to the bridge-themed community center of Kojima (It's across from a bridge-themed park; you really can't miss it) and asking for directions if you're driving. We were walking and a volunteer actually helped us by driving us to this place as well as a national park we were trying to find. They're very kindly and helpful and know enough English to explain the area and some of the history. Most of the volunteers are elderly gentlemen who have retired and stick around the community centers and tourist areas to help tourists out in their spare time.

Just see the older way of living in Japan.

It is an old warehouse. It has a nostalgic atmosphere and is relaxing. You can have a lively conversation about things that used to be in your house 😆 You can feel the history of Shimotsui. I saw a lot of valuable furniture and tools.

I was drawn to the sound of a shipping wholesaler that often appears in period dramas. One of the things I usually feel about buildings from this era is that people in the past were short, but I was surprised at how high the ceilings were. The guide was very kind and taught us various things. I was also able to hear about Gion Shrine, which I went to earlier. On this day, there was an exhibition of octopus pots, and this was the first time I learned that there were octopus pots for octopuses. Free parking is also available nearby.