Kurashiki Byobu Festival (held October 14 and 15, 2023)〜 Exploring traditional townhouses alongside the autumn festival

Held every year in mid-October to coincide with the autumn festival at Achi Shrine, the Kurashiki Byobu Festival.

Centered on Honmachi-dori, lined with traditional townhouses, this is an event organized by local residents, who adorn homes and shops with colorful folding screens and flower arrangements, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Although it was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, in recent years it has become an established autumn tradition.

I set out with my camera to see what was on display in 2023.

What is the Kurashiki Byobu Festival?

The Kurashiki Byobu Festival was held for two days, Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15, 2023.

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

I went to take a look

Off to the Bikan Historical Area!

There was a festival headquarters in front of Kurashiki Community Center, where I picked up an information leaflet.

A QR code linking to the web version of the leaflet was also posted.

There were more people out than on a typical weekend, and many security staff were on duty.

My first stop was Ohara House Katalyzer (No. 1).

This residence, located directly across from the Ohara Museum of Art, was the former home of the Ohara family, who founded the museum. It is now open to the public as Ohara House Katalyzer.

On display was “Flowers, Birds, and Child Deities,” a woodblock print by Munakata Shiko, who had close ties to the Ohara family.

It was originally a fusuma-e painting on sliding doors, which was later cut out and made into a folding screen.

Beside Iseya, a toy shop selling wooden toys, was a large depiction of Fujin and Raijin, the gods of wind and thunder.

At a previous festival, Picasso’s Guernica was displayed here.

As you can see, folding screens are displayed at various locations throughout the Bikan Historical Area.

Here are some other spots that caught my eye.

Ueshima Lantern Shop

Ueshima Lantern Shop (No. 19), on Honmachi-dori.

This lantern shop, a rare sight nowadays, mainly makes lanterns for festivals.

The lanterns hung in each neighborhood during the autumn festival also appear to be made by Ueshima Lantern Shop.

The folding screen on display was made by students of Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts.

Both works were distinctly Kurashiki: a vertical screen featuring the word “Kurashiki” in striking contrast against a monochrome background reminiscent of white-plastered walls, and a horizontal screen with a refreshing depiction of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, sky, and sea.

Kurashiki Craft Work Village

Kurashiki Craft Work Village is lined with shops selling handmade goods.

Several shops had folding screens on display.

I went inside and walked to the end…

“CRAFT WORK inc.” (No. 13)

A work made with denim and canvas, in keeping with Kurashiki’s character.

The bold paintwork depicts armor and a dragon and tiger.

From the Writer

The Kurashiki Byobu Festival is held to coincide with the autumn festival at Achi Shrine.

While touring the townhouses, I came across a procession by Kurashiki Chitose-raku, a group run by local volunteers.

I had seen it on a TV program before, and learned that Yoshi-i Ryokan (No. 15), which also participates in the Byobu Festival, had worked hard to revive Kurashiki Chitose-raku.

I also saw people wearing masks of old men and women as Suinkyo.

According to tradition, having your head stroked with a fan brings good health and protection from illness, so I had a Suinkyo stroke my head, too.

There was also a portable shrine on the street west of Kurashiki Ivy Square.

As it made its way back to Achi Shrine, the excitement seemed to reach its peak.

Walking around town amid the festive atmosphere is a great way to experience Kurashiki’s charms, even in a short time.

Articles about the Kurashiki Byobu Festival

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