The cold season has arrived.
When you think of winter, you might picture the dazzling illuminations around town.
In 2022, “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” was held at facilities around JR Kurashiki Station.
Last year (2021 / fiscal 2021), “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” used around 150,000 LED lights, but the fiscal 2022 display has been powered up even further, with around 180,000 lights.
I went to see “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi,” so let me introduce it to you.
The information provided was accurate when this article was published in December 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” illumination?
The “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” illumination is an event featuring illuminations inspired by Kurashiki City’s bright future, held from November 3, 2022, to February 14, 2023.
It is organized by the Kurashiki City Urban Development Promotion Division and co-sponsored by MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki and Ario Kurashiki.
It is held at the following two locations:
- Achi Terrace Kurashiki
- Kurashiki Mirai Park
The lights are themed “Elegance” at Achi Terrace Kurashiki and “Adventure” at Kurashiki Mirai Park.
The lights are on every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Walk from Achi Terrace Kurashiki to Kurashiki Mirai Park
First, head to Achi Terrace Kurashiki.
After walking for about five minutes from JR Kurashiki Station, I saw a splendid path of golden light.
Once inside the grounds, the calm, sophisticated atmosphere lets you enjoy an elegant time, just as the illumination theme at Achi Terrace Kurashiki suggests.
Next, let’s pass through JR Kurashiki Station and head to Ario Kurashiki, where Kurashiki Mirai Park is located.
The mechanical clock on the north side of JR Kurashiki Station was built when Kurashiki Tivoli Park first opened; the park closed in 2008.
It still moves at set times, so it might be nice to visit to see it in action.
We’ve arrived at Kurashiki Mirai Park.
At Kurashiki Mirai Park, you can enjoy two areas: “World of Stars” and “World of Flowers.”
There are benches along the paths, and it was wonderful to sit back and enjoy the illuminations.
There are deer in the area, too.
Some are hiding behind trees, so be sure to look for them as you walk around.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each area.
Kiriko Akari-style monument│Achi Terrace Kurashiki
As you enter Achi Terrace Kurashiki, the first thing you’ll see is a large Kiriko Akari-style monument.
“Kiriko Akari” was conceived by Hiroko Suyama and created based on Kurashiki Kiriko lanterns.
In addition to this large Kiriko Akari, many smaller ones are installed among the shrubs, creating a world that is both traditional and modern.
Further inside, there is a monitor about four meters tall.
White tigers and text are displayed on it, and this was also very captivating.
A Christmas-themed display can be seen for a limited time, from December 15 to 25.
World of Stars│Kurashiki Mirai Park
In the “World of Stars,” star-shaped lights and golden light curtains decorate the area, giving you the feeling of being beneath a starry sky.
The blue lights strung along the river flowing through Mirai Park brought to mind the Milky Way stretching endlessly into the distance, creating a truly magical scene.
There is also an illuminated observation deck in the “World of Stars,” and the view from there is spectacular.
World of Flowers│Kurashiki Mirai Park
In the “World of Flowers,” you can enjoy a field of light-filled flowers illuminated by rose lights in three colors.
There are also illuminations inspired by wisteria, the flower of Kurashiki City. The wisteria trellis made of light is just as beautiful as the real thing.
There was also a flower projection mapping display, and we saw young children delighted by it.
The flower field and wisteria trellis look different depending on the direction you view them from, so try finding your favorite spot.
From the Writer
The two areas of the “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” illuminations each had a completely different atmosphere, letting us enjoy a variety of worlds.
In addition to the illuminations, there were free hands-on “craft workshops” featuring bamboo lights and candles, as well as a “Photo Contest.” It was an event that people of all ages, from children to adults, could thoroughly enjoy.
Why not spend a wonderful evening with someone special, such as family, a partner, or friends?
FY2022 “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” Illuminations Information
| Name | FY2022 “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” Illuminations |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 5, 2022–February 14, 2023 |
| Location | Achi Terrace Kurashiki, Kurashiki Mirai Park |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” Illuminations |
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