For this writer, who lives near Kurashiki Station, Kojima is still an area with many places I don’t know well.
One day, I was thinking that if I was going to visit, I’d like to know what the locals recommend. Then I learned that an event called “Kojima’s Beloved Marche” would be held at Boat Race Kojima.
I knew there was a boat racecourse in Kojima, but if you’re not interested in boat racing, it’s not somewhere you often get a chance to visit.
I heard that Kojima’s Beloved Marche would feature shops in Kojima that are loved by local people.
I thought it would be a shame to miss this chance to enjoy Kojima’s gourmet food and local specialties all at once, so I decided to go.
The information provided was current when this article was published in February 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is Kojima’s Beloved Marche?
Kojima’s Beloved Marche was an event held at the Boat Race Kojima event space on Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Held alongside the major race “GIII All Ladies: 35th Seto Queen Championship,” the marche was jointly planned by the Kurashiki City Boat Race Office and the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and featured many carefully selected local shops and products.
Visitors could enjoy a wide range of things, from popular Kojima food to shopping for textile products, a local specialty.
That same day, there were events including photo sessions with popular characters, craft workshops for children, and the “SETO1 Grand Prix” comedy show, a must-see for comedy fans. It seemed possible to spend the whole day at the boat racecourse.
It was an event packed with activities for everyone, from children to adults.
I Visited Kojima’s Beloved Marche
Here’s what the marche was like on Saturday, February 3, when I visited.
From JR Kurashiki Station to Boat Race Kojima
On race days, Boat Race Kojima operates free buses to the boat racecourse.
The buses depart from the following stations and locations:
- Kojima Station
- JR Kurashiki Station (via Shionasu / via Amaki)
- Soja service
- Tenmaya service
- Fukuyama service
- Konko Station service (via Shin-Kurashiki Station)
*From April 13, 2024, the Shionasu route departing from JR Kurashiki Station will run less frequently, and the Soja and Fukuyama services will be discontinued. For details, please check the official website.
I took the free bus from JR Kurashiki Station.
The free bus departs from stop 7 at the south exit bus rotary of JR Kurashiki Station.
When boarding, the driver gives you a ticket. I didn’t need to use it again, but it’s best to keep it until you get off, just in case.
That day, three passengers, including me, boarded at Kurashiki Station. Two or three more got on at each stop along the way, and by the time we reached the boat racecourse, more than ten people had used the free bus.
The other passengers on the bus seemed to be there for the boat races, and many were older people poring over the race cards.
We arrived at the Kojima boat racecourse about 50 minutes after departure.
A machine like a ticket gate was installed at the entrance. You put the 100-yen admission fee into it and go through.
If you don’t have any coins, there’s a change machine nearby, so there’s no need to worry.
When I entered the boat racecourse, the visitors were a much wider range of ages than I’d expected, and the place was bustling with all kinds of people, from families with children to young women and mixed-gender groups.
Ramen from an Okonomiyaki Restaurant!? Miso Ramen from “Acchan”
I hadn’t eaten anything since morning, so I decided to start by trying some Kojima food.
The sound of ingredients sizzling, the aroma of broth, and pots sending up steam stimulated all five senses in front of every shop, making it hard to decide what to choose.
The weather was a little cloudy that day. Feeling a bit chilly, I set my sights on a warm noodle dish.
After much deliberation, I bought the miso ramen from “Acchan.”
I’d heard beforehand that “Acchan” was an okonomiyaki restaurant, so I’d been curious about the idea of ramen from an okonomiyaki shop.
It cost 800 yen.
As I waited after ordering the miso ramen, someone at the shop asked, “Would you like garlic?”
Some people are probably concerned about the smell, so it’s nice to have a choice. I asked for garlic.
The miso ramen was handed to me by one of the children helping out at the shop. It was heartwarming to see them working so hard.
I headed straight to the dining area to try it.
The soup had the rich flavor of miso, yet a refreshing aftertaste, and was so delicious I wanted to drink every last drop.
The slightly firm noodles held the soup well, and went perfectly with the crisp green onions and bean sprouts.
The bite-sized chashu was easy to eat, but still had a satisfying, meaty texture.
Acchan doesn’t currently serve miso ramen at its restaurant; apparently, it was brought back just for this marche.
It must have been a rare and welcome stall for the locals, too.
A Cafe’s Stall! Napolitan from “Jun Kissa Sun Lemon”
Another dish I’d been curious about was the irresistible Napolitan from Jun Kissa Sun Lemon, a cafe that has been loved in Kojima for many years.
I’ve visited Sun Lemon before, but I was surprised to see a retro-style traditional cafe setting up a stall at an outdoor marche like this.
A line had already formed, so I hurried to join it.
The Napolitan sauce ran out partway through, and sales were temporarily suspended, but they resumed while I was waiting in line, which was a relief. It showed just how popular the Napolitan was.
The freshly made Napolitan had fragrant noodles, with a delicious contrast between the crispy, well-seared parts and the chewy texture.
The ketchup sauce was slightly sweet, and the Napolitan had a nostalgic quality to it.
Eating retro-style Western food outdoors may be a rare experience.
Kojima Textile Products and a Bath Salt-Making Experience
There were also lots of Kojima textile products for sale at the marche, so I walked around the stalls, which also gave me a chance to make room for more food.
At the FLAT (Takata Orimono) stall, there was a whole array of small items made using tatami-beri (the fabric edging of tatami mats), and their cute appearance caught my eye.
There were designs ranging from traditional patterns to characters, and apparently they’ve recently become popular for handmade crafts, too.
At Sakata Orimono Co., Ltd., items made with Sanada-himo cord were on sale.
What especially caught my eye were the Sanada-himo shoelaces. They’re a stylish item that you’re unlikely to see anyone else wearing. Nice!
As I was wondering what to buy as a souvenir for myself, I came across a bath salt-making activity hosted by the Kurashiki Kojima Salt Knot Project Executive Committee.
Since we were there, my friend and I decided to give it a try and make bath salts. It costs 500 yen per session.
The bath salts are made with salt from the Nozaki family, whose name went down in history as the salt-field king of Kojima.
After measuring out the prescribed amount of salt and transferring it to a paper cup, you mix in your favorite color.
I chose emerald, and my friend chose purple.
As you mix, the salt turns a vivid color. It’s fun to make it while comparing colors with a friend.
Once the color is mixed in thoroughly, draw your favorite illustrations or words on the packaging to finish. A staff member seals it for you at the end.
Since I was at Boat Race Kojima, I drew a picture of Gaako, the venue’s mascot.
It was very easy to make while chatting with the staff and my friend. It’s something children can easily try, too.
The Kurashiki Kojima Salt Knot Project Executive Committee also sells sweets made with salt, including salted madeleines created in collaboration with La Pâtisserie Piaget’s Kojima Main Store, a famous local confectionery shop.
They combine Kojima Blue, a denim color, with salt. Every product is all about Kojima.
It was a fun time—not only shopping, but also making a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Trying Boat Racing for the First Time
While I was enjoying the market, I heard the sound of boats racing and announcements about the race.
The outdoor grandstand is open to everyone, so you can casually stop by and watch a race.
I’d never had a chance to watch boat racing before, and the moment I saw the thrilling race, I found myself thinking, “Maybe I’ll try buying a betting ticket.”
Several races are held each day, so I decided to buy a betting ticket for the next one.
But it was the first time my friend and I had ever watched boat racing. We didn’t know where or how to buy a betting ticket, so we headed to Gaako’s Room, the information desk.
At Gaako’s Room, a staff member known as “Princess Peace” carefully explains how to buy betting tickets and how to read the race program.
The race program lists each racer’s past data, and I was surprised to see that it also records their history of false starts.
I was told that racers who have had a false start may be more cautious when starting, so this is an important factor to consider when making predictions.
Automatic betting ticket machines are located throughout the venue, so I could fill out a ticket whenever I liked.
After filling out a mark sheet, I put it into a nearby automatic betting ticket machine and inserted the money.
Betting tickets can be purchased for as little as 100 yen each, so it was easier to give it a try than I had expected.
If you don’t know how to use the automatic betting ticket machine, you can ask a nearby security guard for help.
I was new to boat racing, but I was able to buy a betting ticket without any trouble. All that was left was to enjoy the race.
The boats were faster than they look on TV, and the race was over in no time.
Unfortunately, both my friend and I picked the wrong winners, but it was fun, like trying our luck, and gave me the chance to think, “I’d like to try this again.”
There were more young people in the stands than I had imagined. Some children who had come to enjoy the market were also thrilled to watch the boats race right in front of them.
From the Writer
Kojima Aisare Marche was an event where you could enjoy Kojima through its food and shopping, and one I would recommend to both tourists and locals.
I think the stalls offering dishes that “you can only eat at the event” were especially welcome for local residents.
I used to think boat race venues were intimidating, but at this market I saw so many families and young people that my impression changed completely.
On the day of the market, there was a warm dining area with heaters and free coin lockers, so I personally thought the venue was very comfortable.
One of the market’s unique charms may be that it’s easy for people of all ages to visit.
I visited the boat race venue for the market, but I also got to buy a betting ticket for the first time, so it was a great experience.
From now on, when I see the name Boat Race Kojima, I think it will feel more familiar than before.
Articles about Boat Race Kojima
Kojima Beloved Marche Information
| Name | Kojima Beloved Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Dates: February 3 (Saturday) and 4 (Sunday), 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | 6-3 Motohama-cho, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Admission is 100 yen per person. Free for those aged 20 and under when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Activities such as making bath salts and Sanada-himo accessories require a fee. |
| Website | Boat Race Kojima |
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