When it comes to illuminations, there is an image of cold seasons like Christmas.
However, in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki, a light-up event called Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari is held every March to announce the arrival of spring. This year marks the 31st since the predecessor, Kurashiki Starlight Avenue.
This annual event, which features new lights each year, will also be held in 2025.
What is Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari
Started in 2006, Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari is a charming event that decorates the night townscape centered around the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Area with traditional Japanese lights. Unlike typical sparkling illuminations, the gentle and soft wagasa akari soothes the hearts of those who see it.
Counting from its predecessor, Kurashiki Starlight Avenue, this will be the 31st time, and in 2025, it will be the 18th time that the light-up will be held under the name "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari" in the Bikan Historical Area.
The most popular light is the wagasa akari lined up along the Kurashiki River.
When people hear "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari," most likely this light comes to mind. In 2025, 16 wagasa will be displayed in a three-dimensional manner, allowing visitors to enjoy the even brighter Kurashiki River.
The lights will be lit every day during the event period, with some appearing on designated days. Please check the website or flyers to see if your desired ones will be available.
Be sure to check out related events as well.
The following new events will start in 2025.
- Evening Tea Ceremony (held on March 8, 15, 22, 29)
- Hanakage - Projection Mapping at Kurashiki City Art Museum (March 29)
- Magic Hour Kishi Bar in Honmachi (March 29)
Additionally, workshops for Candle Fairy, which had been suspended due to measures against the spread of COVID-19, and workshops for cut glass lanterns will also be revived.
Overview of the 17th event (2024)
Here is an introduction to the previous event in 2024. While there are some of the same lights at Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari, new ones also appear, making it an enjoyable event every year.
Wagasa Akari
This is the "wagasa akari" lined up by the riverside. When you think of "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari," this is what comes to mind, right?
Kage-e Akari
Using the windows of traditional buildings in the Bikan Historical Area, the kage-e akari is projected through the lattice, creating moving shadow images that make you stop and watch from start to finish.
It is also fun to imagine stories while watching the movements of the shadows.
In 2024, the Inoue House participated for the first time. In 2025, Kurashiki Jurokuya Namba Family Residence will also join the kage-e akari.
Haruyoi Fusen
The lovely hanging decorations in the shape of traditional Japanese balloons are displayed from the entrance passage to the courtyard of Kurashiki Ivy Square, starting in 2024.
This event features many lights that are placed directly on the ground, making the rare hanging type of light interesting as it changes the perspective when looking up at the light.
Haruyoi Cafe
This is a related event held at Kurashiki Ivy Square, which started in 2024.
Many restaurants in the Bikan Historical Area close in the evening. Therefore, the Haruyoi Cafe, which you can casually visit while taking an evening stroll, is very popular. Drinks and light meals are available.
*Actual serving will be in plastic cups
In 2025, it is planned to be open every day during the event period, except for Tuesdays.
Instagram Campaign
While simply enjoying the wagasa akari is enough, those who take photos might want to participate in the Instagram campaign. Attractive photos posted will have a chance to win prizes through a lottery.
▼ How to apply
- Take a photo of the scenery of Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari
- Follow the official account (@kurashiki_tabi)
- Post a photo of Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari with the hashtag "#KurashikiHaruyoiAkari2025"
Applying is easy. Give it a try. The campaign period is from March 8 (Saturday) to March 30 (Sunday).
▼ Prizes
- Kurashiki City Pair Accommodation Voucher (with breakfast) + Original Masking Tape from Kurashiki Spring Night Lights…1 person
- Kurashiki City Dining Voucher worth 10,000 yen + Original Masking Tape from Kurashiki Spring Night Lights…2 people
- Original Masking Tape from Kurashiki Spring Night Lights…50 people
18th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights Highlights Interview
This year marks the 18th edition of the annual event that signals the arrival of spring in Kurashiki. We spoke with Hiroichi Miyake, a member of the 18th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights Executive Committee, and Yuka Namba.
Please tell us about this year's highlights.
Miyake (no honorifics)
When people think of Kurashiki Spring Night Lights, most likely they imagine the illuminated traditional umbrellas.
Last year, several traditional umbrellas were displayed in a three-dimensional arrangement, but this year, there will be 16 traditional umbrellas along the Kurashiki River from Nakabashi Bridge to the north, stacked in groups of about three, creating a three-dimensional effect. I think many people will want to take photos of the traditional umbrellas, so I hope everyone enjoys the newly arranged illuminated umbrellas.
Namba (no honorifics)
New lights will also be installed at the "Indigo Lights" in Kurashiki SORA Mingei Plaza.
Last year (2024), lanterns were placed under the indigo traditional umbrellas, but this year, we will install Bamboo Lights that are about 70 cm tall. This will brighten the area even more than last year, so please take a look.
The number of cooperative events has increased from seven last year to nine this year.
Namba
That's right.
Starting with the popular Kurashiki Ivy Square Spring Night Cafe from last year, there will also be projection mapping at the Kurashiki City Art Museum and events at Kishi Bar in Honmachi, expanding the area of activities along the Kurashiki River.
Miyake
Workshops have also resumed after the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 will participate.
Please tell us your recommended ways to enjoy the 18th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights.
Namba
On the first day, March 8 (Saturday) and 9 (Sunday), the Kurashiki Hina Meguri will also be held during the day. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the Hina Meguri during the day and then transition to the Spring Night Lights in the evening, allowing you to enjoy the Bikan Historical Area both day and night.
The opening ceremony will start 30 minutes later than last year, so I hope everyone enjoys the lighting in the dimming light.
On that day, we will beautifully decorate with Sweet Peas, a specialty of Funao in Kurashiki City. They have a wonderful fragrance, so I recommend enjoying the scent of the Sweet Peas, walking along the illuminated Kurashiki River, and if you get a little hungry, visiting the Spring Night Cafe at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
While enjoying the spring night lanterns, I think it would be nice to fill your stomach with burdock soup, a specialty of Tsurajima in Kurashiki City and Cuban sandwiches, and then return to enjoy the Spring Night Lights.
Miyake
The warm light that evokes the evening in the historical landscape of the Bikan Historical Area is Instagrammable and has received great reviews. During the Kurashiki Spring Night Lights, we are also holding an Instagram Photo Submission Campaign.
Every year, many wonderful photos are submitted to the campaign. There are luxurious prizes as well, so I hope you will not just walk but also take photos while enjoying the view. As March approaches, the cold will ease, making it a great time to stroll and take pictures.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Miyake
At Kurashiki Spring Night Lights, we will welcome guests with the theme "Soft Spring Lights, White Wall Town," illuminating the spring evenings of the Bikan Historical Area with gentle and warm Japanese lights. I hope everyone can feel the arrival of spring while being soothed in Kurashiki.
We look forward to your visit.
Conclusion
Having moved from the Kanto region to Kurashiki in December 2023, last year's Kurashiki Spring Night Lights was my first experience of the illumination event in the Bikan Historical Area. A friend from Kurashiki City invited me, saying, "Let's go together," and before I knew it, I had spent nearly an hour wandering in search of the lights.
Various events will be held during the period, so it might be nice to visit multiple times and enjoy them little by little.
Many cooperative events seem to be held on March 29 (Saturday), so I recommend checking out the lights and events you are interested in and heading to the venue.
Data for the 18th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights
| Name | 18th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 8 (Saturday) to March 30 (Sunday), 2025 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM *Will proceed in light rain |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Website | 18th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights |
