The weather is getting warmer, and it’s become the season when you get excited wondering, “Where should I go today?”
Thick coats and scarves are no longer necessary, making it easier to get out and about.
We visited the Courtyard Marche “Cherry Blossom Viewing” held at AEON MALL Kurashiki on March 28, 2021, and are sharing our experience.
The information provided was accurate when this article was published in April 2021. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About the Courtyard Marche “Cherry Blossom Viewing”
The Courtyard Marche is an event where “experiences,” “things,” and “sounds” that enrich everyday life come together in the courtyard of AEON MALL Kurashiki.
There were shops selling goods and food, as well as workshop vendors.
The theme for March was “Cherry Blossom Viewing.” It was a free-entry event where visitors of all ages could enjoy the feeling of hanami.
AEON MALL Kurashiki, where the event was held, has 4,700 free parking spaces, so it’s great that parking is free.
Many people also stopped by the Courtyard Marche while shopping at AEON MALL Kurashiki.
What the Courtyard Marche “Cherry Blossom Viewing” Was Like
There were 10 food vendors and 12 shops selling goods and offering workshops.
Here’s a report on some of the shops that caught our eye.
FRUITS STAND Oli (Fruit Stand Oli)
FRUITS STAND Oli (Fruit Stand Oli) is a fruit skewer shop with a cute appearance that opened in December 2020.
They use seasonal fruit.
Its cute appearance makes it very popular for photos, and it has even been featured on TV.
▼We chose a kiwi skewer from the many items on the menu and gave it a try.
It was sweeter and tastier than store-bought kiwis.
As you’d expect from a popular shop, customers kept coming to buy one after another.
The young owner, who had just graduated from high school, was leading the team and making the skewers with practiced efficiency.
By the way, they’re planning to release new products in the summer, including shaved ice and Karei Bijin (a taiyaki-style pastry shaped like a flounder, apparently filled with curry).
They apparently pay close attention to how it looks, so it might become as popular as their candied strawberries!
| Name | FRUITS STAND Oli (Fruit Stand Oli) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-3-7 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Phone | 086-454-5748 |
| https://www.instagram.com/oli.fruits |
f.b.n.Muu- Flower and Balloon Goods Shop
When I first saw f.b.n.Muu-’s products, I thought, “There are flowers inside the glass,” but they’re actually inside balloons.
They have an adorable appearance, like snow globes.
The flowers inside the bubble balloons are dried or preserved flowers, and they seem to last for more than three weeks.
▼By the way, this one on the left is three months old.
The balloon has shrunk, but it can still be displayed as an interior decoration.
Once the balloon shrinks, you could cut off the balloon part with scissors and display just the flowers.
| Name | f.b.n.Muu- |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.creema.jp/creator/731446/item/onsale |
| @fbnMuu1 |
Emilia’s Sweets
Emilia’s Sweets sells puddings as well as baked goods.
The puddings are more popular than the baked goods, and apparently they even have regular customers.
The shop’s mascot is the owner’s beloved dog, “San-chan,” whom the owner drew herself.
| Name | Emilia’s Sweets |
|---|---|
| Address | 2072-1 Yamakata, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Hours | Thursday, Friday, Saturday (11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) *Closes when sold out |
| Phone | 0868-27-0503 |
| https://www.instagram.com/okashi_no_emilia/ |
Glass Studio Ashiato
▼There were so many beautiful glass beads that it was hard to choose.
Just looking at them is exciting.
▼Every dish is so cute, and just having one around is soothing.
| Name | Glass Studio Ashiato |
|---|---|
| Address | 1480-43 Nishisaka, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Phone | 080-6592-9765 |
| URL | https://www.hitotema.jp/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/yamashitarie4790/ |
From the Writer
Although it was raining during the Courtyard Marche, the event was so lively and bustling that the weather hardly mattered.
The appeal of the Courtyard Marche is getting to discover shops you wouldn’t normally come across.
It’s also nice that you can easily chat with the artists and shop owners.
Enjoying delicious food and exchanging a few words with the people at the shops.
We had a wonderful time.
The Courtyard Marche is held regularly, so we look forward to the next one.
Courtyard Marche “Cherry Blossom Viewing” Information
| Name | Courtyard Marche “Cherry Blossom Viewing” |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, 2021 |
| Location | AEON MALL Kurashiki, Specialty Shops 1F, Wakuwaku Garden |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a word to search articles on this site
