Dusk in the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter

Traversing the area by bike would make for a short, but very pleasant ride.

During the day these boats shuttle visitors around the canal, but come evening they sit quietly in the calm waters.

A walk through the Bikan Quarter is just what the doctor ordered for this salaryman. After you walk through for yourself, you'll understand why!

Despite its fame and beauty, the quarter can become sparse late in the day. A stroll through the area during these quiet times can be as relaxing as it is magical.

Many of the shops are closed by this time of the day, but there's a good chance you'll see shopkeepers cleaning up for the evening.

Streets like this one are common around the historical quarter, taking visitors back to the Japan of hundreds of years ago. Though you still might run into a modern delivery man here and there.

The blue skies of blue hour make for beautiful reflections in the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter's historic canal.

As the blue hour colors deepen, so does the atmosphere of the quarter. This ancient stone bridge is a great place to enjoy the mixture of lights, colors, and reflections.

Though many shops may close up when the sun goes down, a few remain open later. Even the closed ones add to the atmosphere of this incredible historical quarter.

If you look around, you can find a few places that are still open to enjoy dinner and nice conversation. Not a bad way to end an evening!