As we approach mid-December, Christmas songs are playing everywhere in the city, and wreaths are starting to be seen adorning shop fronts.
Thinking, "I want to immerse myself in the Christmas spirit too," I was walking around the Bikan Historical Area when I discovered a flyer for the Kurashiki Christmas Market 2023. I invited a friend and went to check it out.
What is Christmas Market 2023
On December 15 and 16, 2023, the Kurashiki Ivy Square Courtyard Square and Ivy Hall served as the venue for the Kurashiki Christmas Market 2023. On that day, a total of 35 shops offering food, flowers, and miscellaneous goods from Kurashiki and Okayama lined up.
The vendors are as follows.
A few days prior, the weather forecast predicted rain. Since there is no roof in the Courtyard Square of Kurashiki Ivy Square, I was worried about the weather.
However, on the day of the event, we were blessed with good weather, and the Christmas market started against the backdrop of the soft colors of the evening sky. I arrived at the Courtyard Square about 10 minutes before the opening on the first day, and there were already many customers waiting to enter.
Courtyard Square
In the Courtyard Square, there were food stalls. Delicious aromas wafted from every shop, making it hard to decide which one to choose.
First, I tried the donuts from belk bakes, which had a long line right after the opening, with traffic cones appearing. They were slightly sweet, fluffy, and had a gentle taste, justifying the long wait.
Additionally, I tried the baked goods from Curry and Coffee Shop 774 in the Bikan Historical Area.
I also enjoyed the hot wine made by the winery GRAPE SHIP from Funao.
The currywurst, a popular item at authentic German Christmas markets, was from the cafe FLAGO located on Shirakabe Street.
Various foods unique to the Christmas market captivated my heart.
Since I was with a friend this time, we visited several shops and shared the food like an appetizer. Both my friend and I are indecisive, so when in doubt, we bought both and enjoyed the flavors from various shops, making it a great opportunity.
Ivy Hall
You can bring the food and drinks you purchase into Ivy Hall. There are tables and chairs here, so you can enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace.
After the meal, I looked around the flower shop and miscellaneous goods store that were set up inside the Ivy Hall.
At the main stage, the decoration of the Christmas tree was handled by "Tsuchikaze Plant Garden", where cute mini Christmas trees were on sale.
Additionally, I discovered colorful block pouches at "Kurashiki Hanpu", which has been producing canvas fabric in Kurashiki for over 130 years. The inner lining of the pouches was cute, so I asked the staff how they were made.
The accent line inside this block pouch is called "ear," which is a part that is often processed to be invisible when woven. However, at Kurashiki Hanpu, they intentionally leave this "ear" part visible, thereby making full use of the fabric from edge to edge.
Not only is the design appealing, but the pouch is also filled with love for the fabric. I heard that they have a store in the Bikan Historical Area. After hearing their story, I wanted to see more of their products.
The Ivy Hall venue was a space where creators and visitors could meet and interact directly, creating a very warm atmosphere.
Kurashiki at Night: A Magical Atmosphere
One of the attractions of this Christmas market was its operating hours from 4 PM to 9 PM, which allowed for a transition from evening to night.
Many shops in the Bikan Historical Area close around 5 PM, making it a beautifully quiet town at night. However, on the other hand, there aren't many opportunities to stroll through the Bikan Historical Area at night.
A friend who has lived in Kurashiki for a long time said, "The illuminated Kurashiki Ivy Square is refreshing!" It seemed like they discovered a new charm of Kurashiki.
The candlelight beautifully reflected on the red bricks of Kurashiki Ivy Square, creating an exotic atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional German Christmas market.
Conclusion
The initiator of this event, Namiko Ichikawa, who is seconded from All Nippon Airways to the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau, also looked around the venue with a relieved expression, saying, "I was surprised by how many people came. It was impressive to see everyone smiling, and I felt happy thinking that they enjoyed it."
Blessed with good weather, the Kurashiki Christmas Market 2023 was a great success. I hope it continues to be an event that enlivens winter in Kurashiki in the years to come.
Articles about the Kurashiki Christmas Market
Data for Kurashiki Christmas Market 2023
| Name | Kurashiki Christmas Market 2023 |
|---|---|
| Date | December 15 and 16, 2023, from 4 PM to 9 PM |
| Location | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free admission |
| Website | Kurashiki Tourism and Convention Bureau |
