Achi Shrine

Worshiping the “Three Goddesses of Munakata”, the god of the sea and transportation / trading safety, this shrine sits atop the summit Mt. Tsurugata Yama, which is a part of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Kurashiki Beautiful Sight Quarter). The name “Achi”, is derived from the Achino-omi tribe who migrated from afar and lived in this space. The name of the shrine comes from the tribe as well.

Within the shrine grounds, there are numerous giant and strange stones, dubbed the “Iwakura and Iwasaka”. The “Crane-Turtle Boundary” to the west of the main pavilion is often called an ancient garden. The shrine grounds are made in a style that combines aspects of ancient Japanese religion, and wisdom from China, hence the theory that the Achino-omi tribe created this place.

The “Achi-no-Fuji”, an ancient tree as old as 300 to 500 years old is part of the “Akebono-Fuji” species, and blooms a pink flower from late April to early May. Some tree researchers have tried to stop the tree from wilting using a rejuvenation technology. Nowadays, the tree is blooming.

Within the shrine grounds, there is a Noh stage, lanterns, and smaller pavilions, which used to reside close to the Kurashiki River. From the summit of the 43m tall mountain, visitors can see a panoramic view of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.