Interview with Arai Shunsuke, Chief Priest of Achi Shrine
Achi Shrine watches over the city of Kurashiki as its guardian shrine.
We spoke with Chief Priest Arai Shunsuke.
This interview was conducted during our initial visit in November 2022.
As a shrine in a tourist destination
As a shrine in a tourist destination, which visitors are more numerous: local worshippers or people visiting Kurashiki for sightseeing?
Arai (surname only)
I get the impression that most worshippers are visitors who have come for sightseeing.
After all, we are located in the Bikan Historical Area, a tourist destination.
Of course, we also have a fair number of local worshippers.
Some people stop by to pray during their morning walk, while walking their dogs, or on their way to work.
Others come for prayers such as safe childbirth, or for the Shichi-Go-San festival.
We also hold many weddings.
Since we are in a tourist destination with hotels nearby, couples often hold their wedding ceremony at our shrine and then have their reception at a nearby hotel.
What makes Achi Shrine appealing as a tourist attraction?
Arai
Although it is in the major tourist destination of the Bikan Historical Area, Achi Shrine is removed from the bustle of the city.
The Bikan Historical Area is always crowded with tourists and quite lively.
But once you step into the grounds of Achi Shrine, you are surrounded by trees and a peaceful atmosphere.
Although Achi Shrine is in the middle of the city, its grounds are very spacious, which often surprises visitors.
I hope you will stop by to pray during your sightseeing, experience the expansive “sacred grove,” and refresh your mind.
The main shrine building, whose roof is being replaced over five years
I heard that the roof of the main shrine building is being replaced.
Arai
We will carry out work to replace the roof of the main shrine building over approximately five years, from 2022 through around March 2027.
Achi Shrine’s roof uses a method called hiwada-buki, which uses cypress bark.
A cypress-bark roof generally lasts about 40 years.
The cypress-bark roof on our main shrine building had reached the end of its service life, so we decided to replace it.
Until the work is complete, we are offering a special goshuin (shrine seal) commemorating the roof replacement. Please visit and receive one.
We are also asking for contributions toward the roof replacement work, and would be very grateful for your support.
Reaching new audiences with the energy and ideas of young staff
Do you have a message for our readers?
Arai
People may have a stiff, formal image of shrines, with older people serving as chief priests and other staff.
In fact, the staff at Achi Shrine are generally young, including me, the chief priest.
We plan to make the most of our youth and ideas by holding a variety of events and offering items such as amulets that young people will enjoy.
We share information in ways that reflect the ingenuity of the younger generation, so we can reach young people who have not been very interested in shrines until now.
We are also active on social media, and hope you will take a look.
We hope you will feel free to come and pray.
Visit Achi Shrine when you come to the Bikan Historical Area
Achi Shrine has stood atop Mt. Tsurugata since before the streets of the Bikan Historical Area took shape.
It is a shrine that has witnessed Kurashiki’s history.
If you come sightseeing in the Bikan Historical Area, why not stop by to pay your respects to the gods?
The view from the shrine grounds is also wonderful, so we recommend it.
The area around Mt. Tsurugata, including Achi Shrine, has also been developed as Tsurugatayama Park, so why not take a stroll?
Articles about Achi Shrine
Achi Shrine Information
| Name | Achi Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-425-4898 |
| Parking | Available There is parking for 15 worshippers on the east side of the shrine grounds. |
| Enshrined Deities | Tagirihime-no-Mikoto Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto |
| Blessings | Safe voyages Traffic safety Improvement in performing arts Improvement in skills Business prosperity Beauty and good health |
| Goshuin (offering) | Available (500 yen) |
| Visiting Hours | Open for visits at any time |
| Reception Hours | Amulet office: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Prayer service start times: ・Morning: 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m. ・Afternoon: 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. ※Reception is unavailable on the days of the spring and autumn festivals. ※Reception may be temporarily unavailable. Check the website for the latest information. |
| Closing Days | None |
| Admission | Free |
| Payment Methods for Admission and Offerings |
|
| Restrooms | Accessible restroom |
| Website | Achi Shrine | Located in Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
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