Kurashiki Byobu Festival (held on October 14 and 15, 2023) - Enjoying a Townhouse Tour Along with the Autumn Festival

Every year in mid-October, the "Kurashiki Byobu Festival" is held in conjunction with the autumn festival of Achi Shrine.

Centered around Honmachi Street, where traditional townhouses line the streets, this is a community event where colorful folding screens and flower arrangements are displayed in private homes and shops, adding vibrancy to the festival.

Although there was a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has recently become a regular autumn event.

In 2023, I took a stroll with my camera to see what kind of displays were set up.

What is the "Kurashiki Byobu Festival"?

The "Kurashiki Byobu Festival" was held on October 14 (Saturday) and 15 (Sunday), 2023.

In the Honmachi, Higashimachi, and Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki City, folding screens are displayed at various spots, from famous locations like Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan and Ohara House Katalyzer to private townhouses that are usually not open to the public.

I went to see it

Off I went to the Bikan Historical Area.

Kurashiki Community Center has the headquarters in front, where I was able to obtain a guide flyer.

Additionally, there was a QR code displayed to view the web version of the flyer.

The foot traffic was greater than usual for a weekend, and there were many security personnel present.

The first place I visited was "Ohara House Katalyzer" (No.1).

This residence, located right in front of the Ohara Museum of Art, is the former home of the Ohara family, who established the museum, and is now open to the public as "Ohara House Katalyzer."

On display was a print by Munakata Shiko, who has deep ties to the Ohara family, titled "Kachō Dōji Zu" (Birds and Flowers with Children).

Originally a fusuma-e (sliding door painting), it was later cut and made into a folding screen.

Next to the toy store "Iseya," which deals in wooden toys, there was a large folding screen depicting Fūjin and Raijin.

In previous festivals, Picasso's Guernica was displayed as well.

In this way, various folding screens are scattered throughout the Bikan Historical Area.

I will introduce some other spots that caught my attention.

Kamijima Lantern Shop

Located on Honmachi Street is the "Kamijima Lantern Shop" (No.19).

This is a rare lantern shop that mainly makes lanterns used in festivals.

It seems that the lanterns displayed in each neighborhood during the autumn festival are also made by Kamijima Lantern Shop.

The folding screens on display were created by students from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts.

One was a vertical folding screen with the word "Kurashiki" impressively depicted in monochrome reminiscent of white walls, and the other was a horizontal folding screen featuring the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, sky, and sea in a refreshing manner, both of which were characteristic of Kurashiki.

Kurashiki Craft Work Village

"Kurashiki Craft Work Village," where shops featuring handmade goods line the streets.

Multiple stores displayed folding screens.

As I walked inside and made my way to the end...

"CRAFT WORK inc." (No.13)

True to Kurashiki, works made from denim and canvas.

They boldly expressed armor and dragons and tigers through painting.

Conclusion

The Kurashiki Byobu Festival is held in conjunction with the autumn festival of Achi Shrine.

While touring the townhouses, I encountered the "Kurashiki Chitosegaku" parade, which is organized by local citizens.

I had seen it on a TV program before, and it turns out that "Yoshii Ryokan" (No.15), which also participates in the Byobu Festival, has been working hard to revive Kurashiki Chitosegaku.

Additionally, there was a figure of a "Suin-kyo" (a person wearing an old person's mask).

There is a saying that if you are patted on the head with a fan, you will be free from illness, and I too was patted by the Suin-kyo.

Kurashiki Ivy Square had a mikoshi (portable shrine) on the street to the west.

On the way back to Achi Shrine, the atmosphere was at its peak.

Walking through the town while feeling the festival mood is recommended, as it allows you to experience the charm of Kurashiki even in a short time.

Articles about the Kurashiki Byobu Festival

We deliver selected articles from Kurashiki Tocotoco via LINE