Candle Fairy - A shop where you can experience making a one-of-a-kind handmade candle near the Bikan Historical Area.

Interview with Candle Fairy Owner Inoue Masao

Can you tell us how Candle Fairy came to be?

Inoue

Originally, we had been operating as the 'CandleWorld Antenna Shop' at Kurashiki Ivy Square for over 12 years since opening.

However, with the expansion and renovation of large banquet halls at Kurashiki Ivy Square, we had to return the store we were renting in March 2017.

At that time, it was a direct store of Pegasus Candle, but we decided to close the shop in March 2017.

After that, we received requests from various people saying, "It's sad" and "We want you to continue."

Inoue

However, there weren't many staff at Pegasus Candle, so it was not possible to continue.

So, I decided to do it myself, with the help of my sister, who was also an instructor at the 'CandleWorld Antenna Shop', and we decided to reopen as a specialty store for handmade candle experiences.

So you started completely as a separate company.

Inoue

That's right. However, since all the products are from Pegasus Candle, the contents themselves have not changed.

There are still people who go to Kurashiki Ivy Square, and since we have brochures there, some of our former customers come by after seeing them or searching online.

The new 'Candle Fairy' was established at the request of customers.

Inoue

That's right.
However, as you can see, there is hardly any foot traffic on the street right in front of 'Candle Fairy'.

In the past, it was a nice townscape, and many people passed by to go to Achi Shrine.
Since the Bikan Historical Area became active, it has completely lost its popularity.

However, it has been about a year since we moved, and we have repeat customers coming from outside the prefecture, as well as customers from the Kurashiki Ivy Square era, so I hope to continue operating while valuing our customers.

There are many customers who like it and continue to come back.

Inoue

From 2-year-old children to an 89-year-old grandmother two houses down, people of a wide range of ages enjoy it.

To keep repeat customers from getting bored, we are creating various things by changing the menu according to the seasons.

Therefore, we have more options to choose from than when we had the shop at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
We are focusing on creating enjoyable choices and various attractions.

For example, this wall where we display smiles of visitors is replaced every month.

Finally, could you tell us about your future prospects?

Inoue

There is still nothing on the street right in front of Candle Fairy, but we are working with nearby stores to create a 'Experience Street'.

I want it to be a street where, when people think, "Is there something to do?", they can say, "If you go to Experience Street, there is!"

If the shop becomes lively, more restaurants will open, and it will be safe for the elderly and children to pass through.
I want to make it more enjoyable as the number of customers increases.

Inoue

In the past, even on 'Honmachi Street', where Miyake Shoten and Hayashi Genjuro Pharmacy Museum are located, the shops were not popular.

Now, there are many customers, but in the past, only the main street with the river was lively.
However, thanks to the efforts of Miyake Shoten and Hayashi Genjuro Pharmacy Museum, many people have started to come.

Although the area where Candle Fairy is located is not a tourist spot in the Bikan Historical Area, I want to make it interesting through 'experiences'.

A handmade candle shop 'Candle Fairy' filled with people's smiles

At 'Candle Fairy', you can create a one-of-a-kind original candle.

You can take your time making highly customizable handmade candles, and the warm atmosphere filled with smiles is a very comfortable space.

It is a perfect space for creating memories slowly, whether for souvenirs from the Bikan Historical Area or for important anniversaries.

While making candles, I felt my heart warm.

It is enjoyable for both children and adults, so please feel free to visit.

Data on Candle Fairy

Name	Candle Fairy
Address	3-18-6 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	086-454-4505
Parking	None
Business Hours	Business hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM The last acceptance for handmade candle experiences is until 4:00 PM
Regular Holidays	Tuesday, Wednesday
Payment Methods	Cash PayPay
Website	Candle Fairy

We deliver selected articles from Kurashiki Tocotoco via LINE