Illuminations are often associated with the cold season, such as Christmas.
However, every March, the Bikan Historical Area hosts “Kurashiki Shunsho Akari,” a light-up event heralding the arrival of spring. Counting from its predecessor, Kurashiki Starlight Avenue, this will be its 31st year.
Kurashiki’s annual event, which introduces new lights every year, will be held again in 2025.
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in March 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is Kurashiki Shunsho Akari?
Started in 2006, Kurashiki Shunsho Akari is an atmospheric event that bathes the nighttime streets around the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Area in traditional Japanese lights. Unlike the glittering illuminations commonly seen elsewhere, the gentle, soft glow of traditional Japanese lights warms the hearts of those who see it.
Counting from its predecessor, Kurashiki Starlight Avenue, this will be the 31st edition overall. In 2025, it will be the 18th time the event has been held in the Bikan Historical Area under the name “Kurashiki Shunsho Akari.”
The most popular lights are the “Japanese umbrella lights” arranged along the Kurashiki River.
When people hear Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, most probably picture these lights first. In 2025, 16 Japanese umbrellas will be displayed in three dimensions, making the riverside even brighter and more enjoyable.
Some lights are illuminated every day during the event, while others appear only on designated dates. Check the website or flyer to see whether the ones you’re looking forward to will be there.
Be sure to check out the related events, too.
The following events are new for 2025:
- Yoimachi Tea Gathering (held March 8, 15, 22, and 29)
- Hanakage — Projection Mapping at Kurashiki City Art Museum (March 29)
- Magic Hour Honmachi Nokishita Bar (March 29)
In addition, workshops for “Candle Fairy,” which had been suspended as a measure against the spread of COVID-19, and for cut-glass lanterns will return.
Highlights from the 17th edition (2024)
Here’s a look at the previous edition in 2024. Kurashiki Shunsho Akari features some of the same lights each year, but new ones are introduced as well, making it an event to look forward to every year.
Japanese Umbrella Lights
These are the “Japanese umbrella lights” arranged along the riverbank. This is what comes to mind when you think of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, isn’t it?
Shadow-Picture Lights
Shadow-picture lights are projected through the latticework of windows in traditional buildings in the Bikan Historical Area. The images move, so you’ll find yourself stopping to watch from beginning to end.
It’s fun to imagine the story as you watch the shadow pictures move.
In 2024, Inoue House joined the event for the first time. In 2025, Kurashiki Jurokuya Nanba Family Main Residence will also feature shadow-picture lights.
Spring Evening Balloons
These charming Japanese-style balloon-shaped hanging decorations have been on display since 2024, along the entrance passage and through the courtyard of Kurashiki Ivy Square.
At an event where many lights are placed directly on the ground, these are unusual in that they are suspended. Looking up at the lights offers an interesting change in perspective.
Spring Evening Cafe
This related event, held at Kurashiki Ivy Square, began in 2024.
Many restaurants in the Bikan Historical Area close in the early evening. That’s why the Spring Evening Cafe, where you can drop in after an evening stroll, is so popular. Drinks and light meals are served.
※It is served in a plastic cup
In 2025, it is scheduled to open every day during the event except Tuesdays.
Instagram Campaign
You can enjoy the traditional Japanese lights just by viewing them, but if you like taking photos, why not enter the Instagram campaign? Those who post captivating photos will have a chance to win prizes in a drawing.
▼ How to enter
- Take photos of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari
- Follow the official account (@kurashiki_tabi)
- Post photos of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari with the hashtag “#KurashikiShunshoAkari2025”
It’s easy to enter. Give it a try! The campaign runs from Saturday, March 8 to Sunday, March 30.
▼ Prizes
- Pair accommodation voucher for a stay in Kurashiki City (with breakfast) + original Kurashiki Shunsho Akari masking tape…1 winner
- ¥10,000 dining voucher for Kurashiki City + original Kurashiki Shunsho Akari masking tape…2 winners
- Original Kurashiki Shunsho Akari masking tape…50 winners
Interview: Highlights of the 18th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari
Now in its 18th year, this annual event heralds the arrival of spring in Kurashiki. We spoke with Miyake Hiroichi and Nanba Yuka, members of the organizing committee for the 18th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari.
What are the highlights this year (2025)?
Miyake (honorific omitted)
When people think of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, most probably picture the illuminated Japanese umbrellas.
Last year, several Japanese umbrellas were displayed in three dimensions, but this year, the 16 umbrellas north of Nakabashi Bridge along the Kurashiki River will be arranged in a three-dimensional display, with around three umbrellas layered together. Many people take photos of the umbrellas, so we hope you enjoy this new style of illuminated umbrella display.
Nanba (honorific omitted)
New lights will also be installed for “Indigo Akari” at Kurashiki SORA Folk Art Plaza.
Last year (2024), lanterns were placed beneath the indigo Japanese umbrellas, but this year we’ll install bamboo lights about 70 cm tall. They’ll brighten the area at your feet even more than last year, so please come and see them.
The number of partner events has also increased from seven last year to nine.
Nanba
That’s right.
Events are expanding beyond the area along the Kurashiki River, including the Shunsho Cafe at Kurashiki Ivy Square, which was popular last year, projection mapping at the Kurashiki City Art Museum, and the Honmachi Nokishita Bar.
Miyake
The workshops have also returned after the period of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The “Candle Fairy” workshop will be held on the second floor of the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office, and the cut-glass lantern workshop will be held at Shinkei-en Garden. We hope you’ll join us.
How do you recommend enjoying the 18th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari?
Nanba
The Kurashiki Hina Doll Tour will also be held during the day on the opening weekend, Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9. You can enjoy the Hina Doll Tour during the day and Shunsho Akari in the evening—a great opportunity to enjoy the Bikan Historical Area both day and night.
The opening ceremony will start 30 minutes later than last year, so we hope you’ll enjoy the lights coming on as dusk falls.
On the day, we’ll decorate the area with sweet peas, a specialty of Funao, Kurashiki City. They have a wonderful fragrance, so enjoy their scent, take a walk along the illuminated Kurashiki River, and, if you get a little hungry, why not visit the Shunsho Cafe at Kurashiki Ivy Square?
You could also enjoy some burdock soup, a specialty of Tsurajima, Kurashiki City, and a Cuban sandwich while admiring the Shunsho lanterns, then return to enjoy the lights again.
Miyake
The warm light evoking dusk against the historic scenery of the Bikan Historical Area has been praised as Instagram-worthy. Kurashiki Shunsho Akari is also holding an Instagram photo-posting campaign.
Every year, the campaign receives many wonderful photos. There are also fantastic prizes, so we hope you’ll do more than just stroll around—take in the displays with your camera at the ready. By March, the weather is getting milder, so you can take photos as you enjoy a leisurely walk.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Miyake
At Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, we welcome visitors by adorning spring evenings in the Bikan Historical Area with gentle, warm Japanese-style lights, in keeping with this year’s theme, “Soft Spring Lights in the Town of White Walls.” We hope you’ll feel the arrival of spring while relaxing and unwinding in Kurashiki.
We look forward to welcoming you.
From the Writer
I moved to Kurashiki from the Kanto region in December 2023, and last year’s Kurashiki Shunsho Akari was my first illumination event in the Bikan Historical Area. A friend from Kurashiki invited me to go together, and before I knew it, I had spent nearly an hour wandering around in search of the lights.
Various events are held throughout the festival, so it might be nice to visit several times and take them in little by little.
Many of the partner events seem to be held on Saturday, March 29, so we recommend checking which lights and events you want to see before heading to the venue.
18th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari Information
| Name | 18th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, March 8–Sunday, March 30, 2025 6:00–9:00 p.m. *Held in light rain |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | 18th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
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