HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kurashiki, the Birthplace of Japanese Masking Tape
Select your favorite type of Japanese masking tape from among the numerous designs sold in Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Area
Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Mention masking tape and many people might think of a plain beige or blue-colored material used for packaging, or perhaps paintings of buildings, cars, and furniture. But a visit to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area may turn that impression on its very head, for this special district in western Japan’s Okayama Prefecture is home to the Japanese version of this unassuming adhesive.
Kurashiki is the birthplace of decorative Japanese masking tape, distinguishable from its western counterpart not only by the vast array of colorful patterns and designs, but the very material itself. The masking tape is Washi (made of washi, or traditional Japanese paper), which enables it to be both strong and extremely thin. It also has excellent adhesiveness, yet can still be removed easily without leaving a trace, which has led to it being well-received worldwide.
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area is full of small shops selling their varieties of masking tape, and they encourage visitors to come in and browse their assortment of wares available for purchase. Some even offer factory tours and special decoration activities, and using beautiful and strong Japanese masking tape either for its form or function (or both) is a great way to commemorate your trip to Kurashiki.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Okayama Station (about 50 minutes), then switch to the Sanyo Main Line and ride to Kurashiki Station (about 20 minutes). A 10-minute walk from the station will take you to the Kurashiki-kan Tourist Information Office.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area, Chuo, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama-ken
