As the nights gradually get longer and the temperatures drop, the season has come again for Kurashiki to dress up for winter.
It is precisely because the air is clear in this season that things shine more beautifully. That is illumination.
This year marks the 12th edition of Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi.
Approximately 180,000 LED lights will color the town, creating a fantastical landscape to report on.
Overview of "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi"
The 2025 Fiscal Year "Kurashiki Kirameki no Michi" will be held from October 25, 2025 (Saturday) to February 1, 2026 (Sunday), and is an illumination event that colors the winter of Kurashiki.
The main illumination spots are as follows.
- Kurashiki Mirai Park
- North Pedestrian Deck of JR Kurashiki Station (including Andersen Square)
- Achi Terrace Kurashiki
- Achi 2-chome Square
The lighting hours are from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Only Achi 2-chome Square will be lit until 9 PM.
Tour of Illumination Spots
I arrived at JR Kurashiki Station 30 minutes before the lighting started.
I visited by car and decided to use a nearby municipal parking lot.
The area around the station is well-equipped with public transportation such as trains and buses, making it easy for anyone to access.
As I passed through the north exit of the station, the first thing that caught my eye was the large clock tower in the center of Andersen Square.
Before I knew it, the sun had set, and the surrounding scenery transformed into a night scene.
The area theme is "Aurora Lights Spreading Across the Sky".
The lighting spreads out from the clock tower, and the trees are also dressed up with illumination lights. The scenery created by the colorful lights is soothing just to look at.
Moreover, viewing the clock tower from directly below adds to its grandeur and is truly impressive.
During part of the lighting period, there will also be illuminations in colors corresponding to the "Pink Ribbon (breast cancer screening awareness)" and "Orange Ribbon (child abuse prevention movement)."
By understanding the messages conveyed through the lights, the illumination felt even more meaningful.
Kurashiki Mirai Park
I passed through the station and arrived at Kurashiki Mirai Park.
The area theme is "A Nordic Forest Colored by Lights".
The lighting, based on blue and orange, seemed to convey both the "coldness" and "warmth" of winter simultaneously.
There are many benches installed, and I saw people sitting down and enjoying the atmosphere leisurely.
I entered the aerial deck.
It felt like I had entered a world inside the illumination.
The space inside was brighter than I had imagined, and the gentle orange light warmed my heart.
Outside the deck, various images using illumination were being projected, and many visitors stopped to watch.
It's not just about shining.
The evolved illumination brought new discoveries and surprises.
Achi Terrace Kurashiki
Next, I walked about 5 minutes from the south exit of Kurashiki Station to the venue of Achi Terrace Kurashiki.
The main color here is purple.
The illumination is inspired by Kurashiki's city flower, "wisteria."
The area theme is "Wisteria-colored Japanese Tree Lined Street".
The surrounding trees are also illuminated in purple, creating a Japanese atmosphere.
The combination of orange and purple created an impressive color scheme that highlighted each other's beauty.
Around Achi Terrace Kurashiki, long benches are installed.
You can walk around or sit and relax while enjoying the view. It seems that everyone can find their own way to enjoy it.
Achi 2-chome Square
After walking for another 5 minutes from Achi Terrace Kurashiki,
I arrived at Achi 2-chome Square.
The area theme is "A Moment of Fantasy Illuminated by Tradition."
You will be captivated by the dynamic light display created by projection mapping.
The shoji motif, which evokes a sense of Japan, fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the Bikan Historical Area.
The light design featuring wisteria flowers projected on the ground twirls around, and children passing by were happily chasing after it.
Enjoying with the eyes and the body. It was interesting to see how different generations enjoy it in different ways.
Conclusion
The four illumination spots each have a different expression, and there were new discoveries with every step I took.
Walking around all of them is just the right walking course. It was good exercise for a body that tends to stiffen in the cold.
While strolling through the illuminations, I also noticed the lights of shops that are open at night. The lively atmosphere made me feel as if I was secretly gaining energy.
It is delightful to see the community thriving. I have come to like Kurashiki's nights just a little bit more.
"Kurashiki Path of Sparkle" will be held until February 1, 2026 (Sunday).
Why not enjoy a winter night walk dressed warmly and with a warm drink in hand?
Data for the 2025 Kurashiki Path of Sparkle
| Name | 2025 Kurashiki Path of Sparkle |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 25, 2025 (Saturday) to February 1, 2026 (Sunday) Illumination from 5 PM to 10 PM *Only at Achi 2-chome Square, illumination until 9 PM |
| Location | Around JR Kurashiki Station |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | 2025 Kurashiki Path of Sparkle Illumination |
