In winter, you can see illuminations in various places.
The illuminations that light up the night streets have a charm that makes you stop and admire them, even in the cold.
In Kurashiki, the annual illumination event colors the town.
It is called "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi".
At this event, you can enjoy music and photography in a fantastical setting filled with sparkling lights.
To experience the scenery that can only be seen at this time of year, I went right away.
What is "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi"
"Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi" is an illumination event held from November 3, 2023, to February 14, 2024.
The locations illuminated with approximately 160,000 LED lights are as follows:
- Kurashiki Mirai Park
- JR Kurashiki Station North Pedestrian Deck (including Andersen Square)
- JR Kurashiki Station South Deck
- Achi Terrace Kurashiki
This year (2023), marking five years since the July 2018 heavy rain disaster, the event carries the subtitle "Shirube", symbolizing a guiding light towards a bright future for Kurashiki City.
The lights turn on at 5 PM.
Strolling through the illuminations
I will start my stroll from Kurashiki Station.
JR Kurashiki Station South Deck - Achi Terrace Kurashiki
First, I will stroll around Achi Terrace Kurashiki on the south side of Kurashiki Station.
After walking for about five minutes from the station, I saw trees dressed in gold.
Upon arriving at the entrance of Achi Terrace Kurashiki, I was welcomed by trees glowing in purple.
The illuminations at Achi Terrace Kurashiki feature the wisteria, which is the city flower of Kurashiki, with purple as the main color.
According to the Kurashiki City website, wisteria is also a symbol of immortality (health and longevity) and harmony.
I am drawn to the impressive wisteria flowers.
The wisteria flowers floating in the night sky are very beautiful, and I find myself looking up as I walk.
As I pass under the wisteria flowers, I come across warm bamboo sculptures.
This uses bamboo from Mabi.
The wonderful collaboration of Japanese and Western styles is soothing to the heart.
JR Kurashiki Station North Pedestrian Deck (including Andersen Square) - Kurashiki Mirai Park
As I head north from Kurashiki Station, I see a clock tower illuminated.
This clock tower was built to coincide with the opening of the theme park "Kurashiki Tivoli Park," which used to be at the north exit of Kurashiki Station, and it still serves as a symbol of Kurashiki Station.
This clock tower will have a special color light-up for a limited time. In 2023, it was illuminated in orange and purple to raise awareness for the Orange Ribbon (child abuse prevention movement) and Purple Ribbon (movement to eliminate violence against women).
Passing by the clock tower, I cross the deck and head towards Kurashiki Mirai Park.
Kurashiki Mirai Park features a blue world with a sense of the extraordinary, based on the color "Something Blue".
Something Blue is considered a color of happiness at weddings and is said to be inspired by Kurashiki denim.
Couples, families, and friends were all engrossed in taking photos.
There are benches available, so you can sit and enjoy the illuminations at a leisurely pace.
Near this area, there were also red illuminations.
Instagram Photo Campaign & Light Music Concert
This event allows you to enjoy photography and music along with the illuminations.
Instagram Photo Campaign
As I walked through "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi," I encountered a sign for a photo spot.
The sign features the intriguing keyword Instagram Photo Campaign!
Upon investigation, it seems that there is a campaign currently running where if you post a photo taken on "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi" with a specified hashtag, you can win an acrylic photo frame of your posted photo in a monthly lottery for three winners.
I plan to buy a new camera this month, so once it arrives, I intend to come and take photos to post right away.
The photo spots are set up in locations that are likely to enhance the photos. There are a total of six spots, so I recommend exploring while searching for them.
Music of Light
The "Music of Light" is regularly held on the wooden deck of Kurashiki Mirai Park.
It is an event where you can enjoy performances by artists from Kurashiki.
When I attended, singer-songwriter Singer Oto performed.
Her soaring voice resonated throughout the park, captivating many who stopped to listen.
Listening to music wrapped in illumination is very romantic and uplifting.
Event information can be checked on the official Instagram account (@kurashiki_kirameki2023).
Conclusion
"Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi" was an event where you could enjoy a dressed-up night in Kurashiki.
Since it is illuminated right in front of the station, you can easily enjoy it after work or while shopping.
It is great to take photos of the fantastical scenery, or to savor the harmony of light and music.
Just strolling around is soothing, but please enjoy various situations as well.
When you want a little color in your usual daily life, why not pay a visit?
2023 Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi Data
| Name | 2023 Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | [Event Period] November 3, 2023 – February 14, 2024 [Lighting Time] From 5 PM |
| Location | Kurashiki Mirai Park, North Pedestrian Deck of JR Kurashiki Station (including Andersen Square), South Deck of JR Kurashiki Station, Achi Terrace Kurashiki |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi" Illumination |
