On August 12, 2023, the “Kurashiki Backstreet Marché @ Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market” was held at Seiganji Temple, located in Kurashiki City's Bikan Historical Area.
The first Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market was held at the historic Seiganji Temple.
I was curious, so here is an introduction to what it was like.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in September 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Kurashiki Backstreet Marché @ Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market?
Kurashiki Backstreet Marché is a handmade morning market held on the grounds of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
In August 2023, Kurashiki Backstreet Marché ventured beyond the grounds of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory and was held as the “Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market” in Kurashiki City's Bikan Historical Area.
Many vendors set up stalls despite the summer heat during Obon.
The main vendors were as follows.
| Vendor | Main products |
|---|---|
| Ishigama Panya nico | Natural yeast bread and heat-baked pizza |
| Iwatani Fruit | Seasonal fruit |
| Uomasa Seafood | Fresh fish |
| Uribosha | Organic coffee and sweets |
| Katsukuni Fisheries | A dried-goods wholesaler from Tomonoura |
| Kiku Workshop | Sweets made without eggs or dairy |
| Kurashiki Sato Farm | Delicious organic, pesticide-free, naturally grown vegetables |
| Saborosa | Brazilian home cooking |
| Shiihashi Farm | Farmers' spice curry |
| Ginger Diamond | Ginger syrup |
Just what its name says: the “Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market”
Peeking through the gate of Seiganji Temple, I saw that many people were already enjoying the morning market.
It was refreshing to see the temple gate bustling like this.
▼Inside the grounds, there were foods such as curry, ramen, and sweets, as well as fresh vegetables.
▼Freshly brewed organic coffee was served in front of Seiganji Temple's main hall.
▼Right by the gate, dried sardines, shrimp, and small fish were also on sale.
The scene at Seiganji Temple Gate (Honmachi Street)
▼On Honmachi Street by Seiganji Temple Gate, a fruit shop sold fresh fruit and juice.
▼I also spotted a mobile fish shop, something rarely seen these days.
It sold fresh seafood, sushi, tofu, and more.
I couldn't resist buying an assortment of nigiri sushi.
The recommended “mantis shrimp” was, of course, delicious, and every topping was plump and fresh.
I suppose that level of freshness is possible precisely because it was a mobile fish shop.
▼There was also a good selection of vegetables, including garlic and shishito peppers.
They were also selling Okinawa spinach (Unnan Hyakuyaku, also known as okawakame), which I photographed thinking it was spinach.
It's a nutrient-packed superfood.
▼I also spotted a food truck with a striking Brazilian flag.
A Brazilian woman was selling food from this truck.
I bought a Brazilian sausage.
▼The Brazilian sausage gleamed.
Linguiça is made into sausage on the spot from raw meat, without heating or smoking it beforehand.
It is coarsely ground and seasoned with refreshing herbs and spices, allowing you to savor the meat's flavor as it is.
Thoughts from Seiganji Temple's head priest, Shigitani Shinsaku
▼As I was photographing the market in front of the food truck, I happened to catch Seiganji Temple's head priest, Shigitani, walking by.
I asked Head Priest Shigitani about the “Kurashiki Backstreet Marché @ Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market.”
Shigitani (honorific omitted)
Since today (the day of the event) is during Obon, we're also holding memorial services for our parishioners.
I thought the parishioners who come to the temple might enjoy it, so we decided to hold the Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market.
I hope not only parishioners, but also local residents and visitors can enjoy it.
Also, this year (2023) marks the 150th anniversary of Kurashiki Municipal Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, so we are planning to hold another marché for local children during the autumn equinoctial week on September 23, 2023.
I think it's good for the temple to undertake activities that the people connected with it can enjoy.
From the Writer
I visited the first-ever “Kurashiki Backstreet Marché @ Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market” at Seiganji Temple in Kurashiki City's Bikan Historical Area.
Held in the summer heat during Obon, the Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market was organized for parishioners visiting the temple.
On the day, many local residents and visitors, as well as parishioners, passed through Seiganji Temple's main gate and enjoyed the collaboration between the historic temple and the marché.
The next event is scheduled for September 23, 2023 (during the autumn equinoctial week).
Come and enjoy the collaboration between historic Seiganji Temple and the marché!
Kurashiki Backstreet Marché @ Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market Information
| Name | Kurashiki Backstreet Marché @ Seiganji Temple Gate Morning Market |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-25-36 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
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