The coffee shop “Bricolage” is a cafe renovated from an old farmhouse barn, located close to Fusen Kannonji Temple, whose Kannon is revered for safe childbirth.
I heard that “Kurashiki Kannon Marche,” which sells seasonal vegetables and fruit, is held on the first and third Sunday mornings of every month, so I set out, following the hand-drawn map on its website.
On this day, a mini concert was also held alongside the marche.
The information presented was current when this article was published in May 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Kurashiki Kannon Marche”?
The “Kurashiki Kannon Marche” is a marche that sells seasonal vegetables and fruit, mainly, on the first and third Sunday mornings of every month.
As I headed toward the venue, I spotted a sign at the entrance to a narrow uphill slope that was easy to miss.
It also had information about a mini concert being held that day only.
After walking a little way up the slope, an old farmhouse came into view.
It is a place you might drive right past, so look for the cafe sign.
Up close, there was a small vegetable garden and a little marche stand, with seasonal vegetables laid out on it.
Looking around the garden, I saw fruit trees such as loquat and Taiwanese banana, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes and carrots.
Perhaps these will be sold at future marches.
The marche
There are garden tables and a swing chair in the yard.
It would be nice to enjoy a coffee here.
Farm tools made of bamboo and wood sit under the eaves. I went inside the cafe, which makes use of the old farmhouse barn as it is.
There are two large tables.
One is arranged like a counter.
Books in the cafe
What catches your eye inside is the large number of books.
Apparently, they all belong to the owner.
And apparently, you can buy any that catch your fancy.
Coffee and cake set
The cafe’s recommended item is the coffee and cake set (500 yen, tax included).
For takeout, they also had “Festival Sushi (800 yen, tax included)” from “Kurashiki Sobara-ya Aenokoto.”
Of course, you can also enjoy it inside the shop.
Mini Concert
Apparently, impromptu events are often held at the market.
A mini concert was planned for this day.
Here are the event poster and a peek at the sheet music.
I was curious about what “TOB” meant, so I asked and was told it apparently stands for “Toyosu Elementary School alumni.”
By the time the concert began, the shop was full.
Owner Mr. Yada was all smiles, too.
Masato Sugihara and Shoichi Omori were classmates at their local elementary school, Kurashiki Municipal Toyosu Elementary School.
Apparently, there was only one class per grade at the time, and they sat side by side for all six years.
Sugihara, the guitarist, is a semi-professional band musician.
Apparently, he holds concerts here and there.
Omori, who lives in Aichi Prefecture, adjusted the timing of his visit home so he could take part.
From the Writer
In the past, many expectant mothers apparently walked from JR Kurashiki Station to Araarai Kannonji Temple to pay their respects.
Kurashiki Kannon Marche, 3 km east of the city center, is certainly within walking distance.
After a slightly longer walk, take a break with a coffee and cake set.
If time allows, why not look for a book you like?
If you’re lucky, there may be background music playing.
With vegetables for tonight and a paperback to keep you company, make the rest of the journey home.
Why not spend a Sunday morning like that?
Kurashiki Kannon Marche Information
| Name | Kurashiki Kannon Marche |
|---|---|
| Dates | First and third Sundays of every month 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (ends when sold out) |
| Location | 1005 Nakaobae, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | Kurashiki Kannon Marche |
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