The "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari," which has become a spring tradition in Kurashiki. More and more people are looking forward to this event that decorates the spring nights of the Bikan Historical Area with Japanese lights. The town, which transforms dramatically from day to night, is perfectly suited for this calming event. During the period, it is bustling with families, friends, couples, and dog owners.
This year (2024), which marks the 17th edition, seems to have new initiatives. We will delve into its charm, incorporating last year's atmosphere and interviews with the organizers.
What is Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari
Started in 2006, Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari is a charming event that decorates the night scenery centered around the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Area with Japanese lights. Unlike flashy illuminations, the gentle and soft Japanese lights soothe the hearts of those who see them.
The most popular lights are the "Wagasa Akari" (Japanese umbrella lights) lined up along the Kurashiki River. Most people probably think of this light first when they hear "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari." In recent years, they have been displayed in a row along the dog run of the Kurashiki River, allowing for photo opportunities without blocking the pathway.
The lights are lit every day during the period, and some appear on designated days. If there is a light you absolutely want to see, please check the website or flyer to see if it will be available.
Overview of the 16th edition (2023)
Here is an introduction to the previous year's (2023) event. While there are some of the same lights at Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari, new ones also appear, making it an enjoyable event every year.
Indigo Umbrella Lights
The "Indigo Umbrella Lights," which made their debut in 2023, were displayed at the Kurashiki SOLA complex. They are elevated instead of placed on the ground, as they want you to take photos with the Japanese umbrellas. You can take pictures while standing without having to crouch down.
The Indigo Umbrella Lights look different from diagonal and frontal views. Since the patterns are also different, those who enjoy photography can have fun thinking about the best angles and locations to capture the most beautiful shots. Let's find your favorite perspective.
Indigo umbrellas, suitable for Kurashiki City, the birthplace of Japanese jeans, will be displayed again in 2024 at the same location, Kurashiki SOLA Mingei Plaza.
Kiriko Lights
The "Kiriko Akari," produced by Kurashiki Kosakusho, is displayed every year at the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan. Each one is handmade, intricately crafted, and beautiful. A fantastical world unfolds.
There are no two alike in terms of patterns, colors, or sizes. When enjoying the Kiriko lights, be sure to also look at the ground. They are designed to project light patterns onto the ground as well.
A fantastical world emerges, illuminated in the darkness. It has a mysterious charm that makes you want to gaze at it forever.
The designs change every year, and it seems they also evolve slightly during the event period. You may discover something new each time you visit.
Highlights of the 17th edition (2024)
Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari features 11 types of lights and events.
All of them are beautiful and complement the town's scenery with Japanese lights.
In addition to the main lights, there are also seven cooperative events, so you might enjoy those as well.
We have picked out three noteworthy lights and events.
Haruyoi Balloons
The "Haruyoi Balloons," a new light for 2024, are hanging lights shaped like traditional Japanese balloons, primarily featuring Japanese patterns, and are scheduled to be displayed in the corridors and courtyard of Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Unlike the stationary lights, these can be viewed from below and appreciated from various angles. It will be exciting to see what kind of lights they are.
Haruyoi Cafe
One of the cooperative events, the "Haruyoi Cafe," will be newly established in 2024. A kitchen trailer will set up in the courtyard of Kurashiki Ivy Square, offering Cuban sandwiches, burdock soup, original cocktails, and soft drinks.
While enjoying food and drinks, you can appreciate the Japanese lights. It seems that a new way to enjoy the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari is about to be born.
Instagram Campaign
You can have plenty of fun just by appreciating the Japanese lights, but if you take photos, why not apply for the Instagram campaign? Those who post attractive photos will have a chance to win prizes in a lottery.
▼ How to Apply
- Take photos of the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari scenery
- Follow the official account (@kurashiki_tabi)
- Post photos of the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari with the hashtag “#KurashikiHaruyoiAkari2024”
Applying is easy. Give it a try. The campaign period is from March 9 (Saturday) to March 31 (Sunday).
▼ Prizes
- Pair accommodation voucher in Kurashiki City + original masking tape of Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari…1 winner
- 10,000 yen dining voucher in Kurashiki City + original masking tape of Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari…2 winners
- Original masking tape of Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari…50 winners
In 2024, the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari will celebrate its 17th edition, becoming a popular event in Kurashiki. New lights appear each time, delighting visitors.
I spoke with Shigeki Uebayashi from the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari Executive Committee, the organizer.
I want everyone to enjoy the event thoroughly
Could you tell us about the highlights of this year (2024)?
Uebayashi (no honorifics)
The highlight is the newly introduced Haruyoi Fusen. We discuss what kind of lights to prepare next based on the reactions of last year's guests. This time, we have prepared Haruyoi Fusen with traditional patterns to match the image of Japanese lights.
The Haruyoi Cafe, held at the cooperating venue Kurashiki Ivy Square, is also new. Since there will be alcohol, I think adults will be pleased. You can enjoy Japanese lights along with gourmet food.
Speaking of new, Inoue House has also been added as a venue for the shadow play lights. The shadow play lights project images onto windows, allowing viewers to appreciate the story. The story changes every year.
I want everyone to enjoy taking photos
The event period has changed from last time (2023), is there a reason for that?
Uebayashi
Last year (2023), it was held from February 18 to March 12, but it overlapped with other events. This year, events such as Lunch Ittadakimasu and Kurashiki Hina Meguri are being held during the same period as last year's event. We wanted everyone to focus on enjoying the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari, so we pushed the period back a bit.
By shifting it, it also overlaps with the spring break period, and as it gets warmer, I think it will be more comfortable to enjoy even at night.
While there are new lights, the classic Japanese umbrella lights are impressive. The sight of 100 Japanese umbrellas lined up along the Kurashiki River is breathtaking.
The Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari is a perfect event for taking photos. Last year, there were over 1,000 posts. This time, we will also have an Instagram photo submission campaign, so I hope many people will take photos and apply.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has settled down, a large number of visitors are expected this year. If you want to enjoy it leisurely, I recommend visiting on weekdays as it tends to be relatively less crowded.
In Conclusion
The Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari has become a spring tradition in Kurashiki. For a photography enthusiast like me, it is one of the events I look forward to. According to Uebayashi, more and more people are enjoying taking photos each year. It is an event that can be enjoyed not only by viewing but also by capturing.
During the period, some of the lights will be lit until 9 PM every day. It might be nice to stop by after work to appreciate them. If you want to see all the main lights at once, please visit on March 16 (Saturday).
Why not take a trip to the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki to be healed by the Japanese lights?
Data for the 17th Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari
| Name | 17th Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 9 (Saturday) to March 31 (Sunday), 2024 5:30 PM to 9 PM Held in light rain |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | 17th Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari |
