The lights of Heartland Kurashiki color the summer nights as the heat eases.
In 2023, the area has expanded further, and workshops are also being held.
We interviewed Noriko Yasuhara from the Kurashiki City Tourism Division, who is in charge of the event.
The reason for the change in the event period
Previously, the event was held during the day on Golden Week, but why did it change to the nights of August starting in 2022?
Yasuhara
Last year (2022), due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to avoid crowds and shifted the timing from the busy Golden Week.
To allow for a more dispersed attendance, we extended the event period and set it for the evenings when there are fewer tourists.
In 2023, we have increased the number of days based on the positive feedback from 2022, and it will be held for 17 days.
To ensure that tourists and those returning home can enjoy it, we started earlier to coincide with the Obon holiday.
The daytime scenery is also beautiful, so we hope everyone can enjoy both day and night.
New initiatives
Are there any new initiatives?
Yasuhara
A new area called Kurashiki SOLA has been added.
In the courtyard, a giant Kiriko is displayed, lighting up the venue, and there are light decorations on the eaves.
The projection mapping features a 5-minute video that tells a story of a journey through the seasons of Kurashiki and the world of paintings.
We collaborated with Ohara Museum of Art to produce it.
The video will feature paintings from the museum's collection.
The projection location has changed from the 2022 Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office to the Kojima Torajiro Memorial Gallery (former Chugoku Bank Honmachi Branch).
Additionally, to make the light-up of the Hagi along the Kurashiki River more visible, we trimmed it before the event.
I want you to explore the Bikan Historical Area at night
How would you like people to enjoy Heartland Kurashiki?
Yasuhara
I would like people to explore the various lights and decorations.
This time, we have displayed fans designed by local kindergarten children in the shopping district.
Those using the train can head towards the Bikan Historical Area from the station, while those driving can enjoy a stroll through the shopping district while appreciating the sights.
One of the co-hosted events is the "Tenryo Balloon Catfish" displayed at the Kurashiki City Art Museum.
This catfish was supposed to be displayed at the Tenjin-yama Cultural Plaza in Okayama City in 2018, but it was once submerged due to the heavy rain in July 2018.
After being recreated, the catfish that was displayed in other exhibitions has now come to Kurashiki.
During the event period, the exhibition will be open all day, but if you want to see the glowing catfish, we recommend visiting at night.
There will be no projection mapping, but if you want to take photos or videos, weekdays are recommended as they are less crowded.
Since the event lasts for a longer period, we would be happy if you could come multiple times on both weekends and weekdays.
Conclusion
Heartland Kurashiki colors the Bikan Historical Area on summer nights.
On the first day of the event that I visited, it was bustling with many people.
People seemed to be enjoying themselves in various ways, whether it was appreciating the collaboration of the townscape and lights or taking photos and videos.
The lights are scattered at various spots, but you can move to the next point while enjoying the sights along the Kurashiki River.
The event runs until August 27, 2023.
Why not head to the Bikan Historical Area on a cool summer night?
Data for Summer Heartland Kurashiki 2023
| Name | Summer Heartland Kurashiki 2023 |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 11, 2023 (Friday, public holiday) to August 27, 2023 (Sunday) 7 PM to 9 PM |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Website | Summer Heartland Kurashiki 2023 |
