Terrific location, right on the canal, in the heart of this quaint district in Kurashiki. The meals are included, and are not to be missed. As a couple, we appreciated the private onsen. Make sure you spend a half day each at the Ohara Museum and up on the hill with the temples and shrines. We took another day to go to Himeji and back; the castle and gardens are a quick train ride away, and are both spectacular.
We thoroughly enjoyed our recent stay at Ryokan Kurashiki, so much in fact that we would have liked to stay an extra night. The ryokan, staff, rooms and traditional meals were exemplary. Each room is unique and we were lucky enough to stay in Inui which had a view of the town and canal. All in all a very enjoyable stay.