Achi Shrine

Achi Shrine is a shrine located on Mt. Tsurugata in Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. == Overview == It is located on top of a small mountain called Mt. Tsurugata, located north of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in the center of Kurashiki City. It is said that the origin of the garden is said to have been created by the family of the Achi envoys who settled in the current location, which was called ``Kamejima'' or ``Tsurugatajima'' in ancient times. The Okayama Plain was once a sea area called the Anami of Kibi, and the area around present-day Mt. Tsurugata in Kurashiki City, which was Achigo, Kuboya District, was a key transportation hub, and for this reason it is thought that the three goddesses of Munakata, guardian deities of maritime transportation, were enshrined here. There is an ancient garden called Tsurukame style in the precincts. There are also many Iwazas, including ``Amatsu Iwakyo,'' and there are Onmyo Iwaza and Suikinkutsu in the garden of the mansion called ``Saikan.'' Other buildings include a Noh stage, Basho-do Hall, and Emaden. The ``Achi no Wisteria'' on the north side of the main shrine is famous for being said to be the largest and oldest in Japan. For this reason, it has been designated as the city flower of Kurashiki City and a natural monument of the prefecture. The Wisteria Festival is held from May 3rd to May 5th every year.