Interview with the chief priest of Achi Shrine, Arai Shunsuke
Achi Shrine, the guardian deity of Kurashiki, watches over the city of Kurashiki.
I spoke with the chief priest, Arai Shunsuke.
This interview is based on the content from the initial interview conducted in November 2022.
As a shrine located in a tourist area
Although it is a shrine located in a tourist area, are there more visitors from the local community or tourists visiting Kurashiki?
Arai (no honorifics)
I have the impression that many visitors come for tourism.
After all, it is located in the Bikan Historical Area, which is a tourist destination.
Of course, there are also a certain number of local visitors.
Some people visit while taking a morning walk, walking their dogs, or on their way to work.
Additionally, there are prayers for safe childbirth and visits for Shichi-Go-San.
Weddings are also quite common.
Since it is a tourist area with hotels nearby, couples often have their wedding ceremonies here and then hold their receptions at nearby hotels.
What are the attractions of Achi Shrine as a tourist spot?
Arai
Despite being in a major tourist area like the Bikan Historical Area, Achi Shrine is away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
When walking through the Bikan Historical Area, it is inevitably crowded with tourists and noisy.
However, once you step into the shrine grounds of Achi Shrine, you are surrounded by trees and a quiet atmosphere.
Moreover, although Achi Shrine is located in the city, the grounds are very spacious, which often surprises visitors.
I hope that visitors can take a moment to pray during their sightseeing and experience the expansive "forest of the guardian deity," refreshing their minds.
The main hall's roof replacement taking five years
I heard that the roof of the main hall will be replaced.
Arai
From 2022 to around March 2027, we will carry out the roof replacement work of the main hall over approximately five years.
The roof of Achi Shrine uses a method called "hinoki bark roofing," which utilizes the bark of hinoki trees.
Hinoki bark roofs have a lifespan of about 40 years.
Since the lifespan of the hinoki bark roof of our main hall has come to an end, we have decided to carry out this replacement work.
During the construction period, we will be providing a limited edition goshuin (temple seal) for visitors, so please come and receive it.
We are also requesting your support for the request for support for the roof replacement work, and we would greatly appreciate your cooperation.
Approaching new demographics with the power and ideas of young staff
If you have a message for the readers, please share it.
Arai
When people think of shrines, they may have an image of older priests and a formal atmosphere.
In fact, Achi Shrine has a relatively young staff, including myself as the chief priest.
We plan to utilize our youth and ideas to host various events and offer amulets and other items that will appeal to younger people.
We are working to reach out to younger generations who may not have been very interested in shrines before, using unique approaches that only the younger generation can provide.
We are also focusing on social media, so I would be grateful if you could check it out.
I hope you will feel free to visit and pray.
When visiting the Bikan Historical Area, be sure to visit Achi Shrine
Achi Shrine has been located on the top of Tsurugatayama since before the townscape of the Bikan Historical Area was established.
It is a shrine that knows the history of Kurashiki.
If you come to the Bikan Historical Area for sightseeing, it might be nice to visit and greet the deity.
The view from the shrine grounds is also wonderful, so I recommend it.
Additionally, the area around Tsurugatayama, including Achi Shrine, has been developed as "Tsurugatayama Park," so why not take a stroll there?
Articles about Achi Shrine
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Achi Shrine Data
| Name | Achi Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-425-4898 |
| Parking | Available 15 parking spaces for worshippers on the east side of the precinct. |
| Deities | Takiribime no Mikoto Takitsuhime no Mikoto Ichinomiya Hime no Mikoto |
| Benefits | Safe navigation Traffic safety Improvement of performing arts Skill enhancement Prosperity in business Beauty and health |
| Goshuin (offertory) | Available (500 yen) |
| Visiting Hours | Open for visits at any time |
| Reception Hours | Gift shop: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Prayer start times: ・Morning: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM ・Afternoon: 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM * No reception on festival days in spring and autumn * There may be temporary closures for reception. Please check the website for the latest information. |
| Closed Days | None |
| Admission Fee | None |
| How to Pay Admission Fee / Offertory |
|
| Restroom | Barrier-free restroom |
| Website | Achi Shrine | Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
