The "Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari" illuminates the night of the Bikan Historical Area with Japanese lights.
The Japanese umbrellas and lights displayed in front of the beautiful Yurin-so Villa, and the cut glass lights exhibited in the garden and in front of the Nagaya-mon gate of the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan, harmonize with the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area.
Additionally, each year, uniquely designed lights color the night of the Bikan Historical Area, making it an event to enjoy a spring night walk.
Of course, there are classic photo spots, and we will introduce the charm of the Bikan Historical Area at night along with the events of March 9, 2019!
What is Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari
It started in March 1993 as "Starlight Avenue," which illuminated the area around JR Kurashiki Station.
The area around the north exit of JR Kurashiki Station (including the then-existing Kurashiki Tivoli Park) and from the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station to near the Bikan Historical Area was grandly lit up during the spring season until March 2005.
Then, in the following year, 2006, it was renamed "Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari" and transformed into a night lighting event that matches the Japanese scenery of the Bikan Historical Area, celebrating its 13th edition in 2019.
In 2011, it was canceled due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The day I covered Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari was March 9, 2019.
The schedule for the 13th Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari was as follows:
- March 9, 2019 (Saturday)
- March 16, 2019 (Saturday)
- March 17, 2019 (Sunday)
The event ran from 6 PM to 9 PM (with some exceptions), covering the entire Bikan Historical Area.
Opening Ceremony
On the first day, March 9, the opening ceremony began at 5:30 PM at Imahashi in front of the Ohashi Museum.
It started with a greeting from Kurashiki City Mayor Ito Kaori, followed by the opening declaration from Kiyohiko Kobayashi, Chairman of the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau.
Toshihiro Inoue, a director of the Okayama West Agricultural Cooperative, said,
"I am very happy that the sweet peas from Funao, which are the second most shipped in the country, can add beauty to the event. The characteristic of Kurashiki's sweet peas is the variety of flower colors. Please enjoy the colors and fragrance."
He spoke to the audience.
Colorful sweet peas were displayed in front of cooperating stores along the Kurashiki River, adding a touch of spring to the town.
Next, the performance by the "Mabi Town Bamboo Orchestra," which started its activities in 1996 as a town revitalization project, took place.
The gentle sound of the bamboo xylophone resonated throughout the area.
The song "Furusato" was performed using handmade bamboo instruments by people involved in bamboo crafts in Mabi Town.
The heartfelt performance enveloped the gradually darkening Bikan Historical Area.
"Shunshoi Concert" by the Mabi Town Bamboo Orchestra
At 6:30 PM, the Shunshoi Concert was held at the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
The opening ceremony was still bright, but in just one hour, it became completely dark, making it a perfect time to enjoy the evening lights.
This was a performance by the "Mabi Town Bamboo Orchestra," which also showcased a wonderful performance at the opening ceremony.
The instruments used by the "Mabi Town Bamboo Orchestra" were damaged and rusted due to the heavy rain in July 2018.
Members of the bamboo orchestra called for help on Twitter to resume their activities.
In response to that call, they were able to receive an electronic piano and glockenspiel from people in Okayama Prefecture, and volunteers cleaned and repaired the bamboo instruments, allowing them to hold this concert.
At the opening, they appeared to be nervous, but gradually smiles emerged, and it was clear they were enjoying their performance.
"We are here today thanks to the support of many people. We appreciate your continued support," said one of the members in their closing remarks.
People of various ages, from elementary school students to the elderly, donned their newly tailored uniforms and played in harmony, bringing energy to the audience.
The bamboo orchestra's performance was only on March 9.
"Kirie Akari" harmonizing with the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area
Here, we introduce the "Kirie Akari," which is lit with lights in a tetrahedron shape made of equilateral triangles and squares.
The Kirie Akari is highly recommended by the author!
I spoke with Mr. Suya, who handles reception duties and event planning at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan and produces the Kirie Akari.
This time, we created Kirie Akari with a Japanese theme. There is also a new Kirie Akari inspired by paper balloons.
On March 9, 2019, the Kirie Akari could not be displayed in the main building as it served as the stage for the Shunshoi Concert, but it is planned to be exhibited in the main building on March 16 and 17.
Since the display is inspired by the day, I think you will be able to enjoy a different atmosphere of Kirie Akari.
A mini Kirie lantern workshop will also be held, limited to 15 people per day on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're interested, please take this opportunity to try making one.
Workshops will also be held outside of the event days for Shunshoi Akari, so if you're interested, please inquire.
Enjoying a town walk with the shadow play light "Shunshoi Saijiki"
The "Shadow Play Light" will be held daily from sunset to 9 PM from March 9 to March 17, 2019.
First, we have the shadow play light from Kouei-do Kurashiki Yuukei Store, famous for its kibidango.
The shadow play images blending into the townscape create a unique atmosphere.
Ohashi House offers shadow play lights at two locations, north and south, so I went to check it out.
Since it is along the road, please be careful when taking photos as cars also pass by.
The projection mapping is reflected on the shoji screens, allowing you to enjoy different images at various locations.
This time, there are a total of 8 shadow picture lights!
We recommend taking a stroll through the Bikan Historical Area while searching for the shadow picture lights at night.
Candle Cups Filled with Wishes, "Wishing Lights"
Write your wishes on candle cups, place lights inside, and display them along the road by the Kurashiki River for "Wishing Lights."
The scenery reflected on the water surface is different from during the day, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
About 300 small lights, each with a wish written by many people, lined up along the Kurashiki River.
"May our family be happy together."
"May we live with smiles."
The lights with various wishes written on them beautifully adorned the Kurashiki River.
The Wishing Lights are only on March 9.
The Stunning Japanese Garden, "Shinkei-en Garden Lights"
Next, we moved to "Shinkei-en Garden Lights."
▲Shinkei-en Garden view of the garden
Please enjoy the garden with a different atmosphere from during the day while relaxing on the veranda.
Instagrammable Popular "Wagasa Lights"
Finally, we headed to "Wagasa Lights," where wagasa (Japanese umbrellas) are lined up and illuminated in front of the Ohara Family's former villa, Yurin-so.
The gentle wagasa lights in red, green, and orange shine against the white walls of the Bikan Historical Area, while the flames of candles create a beautiful atmosphere around the Kurashiki River.
Due to its popularity, many people gather here, so please be considerate and share space when taking photos.
Night Walk in the Bikan Historical Area
On the event days of the Spring Night Lights, the shops were bustling.
Normally, shops close in the evening, but they are open for the event.
The Spring Night Lights last until 9 PM.
After 9 PM, the Bikan Historical Area returns to its usual quiet night.
My favorite buildings are the Kurashiki Ryokan and Kurashiki Momoko, viewed from Nakahashi.
▼I had Mr. Toshiyuki Sasaki, who assisted with the photography, take a picture of me at my favorite spot in the Bikan Historical Area at night.
Do you know where this place is?
It's that alley bustling with many people during the day. At night, it becomes quiet, giving a completely different atmosphere.
The "Kamaboko" sign is a hint. Please try to find it.
Conclusion
The Spring Night Lights event started at dusk.
I have introduced the quiet night in the Bikan Historical Area after the Spring Night Lights ended.
Did you feel the changing atmosphere as time passed?
The "Spring Night Lights" is an event where you can enjoy the beautifully illuminated night of the Bikan Historical Area.
On the special days of March 16 and 17, 2019, even more lights will be added!
- Alley Lights
- Street Lights
- Bamboo Lights
- Flower Lanterns
- Dream Cherry Blossoms
The Harusho Akari event is my favorite event in the Bikan Historical Area, where you can feel the arrival of spring!
The atmosphere of the Bikan Historical Area at night is different from during the day, allowing you to enjoy a special time.
How about taking a leisurely walk while feeling the night breeze and gazing at the buildings and streetlights reflected on the surface of the Kurashiki River?
You are sure to encounter new charms of the Bikan Historical Area.
- Photography: Sasaki Toshiyuki
Data on Kurashiki Harusho Akari
| Name | Kurashiki Harusho Akari |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 9, 2019, March 16, 2019, March 17, 2019 From 6 PM to 9 PM (some exceptions) |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 13th Kurashiki Harusho Akari 2019 |
