The cherry blossom season has passed, and lately we’ve been enjoying a run of days with weather that feels like early summer.
Events of all kinds are held in Kurashiki almost every week. The other day, I stopped by “Konikoni no Mori,” held at Kurashiki Mirai Park, while out shopping.
This event, held twice a year, features handmade crafts and gourmet food, and apparently many people look forward to it each time.
I tried out some popular shops and workshops that children can enjoy, and here’s my report.
The information in this article was accurate when it was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Konikoni no Mori”?
“Konikoni no Mori” is a marché event held twice a year, featuring carefully selected handmade products under the theme “Clothing, Food, and Accessories from Dedicated Creators and Quirky Shop Owners.”
It was previously held at South Village (Minami Ward, Okayama City), but a few years ago it moved to the outdoor event plaza at Ario Kurashiki and Kurashiki Mirai Park.
The 17th event was held on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
I visited the event
I arrived at the venue at around 10:30 a.m.
It was an unfortunate day with light rain, but despite the poor conditions underfoot, the venue was already bustling with many visitors.
The vendors sell handmade goods by local creators, including pottery and handmade crafts.
Many of the products have a natural feel, and it was fun just browsing and discovering all sorts of things.
There were also plenty of workshops.
“Kitchen Horiguchi” (Okayama City)
“Kitchen Horiguchi” is a popular Western-style restaurant with long lunch queues, located west of the Okayama Prefectural Office.
It’s one of my favorite restaurants, and I’m glad they offer takeout bento like this, making it easy to enjoy the restaurant’s food.
The appetizing smell of curry wafted from near the tent.
The bento, side dishes, and dry curry all looked delicious. In the end, I took home their signature “Proudly Made Fried Chicken and Six Side Dishes” (the pieces are so big the container won’t close) and the fragrant “Dry Curry.”
Both were generous portions and delicious, just like the food served at the restaurant.
“Planetary Muffin” (Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture)
I’d bought from “Planetary Muffin” before and enjoyed their muffins, so I joined the line.
This muffin shop, which has no permanent storefront, had come all the way from Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture. It sets up at marchés inside and outside Tokushima Prefecture, and seems to be a regular at “Konikoni no Mori.”
Its log-cabin-style trailer stands out quite a bit at the venue.
There were so many varieties that it was hard to choose, but after much deliberation I bought these four.
- Right: Caramel Banana
- Left: Rich Matcha & Tender Tanba Black Soybeans
- Back: Aoki’s Strawberries & Cream Cheese
- Front: Cherry Chunk Chocolate
They have a moist texture, making them an easy recommendation even for people who don’t like the dryness of muffins or scones.
“CAFE CANTERA” (Minami Ward, Okayama City)
“CAFE CANTERA” is a coffee specialty shop from Okayama City.
They were selling coffee beans blended from beans of different origins and roasts.
All the beans smelled like they would have a rich flavor, but with the weather about to get hotter, I bought the “Iced Blend.”
I’m looking forward to making iced coffee with these beans.
Plenty of workshops, too
It’s easy to focus on the food vendors, but this event also features many handmade-goods vendors, so there were plenty of workshops as well.
My daughter, who was with me, was interested in “Draw Soap Bubbles with Pastel Art,” so we took part.
This workshop is easy for children from preschool age through elementary school to enjoy. Participants rub powdered pastels onto paper with their fingers to create soap-bubble patterns.
With guidance from the shop staff, we finished in about 30 minutes.
We put it in a frame, and it was complete. The gradient of soft colors looks lovely.
From the Writer
Through this event, I was able to appreciate the wonderfulness of products made by people whose faces you can see.
The next event is scheduled for autumn. Why not go and look for your favorites?
Thank you for holding such a wonderful event.
Konikoni no Mori Vol. 17 Information
| Name | Konikoni no Mori Vol. 17 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, April 21, 2024 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Outdoor Event Plaza at Ario Kurashiki & Kurashiki Mirai Park |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Konikoni no Mori website |
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