Speaking of Sundays, it's a perfect day for a family outing.
While the usual parks and shopping malls are nice, sometimes you want to try a different place.
In such cases, how about the "Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market" held in Tamashima, Kurashiki City on the second Sunday of every month?
The morning market bustling with gourmet stalls and children's events allows you to enjoy a festive atmosphere.
I have participated twice so far, and the warmth and energy of the locals were pleasant, making me want to go again.
I went to the morning market held on January 12, 2025 (Sunday), and I will share what it was like then.
What kind of event is the Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market?
The Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market is an event held from 9 AM to 12 PM on the second Sunday of every month.
The venue, Tamashima in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, was once a bustling port town, and it still retains a Showa retro shopping street.
With the catchphrase "Let's go have breakfast!", many stalls line the shopping street, gathering gourmet food from the Kurashiki City area.
Additionally, there are children's events such as crafts and chalk art, making it a morning market enjoyable for both adults and children.
A festive atmosphere with gourmet food and events. The morning market experience
When I arrived at the venue at 9:30 AM, it was already bustling.
There were many families with small children, and it seemed that a lot of locals were participating.
The venue consists of five shopping streets, but the distances between the shopping streets are close, allowing you to walk around.
There are several parking lots near the venue, and this time I parked at the Tamashima Library parking lot.
As soon as I entered the shopping street, there were stalls everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere.
With many food stalls offering oden, fried chicken, and tamagoyaki, it was hard to choose. It seems great not only for breakfast but also to take home for lunch.
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee at "Sakie Coffee"
Among the many stalls, I was particularly interested in Sakie Coffee.
At Sakie Coffee, they grind beans roasted that day and brew them on the spot. As a coffee lover, I can't miss my morning coffee.
When I asked to take a photo while they were brewing, they said, "I'm getting nervous!" but brewed it carefully.
Being able to have a little conversation is something unique to the morning market, isn't it?
The Sakie blend I ordered had a mellow flavor. I was surprised by its drinkability that doesn't feel like a black coffee.
A lively lion dance performance
The enjoyment of the morning market isn't just about the food.
On that day, there was a performance of lion dance by the Oshima Hata Youth Group, and many people were watching.
With the sound of traditional drums, the lions danced, and I was captivated by the perfectly synchronized performance of the two lions. It was a cold day, but the performers' energy was palpable.
After the performance, the lions would bite the heads of the gathered children. It is said that when a lion bites your head, it eats away your bad luck.
It was a New Year's-like event that felt auspicious.
A mochi-pounding experience enjoyable for children
Speaking of New Year's, it's mochi-pounding time. Therefore, there was a Fukufuku Mochitsuki event at the morning market.
A mortar was placed right in the middle of the shopping street, and you could buy the freshly pounded mochi.
Every time the older brother swung the heavy pestle, cheers of "Yoi-sho!" rose up.
The finishing touches of the mochi-pounding were done by the children. They swung a pestle bigger than their own height to finish it off.
The pounded mochi was shaped on the spot and sold.
When I took it home and ate it, I was surprised by its softness.
Conclusion
I enjoyed gourmet food and coffee, watched the lion dance and mochi-pounding... it was a fulfilling morning.
Since the vendors and events change every month, there seems to be new enjoyment to be found every time you go.
Conversations with the shopkeepers were enjoyable, and the atmosphere was lively yet calm. There were many elderly people and families with children, so I think the locals were also having a good time.
At the morning market, in addition to seasonal events, there are also children's events such as crafts and chalk art.
It is held from 9 AM to 12 PM on the second Sunday of every month, so please make sure to visit.
Data on the Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market
| Name | Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market |
|---|---|
| Date | Second Sunday of every month, 9 AM to 12 PM |
| Location | Tamashima Chuo-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market |
