Kurashiki hosts many events during Golden Week every year.
However, during Golden Week in 2021, a state of emergency was declared in neighboring prefectures, and events were canceled one after another…
Amid this, the “Fujimi no Kai” was held at Achi Shrine.
Although food and drink were not available, visitors could enjoy Achi Wisteria in a relaxed atmosphere.
Here is a look at the Fujimi no Kai, held for the first time in two years, which we covered on May 1.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in May 2021. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Fujimi no Kai? An event to enjoy Achi Wisteria
Fujimi no Kai is an event to enjoy “Achi Wisteria”, which grows on the grounds of Achi Shrine.
Events are held over three days beneath the wisteria trellis and on the shrine grounds.
Fujimi no Kai is held every year during Golden Week, when the wisteria is at its best, but it was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic…
In 2021, it was held for the first time in two years.
There is no admission fee, so it is nice to be able to drop by casually.
Kurashiki Ebisu Shopping Street is nearby, so we recommend visiting as part of a stroll around Kurashiki!
What is Achi Wisteria? A natural monument of Okayama Prefecture
Achi Wisteria is on the north side of the grounds of Achi Shrine.
It is at its best from late April to early May.
Its pretty, pale pink flowers gradually turn white.
Achi Wisteria is a rare variety called akebono-fuji.
It is said to be between 300 and 500 years old.
Its trunk is about 1.5 meters around, and its base measures about 2.2 meters in circumference, making it the largest akebono-fuji in Japan.
For this reason, Achi Wisteria is designated a natural monument of Okayama Prefecture.
It once appeared to have died, perhaps due to old age…
From 2017 to 2020, experts and local residents carried out a project to restore its vigor.
Thanks to their dedicated treatment, it made a remarkable recovery!
It recovered enough to bloom beautifully again.
Fujimi no Kai program: only performances and Noh theater
The 2021 Fujimi no Kai was held from May 1 to May 3.
Different events were held each day.
There were gagaku and Western music performances beneath the wisteria trellis, and dance performances on the Noh stage on the shrine grounds.
Eating and drinking on the shrine grounds was prohibited to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The tea ceremony, which many people look forward to every year, was also not held.
It felt a little sad, but it was deeply moving just to be able to enjoy the recovered Achi Wisteria.
Achi Wisteria blooming conditions
On May 1, the day we visited, the wind was strong, but the weather was clear and refreshing.
Achi Wisteria was covered in many delicate flowers.
Although it was past its peak, each pale pink flower was beautiful…
The blooming wisteria hanging down looked as if it were inviting visitors beneath the trellis.
▼ You could also feel the sun’s warm rays filtering through the wisteria flowers.
▼ You can also enjoy the contrast with the fresh green leaves.
As the wind blew through, we could hear the trees and leaves of Mt. Tsurugata rustling.
Watching the wisteria flowers sway somehow brought a sense of calm.
Even the falling wisteria flowers seemed precious.
Many of the visitors were taking photos, and seemed to have been looking forward to Fujimi no Kai.
A couple who enjoyed photography and a three-generation family visiting Fujimi no Kai for the first time seemed to be enjoying the wisteria flowers at a leisurely pace.
▼ Here is the Achi Wisteria tree, whose vigor has been restored.
It seems that some of the trunk was thinned to help restore the tree, but its roots spread firmly and widely, giving a sense of its strength.
▼ Here is Achi Wisteria photographed on April 26, when it was at its peak!
Achi Wisteria looked even more vibrant, and its pale pink color was more pronounced!
Gagaku performance beneath the wisteria trellis
The event held on May 1, the day we visited, was a gagaku performance.
The clear, translucent tones of the shakuhachi and sho, and the deep, resonant sound of the Japanese drums echoed through the area.
Since the performance took place beneath the wisteria trellis, Achi Wisteria was naturally in view.
It was a fantastical moment, as if the performance were taking place within a frame of wisteria flowers.
People of all ages and genders gathered, drawn by the graceful sounds.
Fujimi no Kai was an event to enjoy with all five senses—Achi Wisteria, the sound of trees swaying in the wind, gagaku performances, and the warmth of the sunlight.
We spent a truly luxurious time.
Visiting Achi Shrine
After enjoying Achi Wisteria, we visited Achi Shrine.
Many visitors also received amulets.
It seems that performances were held on another day at the Noh stage on the shrine grounds.
Perhaps because we had been energized, we left Achi Shrine feeling lighter on our feet than before our visit.
Golden Week in 2021: What was the Bikan Historical Area like?
By the way, this is what the Bikan Historical Area looked like during Golden Week.
▼Near Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center
▼Boat Ride Boarding Point
▼Rickshaw boarding point
▼Near the Ohara Museum of Art
Perhaps due in part to the state of emergency, fewer people seemed to visit than in a typical year.
So that we can enjoy the Bikan Historical Area without worry, let’s continue to act with awareness of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
From the Writer
The Fujimi no Kai was held for the first time in two years.
Although the flowers were past their peak, the many charming wisteria blossoms captivated us.
It was hard to believe that just a few years ago the wisteria had appeared weakened; in 2021, it bloomed magnificently.
We’re already looking forward to seeing how it will look in the years to come.
Articles about Achi Shrine
Achi Shrine Fujimi no Kai Information
| Name | Achi Shrine Fujimi no Kai |
|---|---|
| Date | May 1–3, 2021 Around 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Free |
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