Kurashiki City, located in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture, is one of the best-preserved Edo-period water towns in Japan. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. White-walled, black-tiled merchant houses line the river, with old bridges and flowing water, evoking the charm of a Jiangnan water town. The Ohara Museum of Art houses a large collection of Western masterpieces and is the first private Western art museum in Japan. The Kurashiki Archaeological Museum and the Japan Folk Toy Museum showcase historical folklore. Mt. Tsurugata Park offers beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.'; for food, Okayama wagyu beef is a source of pride, with tender meat and fine marbling; Kurashiki udon noodles are smooth and chewy; white peach desserts (Okayama white peaches) are sweet and juicy; Seto Inland Sea seafood and soy sauce dumplings have a rich, old-fashioned flavour.