Okayama｜Guardian of Kurashiki for 400 Years: The Three Munakata Goddesses and the 61 Steps of Kanreki-zaka for Longevity.

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.