In the memorable year marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of "Japan Heritage," the Japan Heritage Festival was held on October 25 and 26, 2025, in Kurashiki City.
This is the largest event related to Japan Heritage, gathering 104 certified stories from across the country. Both days were bustling with many visitors, and the venue was filled with energy.
At the main venue, Kurashiki Ivy Square, there were exhibitions and experience booths where visitors could engage with various Japan Heritage sites, as well as sales of local specialties and gourmet food. Through a variety of events, the charm of Japan Heritage from all over the country was showcased, and I will report on the event with many photos.
What is the "Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki"?
The "Japan Heritage Festival" is an event that gathers the stories of 104 Japan Heritage sites from across the country. There were exhibitions and stage events where visitors could learn about and experience the charm of local heritage and Japanese culture, as well as gourmet booths where they could taste and enjoy local specialties.
In Kurashiki, the host city, there are three Japan Heritage stories.
- A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower - a town woven with both Japanese and Western textiles.
- A different world entwined with the dreams of men who overcame the stormy seas - a port of the Kitamae ships and the shipowners' village.
- Okayama, Birthplace of the Legend of Momotaro - a story of demon-slaying inspired by the ancient heritage of Kibi.
When you visit Kurashiki, it will surely be enjoyable to engage with the cultural properties that make up these three stories.
![[Held on 10/25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun)] Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki - Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Japan Heritage establishment. An event where 104 certified story regions gather at Kurashiki Ivy Square](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/13154610/DSC04357-485x323.jpg)
The main venue is Kurashiki Ivy Square
The main venue, Kurashiki Ivy Square, is a facility renovated from the former Kurashiki Spinning Company, built with bricks during the Meiji era. Visitors enjoyed stage events, exhibitions, and gourmet booths in a space that evokes history.
At the Aimi Red Brick Museum, there were displays and sales of denim brands from Okayama, including Kojima, the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans.
Kurabo Memorial Hall was open for free for two days, allowing visitors to learn in detail about the 130-year history of "KURABO," which was very interesting.
The courtyard was bustling with many gourmet booths.
During the two days of the festival, all the gourmet booths were a great success.
Learn, study, and experience Japan Heritage
At the Japan Heritage Festival, you can learn, study, and experience many aspects of Japan Heritage. One of them is the Kurashiki Japan Heritage Ambassador "Suin-kyo" experience, which was also enjoyable. The students from Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School dressed as Suin-kyo welcomed visitors.
The adorable Suin-kyo walked around the venue, and visitors could enjoy the experience of being gently tapped with a red fan. When they tapped passersby while saying "May you be happy," it brought joy to everyone.
The venue featured 104 Japan Heritage stories from all over Japan, each intriguing with its diversity, mystery, and interest.
When I spoke with the booths, I discovered unexpected histories and stories that piqued my interest in those regions. I listened to stories at several Japan Heritage exhibition booths.
In Ishikawa Prefecture, Komatsu is known for its stone culture.
Ports with a history of "naval districts," such as Yokosuka, Kure, Sasebo, and Maizuru, have been recognized as Japan Heritage sites where one can experience the dynamism of Japan's modernization.
Iga and Koga are famous for ninjas. A real experience with shuriken was available.
Yabakei in Oita Prefecture.
It is said that beautiful autumn leaves can be seen around the end of November. There are many historical scenic spots, and it was very attractive.
The Murakami Pirates, said to be the largest in Japan.
When you hear the word pirate, you might think of villains, but the Murakami Pirates were said to have protected the navigation of the Seto Inland Sea.
Characteristic flame-shaped pottery. It has a unique shape.
This is pottery characteristic of the Shinanogawa River basin in Niigata Prefecture.
I was drawn into the depth of the story of Japan Heritage as I walked around the many passionate exhibits.
At the venue, there was a display of "Hishou" written by the calligraphy club of Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School during the opening ceremony on the 25th.
Stage Events and Live Broadcasts
Events to liven up the festival were also held on the stage in the courtyard.
Among them, the fashion show by students of Kurashiki City College was glamorous. Dresses made from Kojima denim with unique and creative designs caught the eye.
Terazaki Kaede, a student majoring in fashion design at Kurashiki City College, is said to be researching headwear for her graduation project.
She created headwear inspired by the character "G-Panda" from Kojima, and conducted a survey asking people to put stickers on items they wanted to wear or liked. I felt a great potential for the next generation from the students' free ideas and activities.
Live broadcast by FM Kurashiki was held, transmitting the voices of exhibitors and performers.
Mr. Sugenko, who was very active at the Japan Heritage Festival, is speaking.
Savoring and Enjoying Local Cuisine
At the festival, you can taste many gourmet dishes from Kurashiki City and the Takahashi River basin.
There was also hospitality featuring "barazushi," a local dish from Okayama Prefecture, which is a cultural property of Japan Heritage.
In addition, local sake selected from Japan Heritage certified regions across the country was also gathered.
For 500 yen, you can choose three types of sake and taste one cup of each. The local sake enjoyed under the metasequoia tree looked very delicious.
I had takomeshi and aonori croquettes from Buhoumaru in Shimotsui. It was so delicious that I repeated it for two consecutive days.
I realized that the deliciousness of local flavors is an important food culture that I want to preserve for the future.
Japan Heritage to Pass on to the Future
I thoroughly enjoyed the two days of the "Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki."
The 104 Japan Heritage stories from across the country are each rich in individuality, and the stories I heard at the exhibition booths were all fascinating. It was a lively event with many people involved. The next Japan Heritage Festival in 2026 will be held in Miyazaki Prefecture.
Experiencing the many profound Japan Heritage stories here in Kurashiki was a valuable experience. I felt that it is important to protect many precious Japan Heritage sites and pass them on to the future.
Articles on Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
Data for the Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki
| Name | Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Date | October 25 (Saturday) and 26 (Sunday), 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki |
