This time, I visited Achi Shrine, located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter . Achi Shrine is home to the largest Akebono wisteria tree in Japan, Achi no Fuji, which is currently in full bloom. We will also introduce some very cute charms and limited-time goshuin stamps that are unique to Achi Shrine.
2024.04.23-
Table of contents
- What is Achi Shrine?
- torii
- Flower water basin
- Zuishinmon Gate with rabbit carvings
- The worship hall with a tiled roof
- A magnificent shimenawa rope
- Achi Wisteria, the largest Akebono Fuji tree in Japan
- View of Kurashiki's townscape from Emadono
- Goshuin and amulets are available at the shrine office.
- Lots of cute charms!
- A fortune slip that you'll want to draw
- Cute charms and limited edition goshuin stamps
- Message from the chief priest
- The streets around Achi Shrine
- Conclusion
What is Achi Shrine?
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is one of the most popular tourist spots in Okayama Prefecture . Achi Shrine, located in one corner of the area, enshrines the three Munakata goddesses: Tagirihime-no-mikoto, Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto, and Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto.
[Achi Shrine]
Address: 12-1 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City
torii
Achi Shrine is located at the top of Mount Tsurugata, north of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Pass through the torii gate and start climbing. The first staircase has 88 steps. It is called Saka.
Flower water basin
As you go up the stairs, you will find that the water basin has been transformed into a gorgeous flower basin. The colorful seasonal flowers, such as azaleas, will purify your mind and soul.
Zuishinmon Gate with rabbit carvings
Once you reach the top of the stairs and look up at the Zuishinmon Gate, you'll see a rabbit! Its long ears are charming. This is one of the highlights of Achi Shrine. There is also a rabbit sculpture on the other side, so be sure to check it out.
The worship hall with a tiled roof
Once you pass through the Zuishinmon Gate, you will see the worship hall, where you can offer your prayers. There is a beautiful tiled roof and a large shimenawa rope!
A magnificent shimenawa rope
What a magnificent shimenawa! When you look at the tassels from below, they form a pattern.
Achi Wisteria, the largest Akebono Fuji tree in Japan
Achi Shrine is home to a wisteria tree of the Akebono Fuji variety, said to be the largest in Japan. It is 300 to 500 years old and is a prefectural designated natural monument. At one time it was on the verge of dying, but a project to revive it was successful, and it now produces magnificent flowers. The pale purple petals were graceful and beautiful.
When I visited, a "Wisteria Viewing Party" was being held, and a tea ceremony was held under the Achi wisteria trellis.
There was even a performance of gagaku music. Listening to the elegant music, sipping delicious matcha tea, and admiring the beautiful wisteria... it was truly a luxurious experience.
If you climb the stairs to the right of the wisteria trellis, you can view the wisteria from above. Most wisteria are viewed from above, so being able to see them from above is a rare sight. You can see the wisteria looking different from usual, with a fluffy appearance.
View of Kurashiki's townscape from Emadono
From the Emadono Hall, you can get a panoramic view of Kurashiki's cityscape. The contrast between the sacred and tranquil shrine and the bustling cityscape below makes you feel as if you are in a different world.
This is the view from the Emadon Hall. At this time, the cherry blossoms had only leaves, but in cherry blossom season, the view will be even more beautiful.
Goshuin and amulets are available at the shrine office.
Once you have finished praying, you can receive a goshuin stamp. You can get a goshuin stamp at the shrine office, which is located to the right after entering through the Zuishinmon Gate.
There was a rabbit at the Suijinmon Gate, but here there is a cute illustration in the style of the Choju Jinbutsu Giga paintings!
Lots of cute charms!
In addition to goshuin stamps, the shrine office also sells amulets and fortune slips. There are so many cute amulets that it's hard to choose!
A fortune slip that you'll want to draw
The fortune slips are also cute! There are many types of fortune slips that you will want to try, such as the "glass bead fortune slip" and the "dove fortune slip."
Cute charms and limited edition goshuin stamps
These are the goshuin and omamori charms I received this time. The limited goshuin, which will be distributed from April 1, 2024, is foil-stamped and sparkles beautifully! Achi Shrine sometimes distributes limited goshuin, making you want to visit again and again. The lace Achi charm, "Hanamaki Mamori," is also so delicate and cute! The lace features a wisteria motif, which is a symbol of Achi Shrine, and the end of the string features a heart motif and a three-pronged comma-shaped pattern.
Message from the chief priest
We spoke to the chief priest, who told us that the reason they offer cute charms and special goshuin stamps is because they want young people to become interested in shrines.
"I hope that everyone who visits enjoys the shrine. Achi Shrine completed the re-roofing of its main hall in March 2024. You will enjoy your visit even more if you pay attention to the structure of the buildings and the carvings unique to each shrine," he said.
There is a turtle on the roof of this worship hall. It's fun to look at the details, such as the rabbit carving on the Zuishinmon gate, and discover all sorts of interesting things. I hope that shrines, a part of Japanese tradition, will become an attractive place for young people and be preserved for future generations.
The streets around Achi Shrine
The area around Achi Shrine is a historic townscape, so it's fun to stroll around. There are also cafes and restaurants, so be sure to stop by if you get hungry.
Conclusion
What did you think? I wasn't able to introduce everything, but when I visited, the annual "Wisteria Viewing Event" was being held, and many events were taking place, including an exhibition of Japanese swords and craft classes. This year's "Wisteria Viewing Event" has ended, but the wisteria will be even more beautiful from now on and will be in full bloom. In addition to the "Achi Wisteria" that I introduced, there are also wisteria trellises that have not yet bloomed, so you can still enjoy the wisteria.
Be sure to visit the charming Achi Shrine!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.