Did you know that there are attractive areas near JR Kurashiki Station, aside from the Bikan Historical Area?
A newly developed area around Achi Terrace Kurashiki, just a short walk from the station. If you walk a little further, you will find the nostalgic streets of Achi that evoke a sense of comfort.
This area, where newness and nostalgia blend pleasantly, will be the venue for the Marugoto Festival on May 31.
What kind of fun content will there be in 2026? Let me introduce the highlights.
What is Achi Festival?
The Achi Festival is an event that started in 2019 in Achi 3-chome to revive the vibrancy of the Achi area.
Initially held mainly in Achi 3-chome, from 2025, it has expanded to include Achi Terrace Kurashiki, Achi 3-chome, and Achi 2-chome as a three-area event, allowing visitors to enjoy the entire town.
The number of visitors has been increasing year by year, and last year (2025), approximately 6,000 people attended, making it one of the largest events in Kurashiki. In 2026, 130 vendors will gather, offering a variety of gourmet food, markets, stages, and traditional games, providing plenty of enjoyable activities while exploring the town.
Three Areas, Each with Its Own Enjoyment
Achi Terrace Kurashiki, Achi 3-chome, and Achi 2-chome are three areas, each with different highlights, allowing visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of each while walking through the town.
Achi Terrace Kurashiki Area
The Achi Terrace Kurashiki area is located about a 5-minute walk from the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station, spreading around Achi Terrace Kurashiki and the Ichibangai Shopping Street.
Centered around stage events, visitors can also enjoy food and shopping, feeling the excitement of the festival right from the station.
On stage, there will be performances by local children and artists, and in the sales area, high school students will set up stalls selling ramen, lemonade, baked goods, and more, creating an area filled with the energy of the younger generation.
Achi 3-chome Area
Achi 3-chome is an area where traditional buildings remain.
This year (2026), a major highlight is the structure of "places for adults to enjoy" and "places for children to enjoy."
- For Adults: Horo-Yoi Yokocho
Sake breweries and craft beer stalls will line the street, allowing visitors to enjoy sake tasting and comparisons. Tables and chairs will be set up, creating a space where people can relax and enjoy their food and drinks. - For Children: En-nichi Street
Traditional games such as shooting games and goldfish scooping, along with giant soap bubbles, will be featured.
A special event will also allow visitors to enjoy a watermelon-splitting experience.
Additionally, there will be a matcha tea ceremony hosted by high school students that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, providing a moment to relax amidst the fun.
Achi 2-chome Area
Achi 2-chome is an area located within the Bikan Historical Area. It utilizes three locations: Achi Space Plaza, Achi Town Plaza, and Achi 2-chome Plaza.
In addition to food trucks and markets, there will be experience corners for children, making it a venue where parents and children can enjoy themselves together.
Visitors can casually stop by to eat, play, or take a break.
While walking through the town, they can enjoy conversations and spend their time leisurely.
Since the three areas are spacious, it might be nice to take your time exploring while stopping by places of interest.
Interview with the Organizers about the 2026 Achi Festival
What kind of thoughts are behind the preparations for the Achi Festival, which offers various ways to enjoy?
We spoke with Uchida Kotaro and Inoue Masao from the Achi Town Area Activation Executive Committee, who are preparing for the festival, about the highlights of the 2026 Achi Festival and the thoughts behind it.
What are your thoughts on holding the Achi Festival?
Uchida (no honorifics)
Connecting JR Kurashiki Station, Achi Terrace Kurashiki, Achi 3-chome, Achi 2-chome, and the Bikan Historical Area. We continue with the hope of bringing back the vibrancy to the Achi area.
When we started in 2019 in just Achi 3-chome, we had about 900 visitors. Gradually, it expanded, and last year (2025), around 6,000 people came to the three areas combined. It has taken seven years to grow into this event.
Inoue (no honorifics)
The Achi Festival is an event that the people of the town create with their own hands.
We discuss in the executive committee, confirming the movements of each area and the overall flow, and proceed with preparations.
Because it is an event held in a town that we cherish, we want people to feel the charm of Achi not just in one place, but throughout the entire town.
What are the differences from last year (2025) and the highlights unique to this year (2026)?
Inoue
This year, a major feature is the participation of high school students.
Multiple schools, including Kurashiki Suisho High School and Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Seiryo High School, will help with operations as staff and will set up stalls selling baked goods and lemonade.
This is the first time high school students will be involved in the Achi Festival, and we at the executive committee are looking forward to the new energy they will bring to the town.
Uchida
In Achi 3-chome, we have launched a new adult-oriented project called Horo-Yoi Yokocho. About five sake breweries and craft beer stalls are expected to line up, allowing visitors to enjoy sake tasting and comparisons.
The selection of breweries is being coordinated with Aoe from the local Sake Workshop Aoe. We want to create a place where people can sit down comfortably and enjoy their drinks, with tables and chairs provided. The banners for "Horo-Yoi Yokocho" have also been handmade by the executive committee.
What are the unique charms of the Achi area?
Uchida
The remnants of the old shopping street still remain here. Ohashi House is one such historical building, and as an area with preserved old houses, I believe the Achi area is a special place within Kurashiki.
Inoue
While there are new places like Achi Terrace Kurashiki, if you step into a small alley, you will find traditional scenery. I think this blend of old and new is the charm of the Achi area. Our goal is to restore the vibrancy while cherishing this townscape.
What would you like visitors to enjoy?
Inoue
Each of the three areas offers different ways to enjoy. I would be happy if visitors could feel those differences while walking through the town.
Uchida
We have prepared content that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, so please enjoy the Achi area with your family and friends.
Conclusion
From the discussions with the organizing committee, I felt their deep affection for the Achi town and the warmth of a handmade event created by the townspeople.
Lively stages, relaxing plazas, and traditional games that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Each location has its own unique character.
Why not enjoy the different atmosphere of Kurashiki and experience the charm of the Achi area?
2026 Achi Festival Data
| Name | 2026 Achi Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | May 31, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Location | Achi Terrace Kurashiki, Achi 3-chome, Achi 2-chome |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free *Additional costs for food and drinks are required |
| Website | Achi Festival Instagram |
