Fujimi no Kai (formerly Fuji Matsuri) is an event held annually at Kurashiki's Achi Shrine.
In 2019 (the first year of Reiwa), it will be held for three days from May 3 (Friday) to May 5 (Sunday).
The wisteria flower is the city flower of Kurashiki and represents the city.
Fujimi no Kai is an event to enjoy this wisteria flower, with the world's largest Akebono wisteria, Achi no Fuji, as the main attraction located at Achi Shrine.
Fujimi no Kai is a popular event in the Bikan Historical Area, alongside "Heartland Kurashiki," during the May holidays, attracting many visitors.
This article introduces the highlights of Achi no Fuji, the event period of Fujimi no Kai, event details, and recommended points.
Until 2020 (the second year of Reiwa), Achi no Fuji is undergoing recovery treatment.
Therefore, the blooming of wisteria flowers cannot be enjoyed, but Fujimi no Kai will still be held.
However, depending on the condition of the tree, there is a slight possibility of some blooming.
What is Fujimi no Kai? A festival to enjoy the world's largest 'Achi no Fuji' flowers
Fujimi no Kai is a festival to enjoy the wisteria flowers called Achi no Fuji located within the grounds of Achi Shrine.
It was previously held as Fuji Matsuri, but was renamed Fujimi no Kai starting in 2019 (the first year of Reiwa).
It is held every year during the May holidays, attracting many tourists.
During Fujimi no Kai, various events are held around Achi no Fuji and within the grounds of Achi Shrine.
The wisteria flowers bloom in pale purple all over the trellis, creating a bustling scene of spectators.
What is Achi no Fuji? The largest Akebono wisteria and a natural monument
Achi no Fuji is located on the north side of Achi Shrine.
Every year in early May, the flowers bloom fully, creating a stunning sight with numerous flower clusters on the trellis.
Achi no Fuji is a variety called Akebono Fuji, with an estimated age of 300 to 500 years.
The circumference of the trunk is about 1.5 meters, and the circumference at the base is about 2.2 meters.
Achi no Fuji is the oldest and largest tree among Akebono wisteria in Japan.
As a result, Achi no Fuji has been designated as a natural monument by Okayama Prefecture.
Additionally, the city flower of Kurashiki is wisteria, which is derived from Achi no Fuji.
Currently, Achi no Fuji is undergoing treatment, so blooming is not expected, but if lucky, it may bloom a little!?
Achi no Fuji is undergoing treatment for recovery of vigor as part of a three-year plan from 2018 (the 30th year of Heisei) to 2020 (the second year of Reiwa).
Therefore, the blooming of wisteria flowers during this period is not expected.
In 2018 (the 30th year of Heisei), the wisteria flowers did not bloom.
However, while the flowers of Achi no Fuji cannot be enjoyed, Fujimi no Kai itself will still be held.
The treatment is necessary for the old tree, Achi no Fuji.
Let us hope that beautiful flowers will bloom after the treatment.
According to the people at Achi Shrine, due to the effects of the treatment, there is a possibility of blooming, albeit a few, depending on the condition of the wisteria tree if lucky.
Overview of Fujimi no Kai
Fujimi no Kai will be held over three days from May 3 to May 5.
Each day will have different content.
Please note that in case of rain, all events on the day will be canceled.
Additionally, the start times and content may change due to circumstances.
Events held daily during the period
Tea ceremony and Gagaku performance
The location is the "Achi no Fuji Plaza" where the wisteria trellis is located.
Gagaku will be performed under the wisteria trellis, and you can enjoy matcha and sweets while listening to the music.
The cost for matcha and sweets is 300 yen.
Achi no Fuji vine craft contest
This will be held at the prayer hall located to the west of the shrine grounds.
It will showcase works made by students of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School using the vines of the wisteria tree.
Events on May 3 (Friday)
Venue: Noh stage
| Start Time | Content | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Koto performance | Taisho Koto Ensemble |
| 11:10 AM | Noh flute performance | Magane-kai |
| 12:00 PM | Presentation of the twelve-layered ceremonial kimono | Mariko Kimono Culture Institute |
| 1:00 PM | Koto performance | Taisho Koto Ensemble |
| 2:10 PM | Noh flute performance | Magane-kai |
Events on May 4 (Saturday)
Venue: Noh stage
| Start Time | Content | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Festival music and lion dance | Achi Festival Music |
| 10:30 AM | Bamboo flute and Yakumo koto performance | Kibi Bamboo Children's Association |
| 11:00 AM | Koto music performance | Kurashiki Traditional Arts Association |
| 11:40 AM | Japanese musical instruments performance | Wagaku a la mode |
| 12:20 PM | Japanese dance and drum | Sakurayuu-kai |
| 1:00 PM | Bamboo flute and Yakumo koto performance | Kibi Bamboo Children's Association |
| 1:30 PM | Festival music and lion dance | Achi Festival Music |
| 2:00 PM | Koto music performance | Kurashiki Traditional Arts Association |
| 2:40 PM | Japanese dance and drum | Sakurayuu-kai |
Events on May 5 (Sunday)
Parent-child traditional games
| Start Time | 10:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Ema Hall |
| Content | Beigoma, ohajiki, ring toss, bamboo stilts, kendama, rubber guns, crafting classes, etc. |
| Notes | Participation prizes for the first 120 people (must receive a stamp card at the reception) |
19th Kurashiki Kobudo Festival
| Start Time | 10:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Location | Noh stage |
| Performers | Various schools |
Serving of iris and mugwort sake
| Start Time | 10:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Location | In front of the Haiden |
Limited 'Wisteria Ema' and 'Wisteria Goshuin' for Fujimi no Kai
During the period of Fujimi no Kai, you can receive 'Wisteria Ema' and 'Wisteria Goshuin'.
Both the ema and goshuin are designed with wisteria flowers, which is different from the usual ones.
They can only be received during the event period of Fujimi no Kai.
Additionally, while ema are usually hung in the Ema Hall, the Wisteria Ema can also be taken home as a souvenir.
'Wisteria Ema' and 'Wisteria Goshuin' initial fee and how to receive them
Wisteria Ema and Wisteria Goshuin can be received at the shrine office.
To receive the Wisteria Ema, an initial fee of 500 yen is required.
The initial fee for the Wisteria Goshuin is 500 yen, and it will only be provided on goshuin paper (the paper with the goshuin stamp).
It cannot be received in a personal goshuin book, so please be careful.
However, if you receive the Wisteria Goshuin along with the original Achi Shrine goshuin book, you can receive it stamped in the goshuin book.
The combined initial fee for the original Achi Shrine goshuin book and the Wisteria Goshuin is 2,000 yen.
Please note that even if you have received the original Achi Shrine goshuin book in the past, you cannot have the Wisteria Goshuin stamped in a personal goshuin book.
Temporary parking available only on May 5
Temporary parking will be set up only on May 5.
The temporary parking will be at the playground of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School.
Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is located to the north of Tsurugatayama, where Achi Shrine is situated.
The temporary parking is only available on May 5, so parking at Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is not allowed on the 3rd and 4th.
Conclusion
During the early May holidays, events such as "Heartland Kurashiki" are held in the Bikan Historical Area.
Fujimi no Kai is an event where you can spend time leisurely.
Why not visit along with the events in the Bikan Historical Area?
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Fujimi no Kai (Wisteria Festival) Data
| Name | Fujimi no Kai (Wisteria Festival) |
|---|---|
| Date | May 3 (Friday) to May 5 (Sunday), 2019 From 10:00 AM to around 2:30 PM |
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
