When winter comes, you can see illuminations in all kinds of places.
Illuminations lighting up the city at night have a special charm that makes you stop and gaze, even when it’s cold.
In Kurashiki, an annual illumination event brightens the city.
It’s called “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi.”
At this event, you can also enjoy music and take photos amid a fantastical world of sparkling lights.
Eager to experience scenery that can only be seen at this time of year, I went to check it out.
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in December 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi”?
“Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” is an illumination event held from November 3, 2023, to February 14, 2024.
The areas illuminated by 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” (“guidepost”). The illuminations shine as a guidepost for Kurashiki City as it moves toward a bright future.
The lights come on at 5 p.m.
Strolling among the illuminations
I’ll start my stroll from Kurashiki Station.
JR Kurashiki Station South Deck–Achi Terrace Kurashiki
First, I’ll explore Achi Terrace Kurashiki, on the south side of Kurashiki Station.
After walking for about five minutes from the station, I came upon trees dressed in gold.
As I arrived at the entrance to Achi Terrace Kurashiki, trees glowing purple welcomed me.
The main color of the illuminations at Achi Terrace Kurashiki is purple, the color of wisteria, Kurashiki City’s official flower.
According to the Kurashiki City website, wisteria also symbolizes wishes for longevity and health, and harmony.
I was drawn toward the striking wisteria flowers.
The wisteria flowers floating in the night sky were so beautiful that I couldn’t help walking with my eyes turned upward.
After passing beneath the wisteria flowers, I came upon a warm-looking bamboo sculpture.
I hear that bamboo from Mabi was used here.
The lovely blend of Japanese and Western styles is soothing.
JR Kurashiki Station North Pedestrian Deck (including Andersen Square)–Kurashiki Mirai Park
As I headed to the north side of Kurashiki Station, I spotted an illuminated clock tower.
This clock tower was built to coincide with the opening of Kurashiki Tivoli Park, a theme park that once stood at the north exit of Kurashiki Station. It still serves as a symbol of Kurashiki Station today.
The clock tower is lit up in special colors for a limited time. In November 2023, it was illuminated in support of awareness campaigns for the Orange Ribbon (campaign to prevent child abuse) and the Purple Ribbon (campaign to end violence against women).
I crossed the deck with the clock tower in view and headed for Kurashiki Mirai Park.
Kurashiki Mirai Park was transformed into an otherworldly blue landscape, with “something blue” as its theme color.
Something blue is considered a color of happiness at weddings, and is also said to evoke Kurashiki denim.
Couples, families, and groups of friends were all absorbed in taking photos.
There are benches, too, where you can sit and enjoy the illuminations at your leisure.
There were also red illuminations near this area.
Instagram Photo Campaign & Light Concert
At this event, you can enjoy photography and music alongside the illuminations.
Instagram Photo Campaign
As I walked along “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi,” I came across a sign pointing out a photo spot.
The sign featured an intriguing keyword: Instagram Photo Campaign!
I looked into it and found that a campaign is underway: post a photo taken along “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” with the designated hashtag, and three people are selected by lottery each month to receive an acrylic photo frame featuring their submitted photo.
I’m planning to buy a new camera this month, so once it arrives, I thought I’d come back to take some photos and post them.
The photo spots are set up in places where photos are likely to look especially good. There are six in total, so it’s also fun to look for them as you stroll around.
A Concert of Light
“A Concert of Light” is held regularly on the wooden deck at Kurashiki Mirai Park.
It’s an event where you can enjoy performances by artists from Kurashiki.
When I visited, singer-songwriter Singer Oto was performing.
Her clear, soaring voice rang out across the park, and many people stopped to listen, captivated.
Listening to music surrounded by illuminations is so romantic and uplifting.
For event updates, check the official Instagram account (＠kurashiki_kirameki2023).
From the Writer
“Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” was an event where you could fully enjoy Kurashiki dressed up for the night.
Since the illuminations are right by the station, you can easily drop by after work or while out shopping.
You can take photos of the fantastical scenery or enjoy the harmony of light and music.
A stroll alone is relaxing, but be sure to enjoy the experience in a variety of ways.
When you feel like adding a little color to your everyday routine, why not pay it a visit?
FY2023 Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi Illumination Information
| Name | FY2023 Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi Illumination |
|---|---|
| Dates | [Event period] November 3, 2023–February 14, 2024 [Lighting hours] From 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki Mirai Park, pedestrian deck north of JR Kurashiki Station (including Andersen Square), south deck of JR Kurashiki Station, Achi Terrace Kurashiki |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” Illuminations |
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