On August 12, 2023, at Seigan-ji Temple located in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki City, the "Kurashiki Back Alley Marche @ Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market" was held.
The first morning market at the historic Seigan-ji Temple.
I was curious, so I will introduce the situation.
What is the Kurashiki Back Alley Marche @ Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market
The Kurashiki Back Alley Marche is a handmade morning market held every Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM on the grounds of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
In August 2023, the Kurashiki Back Alley Marche expanded from the grounds of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory and was held as the "Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market" in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki City.
Despite the heat of Obon, many shops set up stalls.
The main vendors are as follows.
| Shop Name | Main Products |
|---|---|
| Stone Oven Bakery Nico | Natural yeast bread and hot pizza |
| Iwatani Fruits | Seasonal fruits |
| Uomasa Fresh Fish | Fresh fish |
| Uribou-ya | Organic coffee and sweets |
| Katsukuni Fisheries | Dried goods wholesaler from Tomonoura |
| Kiku Workshop | Sweets without eggs or dairy products |
| Kurashiki Sato Farm | Organic, pesticide-free, delicious vegetables |
| Saborosa | Brazilian home cooking |
| Shihashi Farm | Farmer's spice curry |
| Ginger Diamond | Ginger syrup |
Indeed, "Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market"
Looking into the gate of Seigan-ji Temple, many people were already enjoying the morning market.
This lively scene in front of Seigan-ji Temple is refreshing.
▼On the grounds, food items such as curry, ramen, and sweets, as well as fresh vegetables are lined up.
▼In front of the main hall of Seigan-ji Temple, freshly brewed organic coffee is available.
▼Right at the gate, dried sardines, shrimp, and small fish are also for sale.
The situation at Seigan-ji Temple Front (Honmachi Street)
▼On Honmachi Street in front of Seigan-ji Temple, there is a fruit shop selling fresh fruits and juices.
▼Recently, it has become rare to see a mobile fish sales truck.
Fresh seafood, sushi, and tofu are also for sale.
I couldn't help but purchase a platter of nigiri sushi.
The recommended “shako” and all the toppings are plump and fresh.
It must be the freshness that only a fishmonger’s mobile sales truck can provide.
▼The vegetable sales are also abundant. Garlic and shishito peppers.
What I thought was spinach turned out to be unnan hyakuyaku (also known as okawakame), which was also for sale.
It is a superfood packed with nutrients.
▼I also discovered a kitchen car with the Brazilian flag standing out.
At this kitchen car, a Brazilian woman is selling.
I purchased Brazilian sausage.
▼The Brazilian sausage shines brightly.
The sausage is made from raw meat without heating or smoking, and is finished on the spot as a linguiça.
It is coarsely ground and seasoned with refreshing herbs and spices, allowing you to savor the meat's flavor as it is.
Thoughts of Chief Priest Shinsaku Shigitani of Seigan-ji Temple
▼While taking pictures of the market in front of the kitchen car, I captured the moment when Chief Priest Shigitani of Seigan-ji Temple was walking by.
I asked Chief Priest Shigitani about the "Kurashiki Back Alley Marche @ Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market".
Shigitani (no honorifics)
Today (the day of the event) is also Obon, so we are holding a memorial service for the parishioners.
I thought it would be nice for the parishioners who come to the temple to enjoy the Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market.
I hope that not only the parishioners but also the local community and tourists can enjoy it.
Also, this year (2023) marks the 150th anniversary of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, so we plan to hold a market on September 23, 2023, during the autumn equinox for the local children.
I think it is good to have initiatives that allow those involved with the temple to enjoy themselves.
Conclusion
I visited the "Kurashiki Back Alley Marche @ Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market", the first attempt at Seigan-ji Temple in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki City.
Held for the parishioners visiting the temple during the hot Obon season, the Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market was enjoyed by many local residents and tourists who passed through the temple gate, experiencing the collaboration of the historic temple and the market.
The next scheduled date is September 23, 2023 (autumn equinox).
Please enjoy the collaboration of the historic Seigan-ji Temple and the market!
Kurashiki Back Alley Marche @ Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market Data
| Name | Kurashiki Back Alley Marche @ Seigan-ji Temple Front Morning Market |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-25-36 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
