The Yumiko Igarashi Museum in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter has relaunched as Princess Park Kurashiki (PPK), an experiential cultural space, marking its 25th anniversary with a grand opening on March 24, 2026. Two new plans have been introduced alongside the relaunch: a "Night Princess Plan" aimed at bringing new life to the district's evenings, and an expanded "Longevity Celebration Plan" for major birthday milestones.
Night Princess Plan
Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter is beloved for its daytime scenery — white-walled storehouses lining a serene canal — but the area has long had few nighttime entertainment options. Princess Park Kurashiki's "Night Princess Plan" offers a reservation-only evening experience from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, available for groups of two or more.
Step 1: Dress Up and Head to the Rooftop
Guests change into a dress and head up to the rooftop while the sky still holds the last light of the day. As dusk approaches, the Kurashiki sky turns a vivid red, providing a stunning backdrop for photos. In spring, the fully bloomed cherry trees at Kurashiki Ivy Square can also be seen below.
Step 2: Watching the City Lights Come to Life
As the sun disappears, the 360-degree panoramic view shifts from the glow of sunset to a tapestry of city lights — a sight only available during this evening window. With Kurashiki's night sky above and a gentle breeze, the scene offers a very different side of the city from its familiar daytime appearance.
Step 3: Romantic Light Installations
Surrounded by candlelight and cat-shaped silhouette and paw-print lights, guests can enjoy a champagne tower in a warm, magical atmosphere.
Step 4: Move to the 2nd Floor Princess Scene
After the rooftop, guests head inside to the 2nd floor "Princess Scene." A ballroom dancing experience under a mirror ball is available for those who wish. Add a masquerade mask, and the space transforms into a Venetian masquerade ball.
The plan is staffed and reservation-only, making it comfortable for women's groups. It is well suited for girls' trips, couples' anniversaries, mother-daughter outings, and personal celebrations.
Night Princess Plan Overview
| Reservations | Required; 2 or more guests |
| Hours | 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Price | ¥3,500 + tax per person (within 3 hours) |
| Included | Museum admission, 1 dress, 1 bottle of champagne (shared by group), lighting and décor (subject to weather conditions) |
| Reservation Deadline | By 3:00 PM the previous day; same-day by phone if availability permits |
| How to Book | SNS direct message, phone, or email |
| Contact | Tel: 086-425-3903 / Email: info@yumiko.jpn.com |
Longevity Celebration Plan
Previously offered only for kanreki (60th birthday), the "Longevity Celebration Plan" has been expanded in response to growing demand to also cover koki (70th), kiju (77th), sanju (80th), and beiju (88th) milestones. The concept frames these occasions not simply as reaching an age, but as honoring the life lived up to that point.
Each milestone is associated with a traditional color, and guests wear a dress in that color as part of the experience.
❤️ Kanreki (60th Birthday): Red
The 60th birthday marks the completion of one full cycle of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing a "return" to the year of birth — a new beginning. Red, associated with protection and vitality, has traditionally been used for this celebration.
💜 Koki (70th Birthday): Purple
The name "koki" comes from a line in a poem by the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu — "it has been rare since ancient times to reach 70." Purple is used to convey the dignity and depth of a life well lived.
💜 Kiju (77th Birthday): Purple
"Kiju" derives from the cursive form of the character for "joy" (喜), which resembles three sevens stacked — representing 77. While purple is used here too, the occasion emphasizes the joy of layered blessings.
💛 Sanju (80th Birthday): Yellow
"Sanju" comes from the abbreviated form of the character for "umbrella" (傘), which resembles the characters for 80. Yellow and gold represent sunshine, happiness, and good fortune, expressing a wish for continued brightness ahead.
✨ Beiju (88th Birthday): Gold
"Beiju" comes from the character for "rice" (米), which can be read as combining the characters for 88. Gold represents the richness of a fully lived life, evoking ripened rice in the field.
Guests dressed in the milestone-color dress, with tiara and accessories, take commemorative photos with a DSLR camera. Number balloons and flower bouquets can also be included. After the shoot, guests relax in the aristocrat seating area for a special afternoon tea, sharing memories with family and friends. The plan is increasingly popular as a Mother's Day gift from daughters and grandchildren, and groups of friends celebrating together are also common.
Companions are welcome to join with one order, and museum admission for companions is ¥600 separately.
Longevity Celebration Plan Overview
| Price | ¥8,000 + tax per person |
| Included | Milestone-color dress, museum admission, premium accessories, DSLR commemorative photo shoot, 1 mounted print, aristocrat-seat teatime (special afternoon tea), celebration message card, table decorations |
| Companions | Companions at non-milestone ages can use the same plan, or join with one order; museum admission for companions ¥600 separately |
| Reservation Deadline | By 3:00 PM the previous day; same-day available if space permits |
| How to Book | SNS direct message, phone, or email |
| Contact | Tel: 086-425-3903 / Email: info@yumiko.jpn.com |
Special Early-Booking Gift
To celebrate the launch of these new plans, guests who book the Longevity Celebration Plan by Mother's Day, May 10, 2026 will receive a commemorative gift worth approximately ¥2,000.
Grand Opening Report: "Marie's Tea Party"
The PPK grand opening event, "The Queen's Afternoon — Marie's Tea Party," held on March 24, 2026, was fully booked and drew coverage from two local television stations.
Among attendees, "Princess Ambassadors" were selected. A prince-and-princess parade through the streets of Kurashiki is planned for the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival later this year, bringing the PPK world out into the wider city.
Princess Park Kurashiki (Yumiko Igarashi Museum)
Address: 9-30 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (Bikan Historical Quarter)
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (regular hours)
Admission: ¥600 for adults
Official Website: https://princess-park.jp
