In Kojima, Kurashiki City, there has long been the Kojima Boat Race.
Buses that provide free transportation to the racecourse are often seen.
As a writer, I had never particularly thought about wanting to go there.
This is because, when I think of boat racing, I have the image of old men with red pencils looking at newspapers and gambling.
However, recently, famous celebrities from television and commercials have been appearing to promote and support it.
I heard from a friend that their child wanted to become a boat racer and took the exam.
I have started to feel that boat racing is becoming more familiar around me, and I became curious about what it is like.
It takes courage for women to go, and I don't really know how it works...
Just when I was thinking that there should be an event where friends can casually go and get explanations about boat racing.
I discovered a flyer for the "Kojima Boat Race Asoboat Tour".
You can enjoy boat racing and afternoon tea while looking at the Seto Inland Sea.
This was exactly the kind of event I had been waiting for, and I thought, "This is it!" and immediately signed up.
What is the Kojima Boat Race Asoboat Tour?
The "Kojima Boat Race Asoboat Tour" is a tour conducted as a joint project between the Kojima Boat Race and the BOATRACE Promotion Foundation.
It was held on Saturdays and Sundays during the race days from January to March 2023, limited to 8 times.
The cost is only 2,000 yen per person (including tax).
If a parent and child participate, the child can join for free.
I later heard that it sold out quickly.
It seems like a fun event that fulfills the wishes of those who are interested but have no opportunity to go.
Start of the Boat Tour
Let's introduce the tour experience right away.
Gathering at Kojima Station
Unfortunately, it was raining that day.
Inside Kojima Station, the bus guide was checking in the reservation holders one after another.
At 10 AM, we walked to the bus boarding area.
There were families with children, groups of women, and couples of various ages participating.
Once on the bus, the bus guide briefly explained the tour content.
The time to the boat race course was quick, but once on the bus, it felt like a fun trip.
Arrival at the Boat Race Course
It took about 5 minutes to arrive from Kojima Station.
Since it was raining, the staff at Kojima Boat Race welcomed us wearing raincoats.
Normally, an entrance fee of 100 yen is required, but this time it was included in the tour fee.
I was looking around curiously at the boat race course for the first time.
The entrance had a high ceiling, and I couldn't help but look up.
It was spacious.
Under the guidance of the bus guide, we quickly headed to the Royal Room.
Special Room: Royal Room
The Royal Room is located on the 5th floor.
The Royal Room can be used for a fee of 3,500 yen on the day.
Access to this special room is a benefit of this tour.
When you go up the elevator, there is a plush carpet laid out, making it feel like a hotel lobby.
The room is spacious, with sofas and counter seats, making it enjoyable for both individuals and groups.
The sea side has windows all around, providing an excellent view.
From above, you can overlook the racecourse, so it seems like you can enjoy watching it leisurely.
Since it was raining that day, both the sea and sky were murky, which was a bit disappointing, but if it had been sunny, the view would have been wonderful.
Boat Racing Simulation Experience
Once seated, there were race data sheets and magnets of 6 boats and turn marks placed on the table.
The explanation of the boat racing prediction game began immediately.
This time, Asuka Abe, a reporter for Kurashiki Cable Television's program "Hanamaru PARK Kojima DE Asobo~to" and PR ambassador for Kojima Boat Race, is the host.
In boat racing, 6 players compete for position by completing 3 laps around the course.
Most of the tour participants were first-timers to boat racing.
There was even a couple who had come after 30 years.
This tour involved a prediction game where participants predict which racer will come in first, and those who guess correctly will receive wonderful prizes.
Information Manager Katayama explained the basics of the race and taught us how to make predictions.
Of course, which racer to choose is up to the individual.
I trusted Katayama and chose the racer on boat number 1.
The result was disappointing! The first place went to boat number 3.
There were 2 participants who guessed correctly, and they received pouches from " Betty Smith", a jeans manufacturer located in Kojima.
And, let's try again!
Everyone was serious.
Even if the predictions were wrong, the time spent choosing while cheering together was very enjoyable.
Unfortunately, I didn't win, but cheering for the racers who were competing hard gave me courage and energy, just like watching sports.
Afternoon Tea
Finally, the much-anticipated afternoon tea (※).
※Afternoon tea is a tea-drinking custom that originated in England, where people enjoy sweets during a tea party. In Kurashiki, it is a popular event held twice a year as "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea".
While listening to the explanation of the race, I was anxiously watching the staff preparing in the back.
The bento and sweets this time were catered from ".KOMBINAT," a shop located in Achi Terrace Kurashiki in front of Kurashiki Station.
The handmade sweets and cakes from the shop were beautifully arranged.
Just looking at it is mesmerizing.
The staff from ".KOMBINAT" serve the sweets you want to eat.
Each piece is small, so it seems like I could eat as many as I want, so I had them serve me all the varieties.
Light Lunch: Two-Tiered Bento
Despite being called a light meal, the two-tiered bento is quite filling.
With sandwiches, meatballs, and salad, this alone is a sufficient amount.
Juice, coffee, and tea are self-serve and all-you-can-drink.
I participated with two other women, and we easily devoured the cakes and sweets as a separate course.
After filling our stomachs, we immediately challenged ourselves to a boat race.
In the tour, the prediction game for two races does not require any money. Those interested can actually buy boat tickets for the subsequent races.
We learned how to write and buy boat tickets from Princess Peace, and the three of us predicted the next race.
- Which boat racer will we support next?
- Which racer is handsome?
- How old are they?
We spent a fun time imagining what would happen if we won.
No one won, but since tickets can be purchased from 100 yen, it was easy to give it a try.
VR experience that makes you feel like a racer
One of the highlights of this tour is the "Boat Race VR Splash Battle."
You can compete in a race using VR while riding on a boat made just like the real thing, racing against venues across the country.
I also tried my hand at it.
First, you sit in the boat in a seiza position.
I was surprised to hear that the racers also challenge the race in a seiza position.
When you put on the goggles, the surface of the water appears right in front of you, making it feel like you are floating on the boat.
There are no brakes, only an accelerator to drive.
The curves are difficult, and despite my efforts, I ended up in last place.
I experienced a feeling as if I was really racing, and it was a valuable experience that made me feel closer to the racers.
Camera workshop
The day I participated had a camera workshop.
On days without a camera workshop, a workshop is held instead.
Staff from Kurashiki Women's Collection come and create two items from the following:
- Making accessories from tatami edges
- Making Setouchi scales ballpoint pens
- Making denim mini wreaths, etc.
This time, the theme was "Taking beautiful photos with a smartphone", and there was a camera workshop led by the exclusive photographer of the boat race.
First, there was an explanation of basic camera composition, followed by practical application.
We took photos of the afternoon tea decorations from ".KOMBINAT" set up as photo spots.
Next, we challenged ourselves to take photos of people. The model was staff from ".KOMBINAT".
With the teacher's guidance on composition, I was able to take emotional photos that I couldn't have captured on my own.
Cheering outdoors on the first floor
The day I participated had bad weather, and we were originally scheduled to go to the observation deck at Washuzan, but it was canceled.
Instead, we decided to enjoy watching from the outdoor seats at the boat race venue.
The view from the royal room was also excellent, but watching while actually hearing the sound of the engines was truly thrilling.
It really got us into the cheering spirit.
Experience making straps at Betty Smith
Here, we say goodbye to Boat Race Kojima.
The sight of the staff and related personnel waving until the bus was out of sight was impressive.
After a 10-minute bus ride from the boat race venue, we arrived at the tourist spot in Kojima, Betty Smith.
Kojima is famous as the "birthplace of domestically produced jeans", and among them, "Betty Smith" is a long-established store.
There is a Jeans Museum, a jeans outlet, and a jeans-making experience.
At Betty Smith, we enjoyed making denim straps.
We selected our favorite denim cord and rivets from a box.
With the help of the staff, we attached the rivets and completed the strap.
I was surprised that making the strap was included in the tour fee.
Additionally, we received the following souvenirs from Boat Race Kojima:
- KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. masking tape (mt) *Souvenir from this Boat Race Kojima tour
- Clear file
- Pouch
- Sticker
- Invitation ticket
It was a day filled with more souvenirs than I expected, and I was very satisfied.
A fun tour packed with activities where you can play all day and enjoy delicious food.
I spoke with Yuko Yokota from the Boat Race Business Bureau, who planned this tour.
Boat Race Kojima Play Boat Tour Data
| Name | Boat Race Kojima Play Boat Tour |
|---|---|
| Dates | Weekends of race days from January to March 2023 January 21, 28; February 18, 19, 25, 26; March 5 |
| Location | 6-3 Motohama-cho, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | 2,000 yen per adult |
| Website | Boat Race Kojima Play Boat Tour |
