Heartland Kurashiki 2022 to Be Held at Night! Visit the Bikan Historical Area, Bathed in Japanese Lights, at the End of Summer

The hot days are still continuing, but summer is drawing to a close.

To wrap up the summer, I went to “2022 Summer Heartland Kurashiki.”

At “Heartland Kurashiki,” lights are lit in various buildings throughout the Bikan Historical Area, allowing you to enjoy it in a way that feels different from usual.

There were many appealing attractions, including projection mapping unique to Kurashiki and “Kiriko Akari,” Kurashiki’s own lights.

Let me introduce them right away. 

What is “2022 Summer Heartland Kurashiki”?

“2022 Summer Heartland Kurashiki” is being held in the Bikan Historical Area from August 19 to 28, 2022.

It is organized by the Heartland Kurashiki Executive Committee. The program is as follows:

• Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan (Bamboo Area)　　
  400 Japanese lanterns and the gentle Japanese-style lights of Kiriko Akari
• Kurashiki River (Wisteria Area)　
  Illumination
• Kurashikikan
  Projection mapping
• Kurashiki Ivy Square (Jeans Area)　
  Illumination and denim decorations

The fantastical Bikan Historical Area illuminated at night

When I arrived in the Bikan Historical Area, the first thing I noticed was the illuminated Kurashiki River.

The illumination accentuated the green of the willows, creating a truly fantastical scene.

▼ I visited Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.

▼ Passing through the gate, I found 400 Japanese lanterns spread out all around.

The warm glow unique to lanterns soothed my heart.

▼ Next, I visited Kurashikikan.

The projection mapping showcases the four seasons, with scenes that evoke Okayama.

▼ Finally, I visited Kurashiki Ivy Square.

The blue illumination and denim decorations brought to mind the jeans Kurashiki is famous for.

“Kiriko Akari” inside Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan inspires a positive outlook

Many “Kiriko Akari” lights are displayed inside Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.

“Kiriko Akari” came about when Hiroko Suyama wondered, “Could Kurashiki kiriko lanterns be displayed as nighttime lights?”

The handmade “Kiriko Akari” designs, including lotus flowers, rickshaws, and wisteria, evoke Kurashiki.

True to the meaning of the name “Kiriko Akari” (“light of hope and healing”), I felt these lights’ warm glow inspires a positive outlook.

Visit and let them soothe the fatigue of everyday life.

From the Writer

“Heartland Kurashiki” was held every year mainly during the spring Golden Week holidays, but it was canceled in 2020 and 2021 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

However, it was decided that the event would return in 2022 for the first time in three years. After being postponed from its originally scheduled Golden Week dates, it was held in August for the first time and took place only at night.

The usual “Heartland Kurashiki” featured many daytime events, such as boat rides on the river and music parades, but in 2022 you can enjoy the Bikan Historical Area at night.

This may be the only time “Heartland Kurashiki” takes on a different form from usual.

Why not take this opportunity to experience the Bikan Historical Area in a new way?

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