As the nights gradually grow longer and temperatures drop, the season when Kurashiki’s nights dress up has arrived once again.
What shines even more beautifully in this clear-air season? Illuminations.
Now in its 12th year, “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” is here.
Here’s a report on the fantastical scenery, with around 180,000 LED lights illuminating the city.
The information presented was current when this article was published in December 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi”
“Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” for fiscal 2025 is an illumination event that brightens Kurashiki’s winter, held from Saturday, October 25, 2025, through Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The main illumination spots are as follows:
- Kurashiki Mirai Park
- JR Kurashiki Station North Pedestrian Deck (including Andersen Plaza)
- Achi Terrace Kurashiki
- Achi 2-chome Plaza
The lights are on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Only Achi 2-chome Plaza closes at 9 p.m.
Illumination Spot Tour
I arrived at JR Kurashiki Station 30 minutes before the lights came on.
I came by car and decided to use a nearby municipal parking lot.
The area around the station is also well served by public transportation, including trains and buses, making it easy for anyone to get here.
As you exit the north entrance, the first thing that catches your eye is the large clock tower at the center of Andersen Plaza.
The sun set in no time, and the surrounding scenery quickly took on a nighttime appearance.
The area’s theme is “Aurora lights spreading across the sky.”
Illuminations spread out from the clock tower, and the trees are dressed up with lights, too. The scenery created by the colorful lights is soothing just to look at.
And when I looked up at the clock tower from directly below, it was even more impressive and truly breathtaking.
During part of the illumination period, special lighting is also used in the colors of the “Pink Ribbon” (breast cancer screening awareness) and “Orange Ribbon” (campaign to prevent child abuse).
Learning about the messages behind the lights made the illuminations feel even more meaningful.
Kurashiki Mirai Park
I passed through the station and arrived at Kurashiki Mirai Park.
The area’s theme is “A Nordic grove colored by lights.”
The blue-and-orange lighting seemed to speak of both the “cold” and “warmth” of winter at the same time.
There are plenty of benches, and some people were sitting back and enjoying the scene at their leisure.
I went onto the elevated deck.
It felt strange, as if I had stepped inside the world of the illuminations.
The space inside was brighter than I had imagined, and the gentle orange light warmed me right down to my heart.
Outside the deck, various images created with illuminations were projected, and many visitors stopped to watch.
They’re more than just lights.
The evolved illuminations offered new discoveries and surprises.
Achi Terrace Kurashiki
Next, I walked about five minutes from the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station to the Achi Terrace Kurashiki venue.
Purple is the main color here.
The illuminations are inspired by wisteria, Kurashiki’s city flower.
The area’s theme is “A Japanese-style avenue swaying in wisteria hues.”
The surrounding trees are also lit in purple, creating a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.
The combination of orange and purple made for a striking color scheme, with each hue seeming to bring out the beauty of the other.
Around Achi Terrace Kurashiki, long benches have been installed.
You can wander around, or sit down and take in the view at your leisure. There seems to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Achi 2-chome Plaza
A further five-minute walk from Achi Terrace Kurashiki
brings you to Achi 2-chome Plaza.
The area’s theme is “A moment of fantasy illuminated by tradition.”
The dynamic light displays created by projection mapping are captivating.
The shoji-inspired designs, which evoke a distinctly Japanese feel, are a perfect fit for the atmosphere of the Bikan Historical Area.
The light projected onto the ground in a wisteria-flower design spun around as if dancing, and children passing by happily chased it.
Some enjoyed it with their eyes, others with their whole bodies. It was interesting to see how people enjoyed it differently across generations.
From the Writer
Each of the four illumination sites had its own distinct character, and there was something new to discover with every step.
Visiting them all makes for a just-right walking route. It was also good exercise for a body that tends to stiffen up in the cold.
As I strolled among the illuminations, I also noticed the lights of shops open at night. Their lively atmosphere left me feeling quietly uplifted.
It’s wonderful to see the community thriving. I’ve come to love Kurashiki’s nights just a little more.
“Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” is held through Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Why not enjoy a winter evening stroll in warm clothes, with a hot drink in hand?
2025 “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” Information
| Name | 2025 “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, October 25, 2025–Sunday, February 1, 2026 Illuminated from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. *At Achi 2-chome Plaza only, lights are on until 9:00 p.m. |
| Location | Around JR Kurashiki Station |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 2025 “Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi” Illuminations |
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