When it comes to tourist spots in front of JR Kurashiki Station, the first place that comes to mind is the Bikan Historical Area. It is a popular area among tourists and is always bustling with many people.
However, did you know that there are other charming towns with a rich atmosphere from the Edo period and newly developed areas in front of the station?
The Achi Festival is an event planned to draw attention back to such places and to restore the vibrancy of the town.
We will introduce the landscapes and the thoughts of the people we encounter while walking through the town, as well as various initiatives of the festival.
What is the Achi Festival?
The Achi Festival was held on June 1, 2025, in the Achi Area in front of JR Kurashiki Station. This event aims to restore the vibrancy of the town while utilizing local shops and buildings.
Previously, events were held only in Achi 3-chome as "Achi Town Area," but starting in 2025, the area has expanded to include Achi 2-chome and Achi Terrace Kurashiki as well.
This marked the first event held as the "Achi Festival" uniting the three areas.
Background of the Achi Festival
The Achi Festival was organized by the Achi Town Area Revitalization Executive Committee. We spoke with committee members Uchida Kotaro and Inoue Masao about the history and background of the event.
"From the Edo period until around the pre-war era, Achi Town was truly a lively commercial district. However, at some point, foot traffic decreased, and the town transformed into a quiet area. That is why we have a strong desire to bring back the vibrancy to the town,"
Uchida said.
"The Achi Festival is also linked to the revitalization of the Achi Terrace Kurashiki that Kurashiki City is promoting. From Achi Terrace Kurashiki, people naturally flow to Achi 3-chome, Achi 2-chome, and then to the Bikan Historical Area. This is a concept aimed at creating such movement of people,"
Inoue explained.
Listening to the two of them, the deep feelings of the local people towards Achi Town are clearly conveyed.
About the Three Areas
The Achi Festival is held in three main areas.
Various events and workshops are being held in each area.
I arrived at the venue around 10 AM. With the vastness of the area, I felt a bit anxious wondering, "Will I be able to visit everything?" and first picked up a map.
Participate in the Stamp Rally to Receive Souvenirs
At the general reception set up in the Achi 3-chome Area, local volunteer staff welcomed me with smiles.
Here, the stamp rally sheets were being distributed.
The participation fee is 200 yen.
By collecting stamps at each store set up in the three areas of Achi 3-chome, Achi 2-chome, and Achi Terrace Kurashiki, the first 200 participants will receive souvenirs, so I quickly purchased a stamp card.
Excitedly thinking, "Where should I start?" I began my walk through the town.
Now, I will introduce the shops I visited in order.
Achi 3-chome Area
First, I headed to the Achi 3-chome Area.
Event at Ogawara Residence
Just a short walk from the main office in 3-chome is the Ogawara Residence.
This dignified building was built in the Meiji era and is still operating as a kimono shop.
The parking lot of Ogawara Residence was opened up and utilized as an event space. The first stage featured hula dancing.
As the sunlight gradually grew stronger, Hawaiian music played in this area, making it feel like a resort.
Among the performers on stage, there were members debuting today, and their nervousness was evident as they danced modestly. The audience watched with warm gazes, and for a moment, it felt like a breeze from Hawaii blew through Kurashiki.
Wagyu Skewers at Trattoria Jikaseisoba Takenoya
As I started to feel a bit hungry, I heard a cheerful "Irasshaimase" from across the street from Ogawara Residence.
The voice belonged to the staff of Trattoria Jikaseisoba Takenoya. This popular soba restaurant in Kurashiki was setting up a stall in their garden.
From that lovely garden came a wonderfully savory aroma... Drawn in by the scent, I found myself being pulled into the garden.
When I spoke to the staff, they mentioned that the Wagyu skewers made from Furano A5 Wagyu, which are also used in their roast beef, were being sold at nearly cost price.
Once I heard that, I couldn't resist trying it.
The skewers enjoyed in the garden, with tables and chairs set up, were hot and juicy, bursting with flavor, making them an incredibly delicious dish.
Since it was still early, I had the luxury of enjoying this space all to myself, filling both my stomach and heart with warmth.
Great Pottery Market at Takenoya Bettei
It seems there is something happening in the back building of the same garden. It's intriguing since it's not usually accessible.
This is Takenoya Bettei, which is usually a reservation-only afternoon tea shop, but it was open to the public as a special event for the Achi Festival called "Great Pottery Market."
Inside the shop, popular tableware used at Takenoya was being sold at a 30% discount, and visitors who loved tableware were seen carefully selecting their pieces.
Inside, various vendors displayed miscellaneous goods and artworks, allowing for a quiet and fulfilling adult time that felt like being in an art museum.
Uchida Residence - Sencha Tea Ceremony by Bodaisen Tōryū
At the Uchida Residence, located right next to the Ogawara Residence, a sencha tea ceremony by Bodaisen Tōryū was being held.
For 500 yen, you can experience an authentic tea ceremony, so I decided to give it a try. At the reception, the staff welcomed me with a lovely smile.
I participated in the session starting at 11 AM. The venue was divided into groups of 5 to 6 people.
Many participants were new to the sencha experience, and the staff provided a detailed explanation of the methods and history of sencha.
I had participated in matcha tea ceremonies several times before, but this was my first experience with sencha preparation.
The teacher from Bodaisen Tōryū gently spoke, "Because everyone is busy, it's important to have a moment to relax while enjoying delicious tea and sweets and chatting."
The tea preparation involved drinking the first brew, which was slowly extracted at a low temperature, followed by enjoying sweets. The second brew was served at a higher temperature, allowing the sencha to have a strong umami flavor.
Participants naturally exclaimed, "Delicious!" and smiles spread around.
It was not just a time to quietly sit and enjoy tea, but a heartwarming time that also felt the warm connections between people.
Achi Terrace Kurashiki Area
Since my stamp rally card is still not filled out, I will move to the next Achi Terrace Kurashiki area.
Even though it is the same "Achi Festival," it is interesting how the atmosphere changes dramatically depending on the area.
If the Achi 3-chome area has the air of "the good old days," the Achi Terrace Kurashiki area gives the impression of a lively and energetic space centered around young people.
On the stage set up in the square, idol group performances and dance school presentations were taking place, overwhelming the audience with applause and cheers.
Sumire Flower Shop Selling Colorful Flowers
In the Kurashiki Ichibangai Shopping Street of the Achi Terrace Kurashiki area, food trucks and stalls lined the street, filling the entire area with energy.
Amidst this, I stopped at the local flower shop Sumire Flower Shop.
Colorful roses and hydrangeas were being sold at affordable prices, and I found myself seriously contemplating, "Should I treat myself?"
In the same corner, a moss terrarium workshop was also being held, where children were seriously arranging moss and creating small worlds. Their actions were very cute, and amidst the lively shopping street, a cozy time flowed.
Plenty of Ripe Ichigo at Ichigo-ya ROSSO
After walking a lot, I felt thirsty and glanced at the food truck, and there it was, the "Ichigo-ya ROSSO" that I had been curious about.
It was a shop I had been keeping an eye on, so the moment I found it, I headed straight there.
I ordered the strawberry milk smoothie (500 yen).
When I asked the staff about the type of strawberries used, they said it was the Oishi C Berry.
Taking a big gulp, I found it to be mildly sweet but still packed with strawberry flavor. The combination with milk when the ice melts was also excellent.
It was a special strawberry time that is gentle on the skin, perfect for a break during the festival.
Achi 2-chome Area
The stamp rally is almost complete.
With a map in hand, I head towards the Achi 2-chome area in search of the last stamp, passing through the Achi 3-chome area again.
The Achi 2-chome area was divided into three venues.
- Achi 2-chome Square
- Achi Space Square
- LOGIN Kurashiki
The Achi 2-chome area is located within the Bikan Historical Area, creating a warm atmosphere that attracts tourists and families.
Mini Quiz Rally Popular with Children
Among them, a mini quiz rally was being held at the Achi Space Square, which was popular with children.
An event where participants challenge quizzes while visiting shops in the Achi 2-chome area.
The prizes change according to the number of correct answers, and children are enjoying participating in quizzes created by local residents.
Among them, the most popular was the toy scooping.
A large tub was filled with colorful toys, and the children were eagerly moving their scoops to catch their desired toys.
It became a space where families could enjoy interacting with local people.
ICHIGO "Taiyaki & Coffee"
Next to the mini quiz rally, I discovered a sign for "Mochi Mochi Rice Flour Taiyaki."
Curious, I stopped by and found that this was a booth run by the Yotsubakai Social Welfare Corporation called ICHIGO WORKS, which is a Type B employment continuation support facility.
I have recently been interested in gluten-free and rice flour, so I decided to try purchasing one.
On this day, there was a limited-time matcha flavor version available, and when I picked it up, a gentle matcha aroma wafted through.
Taking a bite, the outer skin had a mochi-like and gentle texture.
Inside, there was a moderately sweet matcha red bean paste, making it a snack that is gentle on both the stomach and the heart, and a delight for the body.
Participating in Achi Fest
I successfully completed the stamp rally, and I was left with souvenirs from the Achi area along with many encounters with local people.
Although I often visit the Bikan Historical Area, I usually just pass through Achi Town.
However, on this day, I felt that taking the time to thoroughly enjoy the "Achi area" was a precious experience.
The atmosphere in each area was completely different, yet what was common everywhere was the warmth of the people and the feeling of caring for the community.
This Achi Fest was not just a mere "event," but a memorable day where the local people expressed their desire to "build the town together" from their respective places.
I am already looking forward to seeing what kind of scenery will be visible next year.
Achi Fest Data
| Name | Achi Fest |
|---|---|
| Date | June 1, 2025 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Location | Achi-cho, Kurashiki City |
| Website | Achi Fest Instagram |
Near Achi Terrace Kurashiki and Kurashiki Ichibangai Shopping Street Area
Near Ogawara Residence, Uchida Residence, and Ohashi House
Achi 2-chome Square, Achi Space Square, LOGIN Kurashiki