[2025 Kurashiki Attraction] Travel Guide for Achi Shrine (Updated Jul)

2024.06 Visit Achi Shrine, located in Kurashiki Shopping Street, is an important shrine for tourists in the Kurashiki area. Go through the Torii gate and climb up. The first staircase has 88 steps and its name is "Misu-zaka". The main deities of Achi Shrine are the three goddesses of Munakata, who mainly protect traffic safety, maritime safety, beauty and health, artistic advancement, and commercial prosperity, which is a very comprehensive protection. Go to the top and you can overlook the entire Kurashiki city. The view is great~~~~~ ★Address: 12 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture #japan_vacation #2024 Travel Review

Achi Shrine is a shrine located at the summit of Mount Tsurugata, which is in a corner of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Because of this, you have to climb stairs to reach the shrine, but the view from the shrine is very nice ⛩️ This shrine has existed since long before the city of Kurashiki was established, and the name of the shrine, "Achi," is the ancient name of the central area of ​​Kurashiki, and it is said that it was founded more than 1,700 years ago. The main deities are the three Munakata goddesses, the guardian deities of the sea, Tagirihime-no-mikoto, Tagitsuhime-no-mikoto, and Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto. They are said to be goddesses in charge of the safety of transportation and trade, and among them, Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto is syncretized with Benzaiten and is also worshiped as the goddess of treasure, beauty, and performing arts. Address: 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture (10 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station) Opening hours: 8:30~17:00 #Visit #Achi Shrine #Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The people who appear at the festival of Achi Shrine in Kurashiki wearing the masks of "Grandpa" and "Grandma" are called "Suinkyo" and it is said that if you get hit on the head by them, you will receive good fortune. I visited Kurashiki on Saturday, October 15th. Children were also wearing the masks and parading around the town. They were given gentle head pats, so I'm sure they received some kind of good fortune. The "Suinkyo" had a humorous and gentle atmosphere. #Kurashiki #KurashikiBikanDistrict #Okayama #Suinkyo #AchiShrine #AutumnTrip

During the wisteria season, I revisited Achi Shrine to see the famous Achi Great Wisteria. This wisteria, of the 'Akebono' variety, is estimated to be at least 300 years old, with some speculating it could be as old as 500 years. Located behind the shrine, its branches stretch over 20 meters, and its flowers cascade down from the trellis, swaying gently in the wind. The wisteria had once withered and dried up, but thanks to the shrine's efforts in hiring tree doctors, it was revived and flourished again. Nearby, a white wisteria planted later is also in full bloom. Interestingly, this spring has been unusually cold and warm, and despite it being early May, the maple leaves in front of the shrine are vividly red. This creates a unique scene combining autumn maple leaves, Children's Day carp streamers, and wisteria flowers—a condensed view of four seasons in one. Inspired by the Great Wisteria, the shrine offers special 'Flower Charm' amulets. While photography is not allowed at the service counter, with staff permission, I managed to capture images of seven types of Flower Charms, four of which are seasonal exclusives. These charms are meant to bless individuals with strong and enduring relationships, akin to the wisteria's resilience. The shrine's fortune-telling process is also unique. After praying to the three Munakata goddesses, visitors can draw fortunes outside the service counter. Instead of numbers, the fortunes are sorted alphabetically (あいうえお). Once you identify your letter, you pay at the counter, and the staff retrieves your fortune. The fortunes are colorful and correspond to a story and a prediction of luck. Based on personal experience, they seem remarkably accurate. 📍Address: 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054, Japan 🚗 About a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station.

If you only admire the canal and white walls at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, you're missing out. This over 400-year-old ancient town offers a unique perspective from the 61 steps of Kanreki-zaka, said to promote longevity. At Achi Shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city's history and beauty. Achi Shrine enshrines the Three Munakata Goddesses, who protect the locals' maritime and commercial safety. According to the Kojiki, the Three Munakata Goddesses were born when Amaterasu Omikami broke Susanoo's ten-fist sword into three pieces, resulting in the creation of the goddesses—Tagitsu-hime, Ichikishima-hime, and Okinaga-hime. Interestingly, the earliest settlers here were said to be the "Achi Clan," a group of Han Chinese who fled to Korea and eventually arrived in Okayama. The name "Achi Shrine" stems from the ancient interchangeable use of the characters for "chi" and "zhi." In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vibrant red leaves reflecting off the old houses in the Bikan area from Beiju-zaka on the eastern approach. 📍Address: 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0054, Japan 🚗 A 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station via the shopping street.

Achi Shrine in Kurashiki has the largest wisteria in Japan, and you can’t miss the cute amulets and special goshuin seals here! Achi Shrine is located at the top of Tsurugata Mountain in the north of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. We passed through the torii gate and climbed up. The first staircase has 88 steps. Its name is "Yonesu-zaka". #NewYear2025 #Achi Shrine

🏞️ Climb the Heights and Overlook the Beauty of Kurashiki Visiting Kurashiki Achi Shrine begins with a slightly steep staircase. As you ascend the stone steps, it feels like traveling through time, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient shrine. Upon reaching the top, the breathtaking view unfolds before you—the entire Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, with its white-walled, black-tiled Edo-period townhouses, the greenery along the canal, and the reflections on the water, creating a serene and beautiful scene. Standing at the top, with the gentle breeze brushing by, one can't help but linger, soaking in the unique scenery. ⛩️ A Center of Faith with a Long History Achi Shrine is said to have a history of over 1,700 years, enshrining the three Munakata goddesses who oversee maritime safety and safe childbirth. Inside the shrine, you can see the elegant main hall and the solemn torii gate, exuding a sacred and tranquil aura. Particularly notable are the "Sacred Couple Trees" within the shrine grounds—two trees closely entwined, symbolizing happiness and harmony, attracting many couples who come to pray for good relationships. In spring, the cherry blossoms within the shrine add a touch of romance to this historic site. 🛍️ Walking Distance to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter After descending from Achi Shrine, it's just a few minutes' walk to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Here, well-preserved ancient streets, the reflections of willow trees along the river, and a variety of specialty shops await. Be sure to visit a wagashi shop to taste Kurashiki's famous "Momotaro Dango," or browse the craft shops for unique Bizen ware pottery. During the day, experience the history and culture, and at night, the canal streets illuminated by lights offer a different kind of charm. 🌸 A Must-Visit Hidden Gem in Kurashiki Achi Shrine is not only a center of faith but also an excellent vantage point to overlook the beauty of Kurashiki. From the sense of achievement upon reaching the top, the historical charm of the shrine, to the leisurely stroll after descending, each experience is unforgettable. On your next visit to Kurashiki, consider planning a trip to Achi Shrine, where you can quietly appreciate the endless charm of this small town from the highlands. 🔵 Travel Tips: From JR Kurashiki Station, it's about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, then a walk up the stone steps to Achi Shrine. 🔴 Must-Visit Attractions: Kurashiki Achi Shrine, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Ohara Museum of Art. 🟢 Recommended Hotels: Kurashiki International Hotel, just a few minutes' walk from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, offering convenient and comfortable accommodations. 🟡 Must-Try Foods: Momotaro Dango, Bitchu Stewed Fish, Kurashiki Matcha Sweets. 🟠 Shopping Guide: Craft shops in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Hayashigenjuro Shoten, and Miyake Shoten, offering unique souvenirs and designer goods.

An ancient city that combines Japanese and Western styles 📌Kurashiki Bikan Okayama Many houses, warehouses, and buildings in Kurashiki were built during the Edo-Meiji period, an era of trade with the West, resulting in beautiful contemporary Western architecture. Now, they have all been converted into shops, restaurants, cafes, and museums. The vibe is great, the air is fresh, the sky is beautiful, and there is a small canal where you can take a boat ride to enjoy the view. There is also a Jinrikisha rickshaw that takes you around to see the surrounding scenery. We went in the fall 🍁 The weather was very cool and comfortable. You can walk all day. In the summer, there are peaches 🍑, Okayama's famous fruit. In the spring, there are cherry blossoms 🌸. You can visit in every season. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter Imahashi Kurashiki Denim Street Achi Shrine Kurashikigokoku Shrine Ōnishi udon

This shrine is located at the summit of Mount Tsurugata in the scenic area of ​​Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. There are some steep steps from the torii gate to the main hall. The shrine enshrines the three Munakata goddesses, who are responsible for safe voyages, as its main deity. The shrine is said to bring good fortune in road safety, safety at sea, beauty and health, improvement in the arts, and business prosperity. The main hall has a cypress bark roof and is designated as a cultural property of Kurashiki City. The charms here are also often cutely designed and come in lovely colors. Even the fortune slips are cute. If you visit Kurashiki, be sure to stop by. #DomesticTravelRecords#KurashikiTourism #KurashikiBikanArea #OkayamaTourism

In addition to the beautiful areas of Kurashiki, if you are interested in shrine culture, Achi Shrine must be visited! Although it is tiring to walk up the stairs, I still try my best to climb up Achi Shrine has a natural monument called "Achi Wisteria" with a history of over 300 years, which blooms every May. Sad that I didn't get to see the beautiful view Beautiful flower wrapping souvenirs are available for purchase, great for gifts or personal use~ Etiquette rules for hand-washing at shrines Hand water refers to the water used to wash hands and mouth before worshiping the gods. It is also used to indicate the action of washing hands and mouth. The place where the hand-water action is performed is called the hand-water house, which has a water tray filled with water and a wooden spoon. The way to do hand water is to first scoop water with a wooden spoon in your right hand, then pour the water onto your left hand to rinse. Then use your left hand to take the wooden spoon to scoop water and pour the water into your right hand to rinse. Then use your right hand to take a wooden spoon to scoop water, and use your left palm to catch the water and rinse your mouth. Finally, rinse your left hand with water, stand the wooden spoon upright and let the remaining water flow down to rinse the handle of the wooden spoon. After completing all the steps, put the wooden spoon back to its original position.

Walk the old town, shop for Japanese jeans, and taste white peaches in Okayama (岡山) in the Chugoku region . “Okayama”, when thinking of this place, you may think of Momotaro , the legendary god who was made into a famous cartoon. But in fact this place has charm from both traditional samurai era and contemporary Western architecture in the same place. From castles, old towns, beautiful gardens, and also located next to the Seto Inland Sea , which are all ranked as the best in Japan. And received the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities too! . In addition, it produces the first jeans (Okayama Denim) in Japan, a specialty of the prefecture that jeans lovers should not miss . And it is a source of white peaches and famous Muscat green grapes in Japan. So sweet and delicious that there are fruit picking tours all year round . Okayama is a place to visit. Have you tried to visit all around yet? ～ . • Interesting places to visit 1. Okayama Castle 2. Kojima Jeans Street 3. Kibitsu Shrine 3. Korakuen Garden 4. Shizutani School 5. Gokei Valley 6. Nishiyama Farm 7. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 8. Tsuyama Castle 9. Saijo Inari Shrine 10. GREENable HIRUZEN 11. Achi Shrine 12. Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki 13. Yorishima Oyster Market • Must-try foods in Okayama! 1. Okayama Barazushi Vinegar rice topped with vegetables and seafood such as oysters, squid and mackerel on a giant plate with soup 2. Ebi Meshi Shrimp rice topped with black sauce Sweet and spicy at the end, it looks like rice mixed with shrimp paste 3. Murasuzume Murasuzume Crepe-like sweet bean paste 4. Kibi dango Chewy mochi from the legend of Momotaro • Access: Kansai Airport is the closest. Oh! Then take the train from Kansai-Airport Station to Shin Osaka Station (52 minutes), then take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station (45 minutes).

📍Okayama Kurashiki! A historic and cultural city as famous as Nara and Kyoto!!!🏯 Japan's version of the Jiangnan water towns!!! Not many tourists, perfect for a leisurely stroll🚶‍♀️ Classic Japanese streets, 📷 great for photography (you can tell you're in Japan right away🤭 Boating, visiting exhibitions, buying souvenirs, drinking coffee, browsing through general stores, eating delicious food..... --- 📍Ohara Museum of Art. Admire masterpieces by Picasso, Monet, and others🎨 📍Kurashiki River Cruise. The willows and small bridges along the river are so relaxing🍃 📍Achi Shrine. Overlooking this little town~ 📍mt Tape Store. Cute decor🎐 a whole wall of tapes, great for gifts 📍Jizake Tote Mori. Specializes in local sake🥃 📍Hayashi Genjuro Shop. Established in 1765, selling various fabrics, stationery, etc. 📍EL CRECO Coffee Shop. A standalone coffee shop☕️ with green plants covering the building, very healing 📍Kojima. The birthplace of denim👖 Denim shops occupy a large area, and there are also small shops selling 🔑 keychains and such, super fun to explore~ 📍ALAPAAP. A century-old canvas bag shop, handmade, simple style and super durable 📍Washuzan Seto Bridge. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook 🌊 the inland islands + Seto Bridge🌉 📍Kurashiki Momoko. Eat the fruit parfait from this shop~ a specialty dessert🍑😋 📍Eat Kurashiki's specialty - blue denim jeans meat bun and blue ice cream🍦 📍Gold Award Croquette. 🏆 Gold award-winning croquette haha, the meat aroma is so enticing!! 📍Meidai Tonkatsu Kappa. This place is a popular pork cutlet shop🐷🥩 --- ✅Transportation 1⃣️After arriving by flight, buy a ticket directly to Kurashiki 2⃣️Take the JR from Osaka, 1.5h to reach Kurashiki

The deities enshrined here are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami, Takao-no-Kami, and Yamio-no-Kami. They are the deities of flood control, abundance, protection from misfortune, healing from illness, and of grain and water. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Kojinja [Location] Achi Shrine [Address] 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Worship hours] 24 hours [Reception hours at the shrine] 08:30-17:00 [Prayer reception hours] 09:00-16:00 Visit date: June 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Places where you can feel history #Okayama #Okayama sightseeing #Kurashiki #Shrine #Kurashiki Bikan District #Kurashiki sightseeing #Sightseeing #Worship #Power spot #Recommended #Travel to experience history and culture #China sightseeing

The deity enshrined here is Ukanomitama-no-mikoto. Originally, there was a hill called Shiroyama where Ivy Square is now, and the shrine was relocated from Shiroyama Inari Shrine, which was enshrined there. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Shiroyama Inari Shrine [Location] Achi Shrine [Address] 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Worship hours] 24 hours [Reception hours at the shrine] 08:30-17:00 [Prayer reception hours] 09:00-16:00 Visit date: June 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Places where you can feel history #Okayama #Okayama sightseeing #Kurashiki #Shrine #Kurashiki Bikan Quarter #Kurashiki sightseeing #Sightseeing #Worship #Power spot #Recommended #Travel to experience history and culture #China sightseeing

It is located at the bottom left of the main shrine, so it is difficult to see from the front. It is a sub-shrine of Achi Shrine. The kitchen fire god Homusubi no Kami is also enshrined here, and it is said that he has the divine virtue of bringing prosperity to business and protecting against fires. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Ebisu Daikoku Kasanreisha [Location] Achi Shrine [Address] 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Visiting hours] 24 hours [Reception hours at the shrine] 08:30-17:00 [Prayer reception hours] 09:00-16:00 Visit date: June 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #A place where you can feel history #Okayama #Okayama sightseeing #Kurashiki #Shrine #Kurashiki Bikan District #Kurashiki sightseeing #Sightseeing #Visiting #Power spot #Recommended #Travel to experience history and culture #China sightseeing

The main deity is Sugawara-no-Kami, a man of learning who is loved by all. It is a sub-shrine within the grounds of Achi Shrine. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Sugawara Shrine [Location] Achi Shrine [Address] 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Worship hours] 24 hours [Reception hours at the gift shop] 08:30-17:00 [Prayer reception hours] 09:00-16:00 Visit date: June 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Places where you can feel history #Okayama #Okayama sightseeing #Kurashiki #Shrine #Kurashiki Bikan District #Kurashiki sightseeing #Sightseeing #Worship #Power spot #Recommended #Travel to experience history and culture #China sightseeing

This is the guardian deity of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It is said that the deity bestows divine blessings on safety in transportation and trade. Located on a hill in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, this shrine is surrounded by nature, making it hard to believe it is in the middle of town. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Achi Shrine [Main deity] Munakata Three Goddesses Tagirihime Tagitsuhime Ichikishimahime [Location] 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Worship hours] 24 hours [Reception hours at the shrine] 08:30-17:00 [Prayer reception hours] 09:00-16:00 Visit date: June 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #China Tourism #Places with a sense of history #Okayama #Okayama Tourism #Kurashiki #Shrine #Kurashiki Bikan District #Kurashiki Tourism #Tourism #Worship #Power Spot #Recommended #Travel to experience history and culture

Achi Shrine in Kurashiki is a place I'd like you to see as well. There were impressive sights such as the flower water basin, votive tablet hall, matchmaking tree, Noh stage, and a view of the Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter. If you're going to Kurashiki, I highly recommend visiting the shrine. Name: Achi Shrine Principal Deities: The Three Female Deities of Munakata Tagiri-hime-no-mikoto Tagitsu-hime-no-mikoto Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto Location: 12-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station Visiting Hours: 24 hours Amulet Reception Hours: 08:30 to 17:00 Prayer Reception Hours: 09:00 to 16:00 Visit Date: June 2024