Achi Shrine is located on Mt. Tsurugata next to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Getting there from the foot of the mountain requires walking up a slope or stone steps. If you don't want to climb too many steps right away, I recommend taking the gentler slope from the shopping street, then heading down the front stone steps. It's an easier walk, and you'll also pass the wisteria area along the way. The wisteria blooms in early May and is one of Achi Shrine's most famous sights. Unfortunately, I visited twice and missed the full bloom both times. I missed the flowering season the first time, and on my second visit, I also happened to miss the limited-edition goshuin and exhibition, which left me a little disappointed.
The shrine's charms and other items are also very distinctive, such as the delicately crafted Hanamatoi charms in soft colors and the original “Irohaura” fortunes. The paper, illustrations, and color combinations used for the fortunes are very beautiful, making them nice keepsakes even after you've drawn one.
After visiting the shrine, you can look back over the streets of Kurashiki from the higher ground nearby. The view isn't especially expansive, but you can see the white walls, black roof tiles, and streets intersecting below. Although I prefer the view from Kuniyoshi-kan, the scenery from Achi Shrine is also lovely.
Achi Shrine | Review by Holly
Other Reviews by Holly
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Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
A modern artistic reinterpretation of the goldfish appreciation culture that originated in the Edo period, this unique museum presents the enchanting world of Art Aquarium in the historic heart of Ginza.
The Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is somewhere I'd wanted to visit for a long time. When I actually walked in, my first impression was that it was very lavish, with a touch of the splendor and allure of an oiran procession. The lighting, music, tanks, and decorations all blend together, but what I think was done especially well is that the lighting doesn't overshadow the goldfish themselves. Instead, it acts like stage lighting for them, ensuring that the goldfish remain the true stars of the exhibition.
I especially liked the area where you can view the goldfish from above. Goldfish originated in China, and when they were first kept in containers such as bowls and jars, they were generally viewed from above. This top-viewing style later spread to Japan and also influenced the appreciation of goldfish in terms of their back patterns, body shapes, and the way their tail fins spread out. Today, we're mostly used to viewing fish from the side through glass, so in everyday life there are very few opportunities to appreciate them from this traditional perspective. Being able to experience this ancient way of appreciating the beauty of goldfish here felt quite special.
Another area uses a large number of Japanese lanterns to create the atmosphere, and at first glance it reminded me of the densely arranged lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. The other areas make extensive use of light and shadow, reflections on the water, flowers, and traditional Japanese elements to create different moods. Some of the decorations clearly use artificial flowers, but with the lighting and colors of the water, they don't look cheap. Instead, they give the whole space a feeling somewhere between a stage and a dream.
They also offer different seasonal themes, with the flowers, lighting, and some of the exhibits changing accordingly. As a result, the scenery may look completely different depending on when you visit. This time, I happened to catch the end of the winter exhibition. I'm really looking forward to summer, since summer is the season for goldfish, and I hope I'll have a chance to come back and see it. -
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Skyliner
Skyliner is a limited express airport train offering the fastest service between downtown Tokyo and Narita Airport, with a total journey time of 36 minutes*. A fast train offering up to three services per hour, travelling between downtown Tokyo and Narita Airport with only four stops and no changes: Ueno Station, Nippori Station, Narita Airport Terminals 2 & 3, and Narita Airport Terminal 1.
The Skyliner is very convenient for people staying around Ueno or Nippori. If you're staying near Asakusa, transferring from Ueno isn't too much trouble either.
Just keep in mind that I had bought my ticket in Taiwan beforehand, thinking exchanging it on-site would save time. Apparently everyone had the same idea, because there was a long line at the exchange counter, while fewer people were buying tickets directly next to it. In the end, I waited almost half an hour before I could exchange my ticket and board. So even if you've purchased your ticket in advance, it's still a good idea to allow extra time after arriving at Narita, especially when several popular flights arrive around the same time, since the exchange counter can get crowded.
Overall, the Skyliner itself is fast and comfortable, and I highly recommend it for travelers staying near Ueno or Nippori. Just be aware that buying your ticket in Taiwan in advance won't necessarily be faster on-site, and during busy periods, you should allow time to wait in line to exchange it. -
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TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN® Dream Christmas
At TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN®, a commercial complex composed of TOKYO SKYTREE® and TOKYO Solamachi®, special Christmas events are held annually from early November. The entire town is enveloped in a Christmas mood with illuminations, a Christmas market, and projection mapping.
I happened to be here during the event, so I made a special trip to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. In addition to the Christmas market, all of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN is decorated with large-scale illuminations, Christmas trees, and limited-time light shows during the event. It really feels festive at night.
The Christmas market itself is mainly focused on food, with lots of options such as hot dishes, desserts, and drinks. There is also a seating area, but it gets quite crowded, so there don't seem to be enough seats. Prices are also typical for a tourist destination, so it's not cheap, but they really do create a festive atmosphere. With the lights, decorations, and TOKYO SKYTREE all together, I thought it was pretty nice, especially since I rarely get to experience a Christmas atmosphere like this.
If you're planning to visit, I'd recommend checking the schedule for TOKYO SKYTREE's special lighting or projection shows that day, then planning your visit to the market around them. That way, you can eat, see the Christmas decorations, and enjoy the limited-time light show all in one trip. Overall, it's more worthwhile than coming just for the market. -
