“Kurashiki Shunsho Akari” marked its 16th edition in 2023.
It has become a well-established spring evening event for locals.
This atmospheric event fills the night in the Bikan Historical Area with all kinds of lights.
For its 16th edition, new lights and an expanded area will be introduced.
Let’s take a look at the highlights, including an interview with the organizers.
The information presented here is from when the article was published in February 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is Kurashiki Shunsho Akari?
Kurashiki Shunsho Akari is an event that illuminates the Bikan Historical Area with a variety of traditional Japanese lights.
It reached its 16th edition in 2023 and is enjoyed as a way to experience spring evenings in Kurashiki.
New lights appear every year, but if I had to name one perennial favorite, it would be the Japanese umbrella lights.
Japanese umbrellas in a range of colors and patterns are lined up in a row, creating a spectacular display of light.
Some lights are illuminated every day, while others appear for a limited time.
After the outbreak of COVID-19, the lights began to be illuminated every day instead of concentrating events on weekends, helping to disperse visitors.
There have been years when the event had to be canceled, but it seems to be gradually returning to its “usual” format.
Here, we’ll introduce what the event was like in 2022 and the highlights of this year’s edition.
The 15th edition (2022)
Here are some of the displays featured at the 15th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari.
Japanese Umbrella Lights
The classic Japanese umbrella lights are captivating no matter how many times you see them.
To avoid crowding, they were set up on both sides of the dog run.
Previously, they were displayed only in front of Yurin-so Villa, but the display area has expanded, making them even more appealing.
Finding the angle from which they look most beautiful has become another new pleasure.
Kiriko Lights
Kiriko Lights are traditional Japanese lights made by Kurashiki Kosakusho.
Their varied shapes, intricate patterns, and gentle glow delight visitors.
The themes for the 15th edition were reportedly “The Arrival of Spring” and “Kurashiki’s Japan Heritage.”
Look closely, and you’ll spot patterns inspired by Kurashiki here and there.
The lights on display changed from day to day so visitors could enjoy them again and again.
Highlights of the 16th edition (2023)
The 16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari will also feature Japanese umbrella lights and Kiriko Lights.
Let’s focus on the highlights, including the new areas and lights being introduced this year.
Kurashiki SOLA
Kurashiki SOLA (Kurashiki Sora) is a multipurpose complex that opened in the Bikan Historical Area in 2022.
It is home to restaurants and MARUGO KURASHIKI, with buildings arranged around the Mingei Plaza.
At Kurashiki SOLA, a new area for the lights, three displays will appear: “Indigo Umbrella Lights,” “Indigo Snow Lanterns,” and “Indigo Drawstring Bag Lights.”
They use indigo, fitting for the birthplace of domestically produced jeans.
The Indigo Umbrella Lights, in particular, seem to have been carefully designed for display: rather than being placed on the ground, they will be hung vertically to give them height.
The idea is apparently to make it possible for visitors to take photos with the lights.
With the lights reaching up to about head height, it will be easier to take photos with them.
They will remain on display during the day, too, so visitors can enjoy a different look from the nighttime view.
Kurashiki Ivy Square
Kurashiki Ivy Square will feature three displays: “Bamboo Ball Lights,” “Shunsho Andon Lanterns,” and “Hanging Umbrella Lights.”
Of the three, the Bamboo Ball Lights and Hanging Umbrella Lights are new.
As the name suggests, the Bamboo Ball Lights are balls made of bamboo, with lights placed inside.
They will be displayed hanging from trees, so, like the Indigo Umbrella Lights, you can take photos of yourself with them.
The Hanging Umbrella Lights are made by suspending a row of Japanese umbrellas overhead.
Should you look at them up close, from directly below, or from a distance?
They’ll look different depending on where you stand.
Instagram Campaign
An Instagram photo-posting campaign will be held during the event.
Prizes will be awarded by lottery.
▼Here are the prizes for the Instagram photo-posting campaign.
- A pair of hotel vouchers usable in Kurashiki City and original Kurashiki Shunsho Akari masking tape…1 winner
- A dining voucher worth 10,000 yen usable in Kurashiki City and original Kurashiki Shunsho Akari masking tape…2 winners
- Original Kurashiki Shunsho Akari masking tape…50 winners
▼There are three steps to enter.
Official Website
- Take a photo of the Kurashiki Shunsho Akari scenery
- Follow the official Kurashiki City Tourism Instagram account, “Kurashiki Tabi Club” (@kurashiki_tabi)
- Post a photo of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari with the hashtag Kurashiki Shunsho Akari 2023 (#KurashikiShunshoAkari2023)
*Campaign period: Saturday, February 18–Sunday, March 12, 2023
*Private accounts are not eligible for the prize draw.
If you’re visiting anyway, why not take part in the campaign?
Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, an event that brightens Kurashiki’s spring nights.
We spoke with Maeka Michinobu and Ikeda Miko of the Kurashiki Shunsho Akari Organizing Committee, the event’s organizers.
16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari Information
| Name | 16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 18 (Sat)–March 12 (Sun), 2023 Lights on from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
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