Have you ever been to a flea market?
From the impression of the words, it may have an old-fashioned image. However, among the lined-up old tools, antique Japanese and Western tableware, miscellaneous goods, and crafts, it is an event where you can casually enjoy "Showa retro."
There is a new event that started in Hayashima Town in April 2025. It is called Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi.
Not only retro enthusiasts but also families and pet owners from the surrounding area visit, making it a unique style of event.
I have covered the atmosphere of the first event held in April and the attractions of the second event scheduled for September 7, 2025 (Sunday), so I will introduce them.
What is Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi
The first Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi was held on April 20, 2025 (Sunday), and it is a new event in Hayashima Town. It has been decided to be held twice a year, with the second event taking place on September 7, 2025 (Sunday).
The event is organized by the Hayashima Town Tourism Association.
It aims to become a standard event following the major events of Hayashima Sakura Festival and Hayashima-Kurashiki Hanago Festival.
Many shops from outside the town and prefecture gather, and the venue features booths with old tools, antique Japanese and Western tableware, miscellaneous goods, crafts, as well as food and workshop booths, making it an event enjoyable for both adults and children.
From this time, local booths from Hayashima Town will also be added, starting initiatives to help visitors learn about the region.
The First Event's Atmosphere
The first event held in April was blessed with good weather, and in a comfortable climate, approximately 4,000 people of various ages, including families, couples, and old tool enthusiasts, attended the venue.
There was also a booth for igusa products, unique to Hayashima Town.
Additionally, the food booths were so popular that there were long lines.
Interview with the President of Hayashima Town Tourism Association
I spoke with Sato Katsuji, the president of the Hayashima Town Tourism Association, about the second Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi.
Please tell us about the aims and background of planning the Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi.
Sato (no honorifics)
I planned it to promote Hayashima Town and create a new standard event that attracts many people.
It started with a conversation with an antique shop owner I met at another event, saying, "I want to hold an antique event in Hayashima Town."
Also, I aim for it to become a standard event following the Hayashima Sakura Festival and Hayashima-Kurashiki Hanago Festival.
What are the highlights and plans for this event?
Sato
This event has a high affinity with the retro atmosphere of the town and fits perfectly with the personality of Hayashima Town. This time, there will be booths from Hayashima Town along with previous and new vendors, which is a key point.
Additionally, since there was no food space last time, the customers' stay was shorter, but this time we will set up a food space, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals leisurely before exploring the venue again.
We plan to have live performances as background music at the venue.
What kind of shops will participate, and what are the selection points?
Sato
The selection of vendors was led by the Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi Executive Committee. About 60 shops will gather on the day.
We have shops that meet the needs of antique seekers, shops with strong customer attraction, and shops that were able to secure the schedule in advance.
The offerings will include various genres such as old tools (antiques), crafts, plants, fruits, and food.
What kind of people would you like to come?
Sato
I would like core antique fans, families, local residents, and pet owners to come.
In fact, at the first event, it seemed that core fans formed a line before the event started.
According to the vendors, there were more families and pet owners compared to other flea market events. Please feel free to come.
Please give a message to the readers.
Sato
Access from Kurashiki City and Okayama City is also good. At Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi, you can experience the retro charm of Hayashima Town and carefully selected antiques all at once.
We have newly established a food space that is comfortable for families and pet owners.
Please revisit your favorite shops later. You can enjoy exploring the wonderful shops in Hayashima Town as a result of the event.
Conclusion
Flea markets may be unfamiliar events for those who are not usually interested. That is why I hope that those who have not had the opportunity to be interested until now will visit.
You may be captivated by unfamiliar old tools or attracted to antique furniture. The charm of flea markets is that wonderful encounters await.
I also visit other flea markets, but Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi is different from them, as it has many families and offers a "soft" atmosphere that can be enjoyed. This aspect is particularly recommended.
Although it will be held during the still hot season, how about taking a trip to Hayashima Town on September 7, 2025 (Sunday)?
Data for the Second Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi
| Name | Second Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi |
|---|---|
| Date | September 7, 2025 (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 356-1 Maegata, Toyokubo-gun, Hayashima Town (Behind Hayashima Town Hall) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Actual cost |
| Website | Hayashima Mushiro Nominoichi Instagram |
