Fujimi no Kai (formerly known as the Wisteria Festival) is an annual event held at Achi Shrine in Kurashiki.
In 2019 (Reiwa 1), it will be held over three days, from Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 5.
Wisteria is the flower of Kurashiki City and a flower that represents Kurashiki.
Fujimi no Kai is an event celebrating wisteria, with the star attraction being “Achi Wisteria,” Japan’s largest Akebono wisteria, at Achi Shrine.
Held during the May holiday period, Fujimi no Kai is one of the popular events in the Bikan Historical Area, alongside “Heartland Kurashiki,” and draws large crowds.
Here, we introduce Fujimi no Kai, including highlights of Achi Wisteria, the event dates and activities, and what makes it special.
Achi Wisteria is undergoing treatment to restore its vigor through 2020 (Reiwa 2).
As a result, you will not be able to enjoy its blossoms, but Fujimi no Kai will still be held.
Depending on the tree’s condition, however, it may bloom a little.
The information presented here is current as of when this article was published in April 2019. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Fujimi no Kai? A festival celebrating the flowers of Japan’s largest “Achi Wisteria”
Fujimi no Kai is a festival celebrating “Achi Wisteria,” which grows on the grounds of Achi Shrine.
It was previously held as the “Wisteria Festival,” but was renamed Fujimi no Kai in 2019 (Reiwa 1).
It is held every year during the May holiday period and attracts many tourists.
Fujimi no Kai features a variety of activities around Achi Wisteria and on the grounds of Achi Shrine.
The wisteria blooms in full across the trellis, drawing crowds of visitors.
What is Achi Wisteria? A natural monument and Japan’s largest Akebono wisteria
Achi Wisteria is located on the north side of the shrine grounds.
It blooms in full every year in early May, and the sight of its many flower clusters hanging from the trellis is spectacular.
Achi Wisteria is a variety called Akebono wisteria, and is estimated to be an astonishing 300–500 years old.
The wisteria trunk is about 1.5 meters around, and the circumference at its base is about 2.2 meters.
Achi Wisteria is the oldest and largest Akebono wisteria tree in Japan.
For this reason, Achi Wisteria has been designated a natural monument by Okayama Prefecture.
Also, wisteria is the flower of Kurashiki City, and Achi Wisteria is the reason for this choice.
Achi Wisteria is being treated, so blooms are not expected—but it might flower a little if you’re lucky!?
Achi Wisteria is undergoing treatment to restore its vigor as part of a three-year plan running from 2018 (Heisei 30) through 2020 (Reiwa 2).
Therefore, the wisteria is not expected to bloom during this period.
It did not bloom in 2018 (Heisei 30).
Although you will not be able to enjoy Achi Wisteria’s flowers, Fujimi no Kai itself will still be held.
The treatment is necessary for the old Achi Wisteria tree.
Let’s hope it produces beautiful flowers after treatment.
According to someone at Achi Shrine, the treatment has been effective, and depending on the condition of the wisteria tree, it may produce a small number of flowers if you’re lucky.
Fujimi no Kai overview
Fujimi no Kai is held over three days, from May 3 to 5.
The program differs each day.
Please note that all activities on the day will be canceled in the event of rain.
The start times and program may also change due to circumstances.
Activities held every day during the event
Tea service and gagaku performance
The venue is “Achi Wisteria Plaza,” where the Achi Wisteria trellis stands.
Gagaku is performed beneath the wisteria trellis, and you can enjoy matcha and sweets while listening.
Matcha and sweets cost 300 yen.
Achi Wisteria Vine Craft Contest
The contest is held in the prayer hall west of the shrine grounds.
Works made using wisteria vines by students of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School will be on display.
Events on Friday, May 3
Venue: Noh stage
| Start time | Program | Performers |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | Koto performance | Taisho Koto Ensemble |
| 11:10 a.m. | Nohkan flute performance | Magane-kai |
| 12:00 p.m. | Demonstration of dressing in juni-hitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono) | Mariko Kimono Culture Academy |
| 1:00 p.m. | Koto performance | Taisho Koto Ensemble |
| 2:10 p.m. | Nohkan flute performance | Magane-kai |
Events on Saturday, May 4
Venue: Noh stage
| Start time | Program | Performers |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | Festival music and lion dance | Achi Festival Music |
| 10:30 a.m. | Takekin and Yakumo-koto performance | Kibi Chikudo-kai |
| 11:00 a.m. | Koto music performance | Kurashiki Traditional Performing Arts Association |
| 11:40 a.m. | Japanese traditional instrument performance | Wagaku a la Mode |
| 12:20 p.m. | Japanese dance and tsuzumi drum | Oyu-kai |
| 1:00 p.m. | Takekin and Yakumo-koto performance | Kibi Chikudo-kai |
| 1:30 p.m. | Festival music and lion dance | Achi Festival Music |
| 2:00 p.m. | Koto music performance | Kurashiki Traditional Performing Arts Association |
| 2:40 p.m. | Japanese dance and tsuzumi drum | Oyu-kai |
Events on Sunday, May 5
Traditional games for parents and children
| Start time | 10:00 a.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the ema hall |
| Activities | Beigoma spinning tops, ohajiki marbles, ring toss, bamboo stilts, kendama, rubber-band guns, craft workshops, and more |
| Notes | Participation prizes for the first 120 people (you must collect a stamp card at reception) |
19th Kurashiki Kobudo Festival
| Start time | 10:00 a.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | Noh stage |
| Performers | Various schools |
Free servings of iris-and-mugwort treats and iris sake
| Start time | 10:00 a.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | In front of the worship hall |
Fujimi no Kai exclusives: “Wisteria ema” and “Wisteria goshuin”
Only during Fujimi no Kai, you can receive a “Wisteria ema” and a “Wisteria goshuin.”
Unlike the usual versions, both the ema and goshuin feature a wisteria flower design.
They are not available outside the Fujimi no Kai period.
Ema are usually hung in the ema hall, but the Wisteria ema can also be taken home as a souvenir.
Offerings and how to receive “Wisteria ema” and “Wisteria goshuin”
The Wisteria ema and Wisteria goshuin are available at the shrine office.
A monetary offering of 500 yen is required for the Wisteria ema.
The monetary offering for the Wisteria goshuin is 500 yen, and it is provided only on a sheet of paper (with the goshuin stamped on it).
Please note that it cannot be added to a goshuin book you bring with you.
However, if you receive an original Achi Shrine goshuin book at the same time as the Wisteria goshuin, the Wisteria goshuin can be stamped in the book.
The monetary offering for the original Achi Shrine goshuin book and Wisteria goshuin together is 2,000 yen.
Even if you bring an original Achi Shrine goshuin book that you received previously, the Wisteria goshuin cannot be stamped in it.
Only on May 5, temporary parking is available
A temporary parking lot will be set up only on May 5.
The temporary parking lot is the school grounds of Kurashiki City Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School.
Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is north of Mt. Tsurugata, where Achi Shrine is located.
The temporary parking lot is available only on May 5, so you cannot park at Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School on May 3 or 4.
From the Writer
During the holiday period in early May, events such as “Heartland Kurashiki” are held in the Bikan Historical Area.
Fujimi no Kai is an event where you can take your time and relax.
Why not visit and enjoy it along with the events around the Bikan Historical Area?
Articles about Achi Shrine
Fujimi no Kai (Wisteria Festival) Information
| Name | Fujimi no Kai (Wisteria Festival) |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 3 (Friday)–May 5 (Sunday), 2019 From 10:00 a.m. until around 2:30 p.m. |
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
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