Ashikaga Flower Park, operated by Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Tanaka-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, President: Koichiro Hayakawa), is bringing a special limited-time presentation to Historic Ashikaga School, Japan's oldest school, as part of the "Ashikaga Akari Monogatari" event organized by the Ashikaga Light Town Development Executive Committee. The historic site will be enhanced with flower temizuya (ceremonial water basins), Japanese umbrellas, bamboo lanterns, and bamboo balls, creating a magical blend of flowers and light.
"Ashikaga Akari Monogatari" is an initiative that illuminates Ashikaga City's cultural heritage sites—Historic Ashikaga School, Bannaji Temple, and Ashikaga Orihime Shrine—with warm lighting alongside Meisen-patterned lanterns installed throughout the area.
During the season when the town is vividly colored, visitors can encounter beautiful scenes that make them want to take photos.
Event Overview
Event Period:
October 31 (Fri) to November 16 (Sun)
*Motsugaiken: November 15 (Sat), 16 (Sun), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun)
Hours:
4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
*Ashikaga Orihime Shrine: 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Venues:
Historic Ashikaga School, Bannaji Temple, Ashikaga Orihime Shrine, Kitanaka Street, Motsugaiken
Admission Fee:
Ashikaga Akari Monogatari Ticket … 700 yen (Ashikaga School only requires admission; others are free, free for junior high school students and younger)
*Please note that daytime admission to Historic Ashikaga School and Ashikaga Akari Monogatari admission are separate fees.
Ticket Sales Locations: October 31 (Fri) to November 16 (Sun)
Taihei Memorial Hall, Ashikaga School Visitor Window: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
East of Ashikaga School Entrance, Multipurpose Parking Lot: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
<Must-See Information!>
Those who purchase the Ashikaga Akari Monogatari ticket will receive a 300-yen light-up voucher that can be used at nearby stores!
(Vouchers can be used at participating light-up voucher stores)
Important Notes:
- This event will be held rain or shine (canceled in severe weather).
- As this is an outdoor event, please dress warmly.
- Due to the nature of the event, there are dark areas such as underfoot.
- Since each venue is a historic site, there are many uneven surfaces on the roads, so please be careful when moving around.
- When viewing, please refrain from occupying a specific spot for an extended period for photography.
- The use of tripods may be prohibited depending on the crowding situation at the venue.
- To ensure safety within the venue, please follow instructions when staff speaks to you.
- For lost items, please contact the Ashikaga City Tourism Association (0284-43-3000).
1. Historic Ashikaga School
Supervised by Ashikaga Flower Park, flower temizuya and Japanese umbrella light-up presentations, and bamboo lantern displays will gorgeously illuminate Ashikaga School. (*Flower temizuya can also be enjoyed during the daytime)
Location:
2338 Shohei-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture 326-0813
Phone:
0284-41-2655
At Ashikaga School, the Confucian teachings of "Gojo" (Five Virtues) were studied at the time. The Five Virtues consisting of "Jin (benevolence), Gi (righteousness), Rei (courtesy), Chi (wisdom), Shin (faithfulness)" are represented by the five colors of "blue, white, red, black (purple), yellow," and these teachings are expressed through Japanese umbrellas and flower temizuya. (*Flower temizuya can also be enjoyed during the daytime)
2. Bannaji Temple
At Bannaji Temple, the family temple of the Ashikaga clan, the main hall (National Treasure) will be wrapped with Ashikaga Meisen, and the Tahoto pagoda, Kyo-do hall, and giant ginkgo tree will be illuminated.
Additionally, the Romon gate (Nio statues) will also be illuminated.
Location:
2220 Katomachi, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture 326-0803
Phone:
0284-41-2627
3. Ashikaga Orihime Shrine
Meisen-patterned lanterns are installed on the 229 stone steps leading up to the shrine building of "Ashikaga Orihime Shrine," which has been selected as a Japanese night view heritage site.
The light of the lanterns beautifully illuminates the surrounding autumn-colored scenery.
The moon seen from Ashikaga Orihime Shrine has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Moons.
Location:
3889 Nishimiya-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture 326-0817
Phone:
0284-22-0313 (Ashikaga Orihime Shrine Supporters' Association)
Motsugaiken Garden Night Viewing
The garden and tea room will be lit up, and Meisen lanterns will be installed along the pathways.
Location:
6-3165-2 Tori, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture 326-0814 (north side of Orihime Community Center)
Phone:
0284-20-2230 (City Cultural Affairs Division)
Related Events During Ashikaga Akari Monogatari
Various related events will be held during the Ashikaga Akari Monogatari period.
Please visit these events along with the light displays.
Ashikaga Akari and Kimono Monogatari
Rental plans are available to enjoy Ashikaga Akari Monogatari in Meisen kimono!
Please enjoy the illuminated town in kimono.
Ashikaga New Soba Unveiling
Hand-made soba noodles made with buckwheat flour cultivated and harvested in Ashikaga City will be served with duck broth in limited quantities. Light-up vouchers can also be used, so please enjoy this soulful bowl filled with Ashikaga pride on this occasion.
Everyone's Akari Monogatari
Special lanterns created by parents and children, combining Ashikaga's traditional culture "Ashikaga Meisen" with the modern art experience "Marbling," will be displayed on Kitanaka Street.
Please enjoy this special experience where family memories illuminate the town.
Ashikaga Chamber Orchestra Street Concert in Ashikaga Akari Monogatari 2025
A street concert by the Ashikaga Chamber Orchestra, which is active mainly in Ashikaga City, will be held at Ashikaga School illuminated by Ashikaga Akari Monogatari.
Please enjoy the music echoing on an autumn night, emerging from the concert hall.
Yagibushi Event
This is a special event where Yagibushi groups from places deeply connected to Yagibushi, such as Kiryu and Oki no Go, gather in Ashikaga, the birthplace of Yagibushi, for performances. Children's Yagibushi performances will also be held, letting the sounds of Yagibushi echo through Ashikaga City's night.
