Kurashiki's worth stopping by if you're in the area, but I wouldn't make a long detour to get to it. I was lucky enough to have a combination of good weather and a betrothed couple out and about having their wedding photos taken, and their family were very flattered when I asked if it would be alright if I could take a couple of shots too.
We went round so-called "samurai town" in about an hour. It's partially spoiled by the whacking great, ugly, Western art museum that's been built there, and the moment you're off the main, tourist-attraction street those overhead wires poke their ugly heads out again.
Niiiice!
