Achi Shrine, located in the center of the Bikan Historical Area.
During festivals and New Year visits, many citizens come to the shrine. However, even if there are many opportunities to visit, there may not be many people who know Achi Shrine in detail.
The event held at Achi Shrine, "Gathering at Achi Shrine for Heart Beauty," is not only a chance to learn deeply about Achi Shrine but also offers valuable experiences such as formal worship and dedication performances.
We interviewed the organizer, a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team, about the thoughts behind planning the event at Achi Shrine.
What is "Gathering at Achi Shrine for Heart Beauty"?
"Gathering at Achi Shrine for Heart Beauty" will be held at Achi Shrine on September 23, 2025 (Tuesday, public holiday).
At Achi Shrine, which has watched over Kurashiki for many years, this event allows participants to rediscover the charm of the Bikan Historical Area from three perspectives: learning, experiencing, and feeling.
In the "learning" section, participants will listen to stories about the history and culture of the shrine from the new head priest of Achi Shrine. Since the shrine and the town are deeply connected, learning about Achi Shrine will also provide insights into the town of Kurashiki.
The formal worship conducted in the "experiencing" section is a completely different form of worship compared to the usual practice of throwing in offerings. Participants will have the rare opportunity to experience a sacred ritual that is not easily accessible to the general public.
In the final "feeling" section, there will be a dedicatory performance of crystal bowls at the prayer hall. This moment will further refine the pure feelings that arise after worship.
The participation fee is 1,000 yen per person, and reservations are required. Since the number of participants is limited, those interested are encouraged to apply early.
The event is organized by Mr. Ono Motohiro, a member of the Kurashiki City regional revitalization cooperation team. Mr. Ono usually engages in community development activities based in the central urban area of Kurashiki City.
We asked him about the thoughts and background that led to the planning of this event.
Interview with Mr. Ono Motohiro, the organizer
How was "Gathering at Achi Shrine for Heart Beauty" planned?
Ono (no honorifics)
My parents are from Okayama Prefecture, and my mother had her family home in Kurashiki. Whenever I returned home during Obon or New Year, I always stopped by Achi Shrine, so it has been a familiar place since my childhood.
Additionally, my great-grandfather served as a representative of Achi Shrine, so when I was working as a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team, I thought, "It would be great to hold an event at Achi Shrine."
However, I realized that I didn't know much about Achi Shrine, even though I had visited many times, and I was completely unaware of its history and culture.
Therefore, as a citizen, I wanted to create an opportunity to learn more about Achi Shrine to foster a connection with the town of Kurashiki. I hope this event will be a chance for people to feel Achi Shrine even closer.
What does "Heart Beauty" in the title refer to?
Ono
"Heart Beauty" is a coined term that I came up with. After considering various options, I arrived at this term.
As a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team, I am involved in community development activities based in the central urban area, including the Bikan Historical Area. Since the area is referred to as "seeing beauty," I wanted to delve deeper into what "the beauty of the Bikan Historical Area refers to."
While there are many visible beauties in the Bikan Historical Area, such as architecture, art, and folk crafts, I believe that Achi Shrine, located in the center, also gathers the pure beauty of the heart that wishes and prays for something.
When people pray for something, there is surely warmth and purity inherent in humanity. I named it "Heart Beauty" as a place where invisible beautiful thoughts gather.
What kind of stories will be shared in the "learning" section?
Ono
In the initial "learning" section, participants will be taught about the history and culture of Achi Shrine, as well as basic knowledge about shrines that is not easily accessible to the general public.
The head priest, Arai, who will be speaking, is fond of folklore, so he is expected to share interesting stories from a folkloric perspective, such as "Why is the shrine called Achi Shrine when the place name is Achi?"
Also, please pay attention to the ceremonial attire that Arai wears. It seems that the attire varies depending on the festival or event, so I hope participants will enjoy the beauty of what they see.
The formal worship in the "experiencing" section is different from regular worship, isn't it?
Ono
Formal worship is a ceremony to formally worship the local deity of Kurashiki. It is conducted when priests from other prefectures visit as a greeting to the local deity.
I believe it will be a valuable experience that is rarely available, and I hope that through greeting the local deity, participants will feel a deeper connection to Kurashiki.
Please tell us about the dedicatory performance in the "feeling" section.
Ono
In the final "feeling" section, participants will listen to a dedicatory performance of crystal bowls at the prayer hall.
Crystal bowls are instruments made of quartz that produce a sound called overtone. The resonance of these overtones can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and relieve brain fatigue, making them effective in music therapy in comprehensive medical settings.
The crystal bowl performer, Lee, who will be participating this time, has performed at various locations across Japan, including Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, a World Heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture, Keninji Temple in Kamakura, and Saikoku-ji Temple in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.
I hope that even just during the performance, participants can experience a time of peace and release from their worries.
What do you want to convey to the participants through the event?
Ono
Many people visit Achi Shrine during festivals and events, but I think there are many who do not know much about the shrine itself. I was one of them.
I hope that those people will gain a deeper understanding of Achi Shrine and use it as a chance to rediscover the charm of the town of Kurashiki.
The area of the Bikan Historical Area, including Achi Shrine, is an important place where historical buildings and culture gather. I would be happy if this could be a chance to pass on the charm of the town to the next generation as a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team.
Who would you recommend this event to?
Ono
Since this event is held at a shrine, a place visited by various people, I would like a wide range of people, including tourists and locals, regardless of age or gender, to come.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Ono
When I moved to Kurashiki as a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team, I thought Achi Shrine was a symbol of the Bikan Historical Area. Achi Shrine is an open place that anyone can visit.
Personally, I believe that the act of putting hands together at a shrine is a kind of "act of organizing the heart." I felt that creating opportunities for learning at Achi Shrine, a place to face oneself, surely has meaning.
Through this event, I would be happy if you could come to love the town of Kurashiki even more.
Conclusion
I often visit Achi Shrine for walks, but I only gather information about the shrine from signs and the website, and I didn't know much about it.
This event will surely be a valuable opportunity for those interested in Achi Shrine. It seems that Achi Shrine will become an even closer presence through this event.
If you want to "experience the charm of Achi Shrine" or "rediscover the charm of the town of Kurashiki," please consider participating.
If you wish to participate, please make a reservation through the application form. Since there are limited spots available, early application is recommended.
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Data on Achi Shrine Gathering for Heart and Beauty
| Name | Achi Shrine Gathering for Heart and Beauty |
|---|---|
| Date | September 23, 2025 (Holiday, Tuesday) From 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM |
| Location | 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Participation fee: 1,000 yen per person * As a formal offering and tamagushi fee |
