Achi-jinja

Located at the top of Mount Tsurugata, overlooking the central and touristic Bikan district, the small Achi-jinja shrine has been protecting Kurashiki and its inhabitant since its founding. Enshrining the city-center’s guardian deity, the spiritual site was named after its founder, the Achi clan, a family originating from the Korean Peninsula that settled in Japan in the 4th century.

Ever since, several other kami deities have been enshrined here, like the 3 Munakata goddess and, in addition to its role as protector of the city, it receives prayers for various undertakings:

• Safety on the road and the sea;
• Successful trade and entrepreneurship;
• Success in the academics and the arts;
• Fertility and general good health.

On a side note, Achi-jinja is also hosting a Gokoku-jinja shrine in its grounds, honoring the memory of people who died at war for the country.

Stone stairway to the shrine

Of a humble size, Achi shrine is nonetheless worth a visit for its panoramic view that requires to climb a long stone stairway to reach its central esplanade. Beware as the steps are as hard to climb up as to climb down, and are therefore not suitable for people with impaired mobility.

Once the top is reached, the visit is quick and one can sit down in the Ema-den pavilion, dedicated to the votive plates, that is also an observatory on Kurashiki’s cityscape. During a couple of minutes break, you’ll measure the height you just climbed and enjoy a panoramic view regardless of the weather conditions.

The Shinto enclosure is also renowned as a spot for Akebono wisteria, with a several centuries-old tree leaning on an arbor in Tsurugata-yama-koen Park, usually blooming between late April and May. We also recommend attending to its fall 🍁 festival called Aki Matsuri, for the fervour displayed on the 3rd weekend of October.