I was drawn in by the catchphrase "Produced by agricultural women of Kurashiki" and visited the Locoroco Marche held at Achi Terrace Kurashiki in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.
At the 16 booths lined up in the venue after the rain, producers were selling their proud products while chatting with customers.
As the blue sky began to spread, my spirits lifted, and I will introduce the springtime Marche with its various shops.
The post-rain Marche is bustling with shoppers seeking seasonal flavors
The Locoroco Marche is organized by the Locoroco Marche Executive Committee and is held every third Sunday of the month from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Fruits and vegetables, processed goods, and miscellaneous items carefully cultivated by farmers and welfare facilities in Kurashiki and Okayama are on display.
The venue is an open space in the large commercial complex "Achi Terrace Kurashiki" along the main road connecting JR Kurashiki Station to the Bikan Historical Area, with about 15 groups participating each time.
The theme changes monthly, and the theme for April is "Bamboo Shoot Festival".
Enjoy booth hopping with a stamp card
Upon arriving at the venue, you will receive a stamp card at the reception.
When you make a purchase at a booth, you get a stamp on the back, and when you collect two stamps, you can participate in a lottery.
If you win, you can receive products from the vendors or miniature cars.
I got a miniature car after participating in the lottery twice with five stamps.
I felt like I got a little something extra.
The remaining stamp can be carried over to the next time.
That also adds to the sense of value.
By a little after 9 AM, many shoppers had already arrived, and some booths had crowds gathered around them.
One bag that particularly caught my eye was made from fabric by a local Okayama koinobori (carp streamer) manufacturer, and it was sold by an organization that supports employment for people with disabilities.
Since the pattern changes depending on which part of the koinobori is used for which bag, not many identical items can be made, making each piece unique.
It truly felt like a "my bag" made just for me.
Additionally, "the unique enjoyment here" is that there are menu items not found in regular stores.
A popular bakery had prepared a menu exclusive to the Marche, featuring sandwiches and French toast made with their signature bread.
"I came back because it was delicious," said a customer, sparking conversations that stimulate purchasing motivation.
Such conversations are one of the charms of the Marche.
I also thought, "Let's find products that make me want to come back again."
With my stamp card in hand, I eagerly headed to the booths.
Freshly dug bamboo shoots are in season
The theme for April 2023 is the representative spring ingredient "Bamboo Shoots".
At the booth of MOMONA Peach Farm, there were freshly dug bamboo shoots, boiled bamboo shoots, bracken, and onions on display.
"The taste of spring is right here," I thought, already imagining warm bamboo shoot rice, and I picked up a pack of boiled bamboo shoots.
The boiled bamboo shoots were boiled on-site the day before the Marche and vacuum-packed.
This ensures exceptional freshness.
As I was selecting the boiled bamboo shoots, a producer said, "The tips are tender."
This is how interactions begin.
Freshness is crucial for bamboo shoots, and there was also a panel explaining the steps and rice bran used for removing bitterness, so you can boil them right after returning home.
It's nice to see the care taken to ensure they are enjoyed deliciously.
Surprising texture of "cherry tomatoes"
Okuno Farm had mini tomatoes on display that were fully ripe and bright red, looking incredibly delicious.
Among them, the recommended item is "cherry tomatoes".
These mini tomatoes are round like cherries, very sweet, and have a thin skin, making them quite labor-intensive to cultivate.
I purchased them along with cherry tomato jam, which "pairs well with yogurt."
The skin of the cherry tomatoes was so thin that it felt like I had blanched them, and they had a sweetness like fruit.
Of course, the color contrast in the bowl was beautiful, and the jam paired perfectly with the tartness of the yogurt.
Conclusion
The Locoroco Marche features agricultural products, processed goods, and miscellaneous items carefully cultivated by farmers and welfare facilities in Kurashiki and Okayama.
Since it's "first come, first served," it's not uncommon to find something you wanted is already sold out.
In fact, the "Bamboo Shoot Rice Ball" I had been wanting to try was sold out within two hours of the Marche opening.
But not only shopping, I realized that conversations like "I made this early in the morning" and "I came back because the last one was delicious" are also part of the enjoyment.
The dedication of the vendors shines through their products, and the smiling faces at the booths make the Marche truly charming.
The next event will be themed "World Street Food & Local Gourmet," featuring various gourmet foods from different countries and specialty dishes using local ingredients. It will be held on May 21, 2023 (Sunday) from 9 AM to 2 PM.
A petting zoo and flower workshops are also planned. Stay tuned!
Locoroco Marche Data
| Name | Locoroco Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | April 16, 2023 (Sunday) |
| Location | 3-9-1 Achi, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Official Instagram of Locoroco Marche |
