During Golden Week in Kurashiki, many events are held every year.
However, during Golden Week in 2021, events were successively canceled due to the state of emergency declared in neighboring prefectures...
Amidst this, the "Fujimi no Kai" was held at Achi Shrine.
Although food and drink were not allowed, visitors were able to enjoy the wisteria of Achi in a relaxed atmosphere.
Here, I will introduce the first "Fujimi no Kai" in two years that I covered on May 1.
What is Fujimi no Kai? An event to enjoy the wisteria of Achi
Fujimi no Kai is an event to enjoy the wisteria of Achi located within the grounds of Achi Shrine.
Over three days, various events are held under the wisteria trellis and in the shrine grounds.
Fujimi no Kai is held every year during Golden Week when the wisteria is in full bloom, but it was canceled in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic...
In 2021, it was held for the first time in two years.
There is no participation fee, making it easy for anyone to drop by.
The Kurashiki Ebisu Shopping Street is nearby, so it is recommended to visit while exploring Kurashiki!
What is Achi's wisteria? A natural monument of Okayama Prefecture
Achi's wisteria is located on the north side of Achi Shrine.
The best viewing time is from late April to early May.
It features cute pale pink flowers that gradually change to white.
Achi's wisteria is a rare variety called Akebono Fuji.
Its age is said to be between 300 and 500 years.
The trunk circumference is about 1.5 meters, and the base circumference is about 2.2 meters, making it the largest tree of Akebono Fuji in Japan.
For this reason, Achi's wisteria is designated as a natural monument of Okayama Prefecture.
Due to aging, there was a time when it was in a state of dying...
From 2017 to 2020, a project was carried out by experts and local residents to restore its vigor.
Thanks to their diligent treatment, it made a remarkable recovery!
It has regenerated to the point of blooming splendid flowers.
Details of the Fujimi no Kai. Only concerts and Noh performances
The Fujimi no Kai in 2021 was held from May 1 to May 3.
Different events were held each day.
Under the wisteria trellis, Gagaku and Western music concerts, as well as Noh performances were held in the shrine grounds.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, eating and drinking in the shrine grounds were prohibited.
The tea ceremony, which many look forward to every year, was also not held.
While it felt a bit sad, it was still deeply moving to be able to enjoy the recovered Achi's wisteria.
Blooming status of Achi's wisteria
On May 1, when I covered the event, it was a refreshing sunny day despite the strong winds.
Achi's wisteria was adorned with many delicate flowers.
Although the best viewing time had passed, each pale pink flower was beautiful...
The sight of the blooming wisteria hanging down seemed to invite tourists into the wisteria trellis.
▼You can also feel the warm sunlight filtering through the wisteria flowers.
▼You can also enjoy the contrast with the fresh green leaves.
As the wind blew, the sound of the trees and leaves swaying on Tsurugatayama could be heard.
Watching the wisteria flowers sway, I felt a strangely calm feeling.
Even the falling wisteria flowers seemed endearing.
Many visitors were taking photos, eagerly anticipating the Fujimi no Kai.
Couples who enjoy photography and three-generation families visiting Fujimi no Kai for the first time seemed to be enjoying the wisteria flowers in a relaxed atmosphere.
▼Here is the Achi's wisteria tree that has regained its vigor.
It seems that the trunk was thinned to restore its healthy appearance, but the roots are firmly spread out, giving a sense of strength.
▼Here is the Achi's wisteria taken on April 26, when it was in full bloom!
Achi's wisteria was more vibrant, and the pale pink was more pronounced!
Gagaku concert under the wisteria trellis
On May 1, when I covered the event, a Gagaku concert was being held.
The transparent sounds of the shakuhachi and sho, and the rich sounds of the wadaiko resonated throughout the area.
Since it was performed under the wisteria trellis, the Achi's wisteria naturally came into view.
It was a fantastical moment, as if the performance was framed by the wisteria flowers.
Attracted by the elegant sounds, people of all ages gathered.
The Fujimi no Kai, with the sounds of Achi's wisteria, the rustling of the trees in the wind, the Gagaku performance, and the warmth of the sunlight, allowed us to enjoy it with all five senses.
It was a luxurious time spent.
Worship at Achi Shrine
After enjoying the wisteria at Achi, we visited Achi Shrine.
Among the worshippers, many received amulets.
It seems that a performance was held on another day at the Noh stage located on the shrine grounds.
Perhaps because we received some power, we left Achi Shrine with lighter steps than before our visit.
Golden Week in 2021. What was the Bikan Historical Area like?
By the way, the Bikan Historical Area during Golden Week looked like this.
▼Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office area
▼Boat Ride boarding point
▼Rickshaw boarding point
▼Ohara Museum of Art area
Due to the impact of the state of emergency, it seems that there were fewer visitors than usual.
To enjoy the Bikan Historical Area without worry, we want to continue to act with awareness of measures against the spread of COVID-19.
In Conclusion
The Wisteria Viewing Association, held for the first time in two years.
Although the peak bloom had passed, many lovely wisteria flowers captivated us.
It seems unbelievable that just a few years ago they were in a weakened state; in 2021, they are blooming beautifully.
I am already looking forward to seeing what kind of appearance they will show in the years to come.
Articles about Achi Shrine
![[Achi Shrine Hatsumode] West Approach](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/23051054/achijinja-hatsumoude_01.jpg)
Data for Achi Shrine Wisteria Viewing Event
| Name | Achi Shrine Wisteria Viewing Event |
|---|---|
| Date | May 1-3, 2021 From 10:00 AM to around 2:30 PM |
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
