Kurashiki has been commercialized somewhat recently. The main station feels a bit like the entrance to Disneyland with loud music playing over outside speakers and overpriced shops lining the entry. I enjoyed walking along the canal and seeing some of the old buildings but it really didn't offer more than a half-day visit. As an aside, and I think I was just unlucky, I had the single worst bowl of ramen I have even gotten in Japan in a shopping alley near the station. I just wandered in to a tiny 10 seat ramen-ya, saw a little old lady behind the counter and sat down. I should have noticed that there were no locals in the place.

Don't get me wrong. Kurashiki is certainly worth a visit. I just don't think it is a full day stop. If you combined it with a visit to Okayama and Korakuen, it would make for a nice full day.