These days, it’s common to see events such as marchés being held on weekends. It may be partly because it has become easier to hold them now that more than a year has passed since COVID-19 was reclassified as a Category 5 infectious disease.
There are many different types of marchés and other events like these.
- Events focused on parenting
- Events with meat!! as the star
- Events featuring handmade goods only
The one I came across was “Nurumayu Marche: From Here.” The title gave me a warm, gentle feeling. The event flyer also conveyed a welcoming atmosphere.
I learned that it would be held on Sunday, July 6, 2024, at the open space at Achi Terrace Kurashiki, and went along to find out what kind of marché it was.
The information presented was current when this article was published in July 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Nurumayu Marche: From Here?
Nurumayu Marche: From Here (hereafter, “Nurumayu Marche”) is a marché held regularly in rotation in Okayama City and Kurashiki City, with the motto “A marché that is kind to people and the planet, and brings us together.”
It began in Okayama City in June 2024, and the July event was its first in Kurashiki City and its second overall. It is a peaceful yet lively event, bringing together vendors full of passion and care.
Nurumayu Marche also has the following features:
- Carefully selected foods, including additive-free, pesticide-free, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options
- Accessories, craft art, and flea-market goods imbued with sentiments to be cherished for a long time
- Body care to nourish the heart and soothe the body
- Take home a memory… workshops and photo sessions
The event was held at the open space at Achi Terrace Kurashiki on Sunday, July 6, 2024, with vendors including the following.
On the day, “Tabibito Shonin Chaya” will take part as a substitute for “Kanakana Coffee.”
The day of the event
This was the first Nurumayu Marche held in Kurashiki City. Despite it being the rainy season, the weather was sunny, making for a very pleasant day.
The one thing that did concern me was the temperature. It’s tough for both vendors and customers when it’s hot. Fortunately, a cool breeze swept through the open space at Achi Terrace Kurashiki, the venue. I was grateful for that.
Many people visited Nurumayu Marche, including families and couples, young and old, men and women. People heading for the Bikan Historical Area usually walk along the sidewalk on the opposite side of Achi Terrace Kurashiki, but perhaps some people happened to be walking on the Achi Terrace Kurashiki side and were drawn in.
That’s how lively and cheerful the atmosphere was. The flea-market area was especially energetic. An elementary school student working as a vendor called out “Welcome!” in a loud voice and served customers.
I took a lap around the venue and stopped by the vendor booths that caught my eye.
Tabibito Chaya: Matcha and red bean smoothie recommended
First up was Tabibito Chaya. They were there as a stand-in for Kanakana Coffee, which had originally planned to participate. They were also scheduled to set up at another event that evening, so I was impressed by how quickly they could get moving.
I often stop by Tabibito Chaya at other events, and there’s one thing I always order: the “matcha and red bean smoothie” (600 yen, tax included).
The balance of matcha and red bean paste is just right, and it’s so delicious you can gulp it down. My son loves this matcha and red bean smoothie too, and this time he ended up taking it all from me…
Acquaintances kept coming by to see the owner, Hara Ryosho, and lively conversations ensued. Of course, he also greets first-time customers with a kind smile and a warm tone of voice, so you’re sure to become a fan.
Hyakusai Farm: Organically grown vegetables
Next, I was drawn to the organically grown vegetables sold by Hyakusai Farm. There were summer favorites like tomatoes, eggplants, and edamame, as well as onions. The best part was that every bag cost just 200 yen (tax included).
The vivid red caught my eye, so I chose some tomatoes.
After trying these tomatoes at home, my reaction was, “Oh, these are tomatoes grown by Grandma.” Their wild, fragrant aroma, like freshly picked field-grown tomatoes, tickled the back of my nose.
Tomatoes from supermarkets and the like have inevitably been some time since harvest, so their distinctive aroma is faint. Perhaps the vegetables from Hyakusai Farm are different because they’re so fresh and full of life. They’re appealing both in appearance and taste.
Nash Curry American: A unique blend of 30 kinds of spices
Before long, I was getting hungry. What caught my eye among the food booths… no, what hit my nose with an intense aroma was curry. They take care to use ingredients grown with as little pesticide and chemical fertilizer as possible, and prepare everything carefully, taking their time.
Even if they say “30 kinds of spices,” there’s no way you can identify every single one when you taste it. But you think, “Ah, there’s a nice, complex blend of savory flavors.” It has the characteristic spiciness of curry, but it’s mild enough for children to eat, so there’s no need to worry. My son loves this curry too.
From the Writer
This was the first “Nurumayu Marche” held in Kurashiki City. The organizer had told me, “We’re holding it at Achi Terrace Kurashiki for the first time, so I’m worried whether people will come…” But there was absolutely no need to worry.
When a marché with a fun atmosphere is held, people are naturally drawn to it and gather. What left an impression on me was how many smiles I saw among both the vendors and customers at Nurumayu Marche.
I thought that this atmosphere would carry over to the next event in Okayama City in August. The next event in Kurashiki City is scheduled for September. I’m looking forward to both.
Nurumayu Marche ~Kokokara~ Information
| Name | Nurumayu Marche ~Kokokara~ |
|---|---|
| Date | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
| Location | 3-9-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Achi Terrace Kurashiki |
| Website | Nurumayu Marche ~Kokokara~ Instagram |
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