Okayama Marche Vol. 8 (held January 29/30, 2022) 〜 Spend a heartwarming time at the cozy Marche

“Okayama Marche” features stalls run by local creators, artists, and others.

MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki and Ario Kurashiki, directly connected to JR Kurashiki Station, hold this event periodically to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their opening.

This was the eighth edition of the event, featuring the “Warm Marche.”

With the weather still chilly, I went along to the event in search of some warmth.

Here’s a report on the heartwarming marche.

Overview of Okayama Marche

Each Okayama Marche event has a theme, and around 10 to 20 shops selling goods and food that fit the theme set up stalls each time.

The event is held in the event space on the first floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK. Admission is free, and anyone can drop by.

Check the website to see in advance which shops will be setting up stalls.

Past events

Here’s a brief look at some of the events held in the past.

A variety of events have been held, and the past ones look like fun, too!

Events seem to be held most often on Saturdays and Sundays at the end of the month.

They usually run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is quite a long time, so you can take your time looking around.

It’s in a great location, directly connected to JR Kurashiki Station, and is held even in rainy weather, so it’s easy to drop by anytime.

Highlights of Okayama Marche

Lots of lovely shops! Explore the different booths

The appeal of Okayama Marche is that you can discover lots of shops all at once.

Many of the products are rooted in the local community, so the shopkeepers are very friendly and happy to chat.

It’s not too large, and you can see everything, so start by taking a leisurely lap along whichever route you like.

Just looking at them warms your heart: Itomono Colorful

Among the many shops, the first thing to catch my eye was the colorful yarn.

It was the booth of Itomono Colorful, which makes yarn-based accessories.

The balls of yarn are made by combining many different colors, and stand out for their distinctive colors and names.

The blue-dominant ball of yarn at the far left in the image is called “Galaxy.”

You can certainly picture a galaxy, with red and orange stars mingling in a blue universe.

Each ball of yarn has its own character and is so cute.

There was also a whole lineup of warm items, such as hats and gloves.

You can feel the warmth that comes from being hand-knitted, and just looking at them warms your heart.

Wood and leather accessories: tackle wood design

I spotted a booth displaying unusual wooden accessories.

As I looked closely, a friendly shopkeeper came over to talk to me.

This was the booth of tackle wood design, from Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, which sells items based on the concept of “wooden goods you can use and enjoy, like a favorite fashion accessory.”

The items lined up on the left side of the image are, amazingly, business card holders made of wood and leather.

They have a lovely warmth to them!

They come in a wide range of colors, and are the kind of items you can’t help wanting to pick up.

▼ “Please, have a seat!” the shopkeeper said, offering me this chair.

It turns out the seat is made of paper!

It’s highly elastic and molds to your shape, so apparently you won’t get tired even if you sit for a long time.

At first I was a little worried it might tear, but it was very sturdy, and the fit was comfortable, too.

Discovering something this interesting is one of the best parts of an event! Now that I’m excited, let’s take a look at the next booth!

Go at lunchtime! Enjoy authentic, HOT Indian curry in Okayama

The booth filling the air with a wonderful, spicy aroma belonged to Spicy Spice, where you can enjoy South Indian curry.

The restaurant serves home-style spice dishes passed down from the chef’s grandmother. The chef is from Kerala, India.

Did you find yourself thinking, “Where on earth is Kerala?” I felt the same way.

As it turns out, Kerala has flourished as a major spice-producing region since ancient times and is famous as a paradise in South India.

In other words, you can enjoy curry that is truly authentic in every sense!

It makes you wonder excitedly what kind of curry it is!

But, unbelievably, I made the grave mistake of arriving after eating a huge lunch…

I promised to visit the restaurant another time and reluctantly left.

If you’re interested, be sure to visit the restaurant in Omoto, Kita Ward, Okayama City.

And I recommend going to the event before lunchtime!

Plenty of places to take a break when you get tired

When you’ve enjoyed the event and want to take a breather, stop for a short rest on the bench terrace inside the facility.

On a fine day, the sunlight pours down and you can enjoy the warm, pleasant weather.

Since the event is held inside the outlet mall, you might also enjoy doing some shopping while you’re there.

Can't wait for the next Okayama Marche!

At this event, I met lots of wonderful shops and people.

However, some shops were unable to set up stalls this time due to the effects of COVID-19, and there seem to have been fewer booths at the event.

Next time, there may be even more heartwarming encounters.

The theme of the ninth Okayama Marche is “Fermentation.”

I have a feeling there’ll be delicious food that’s good for the body!

I’m really looking forward to seeing what kinds of shops will be there next time.

It’s scheduled to be held on February 26–27, 2021, so be sure to mark it on your calendar!

Okayama Marche, 8th Edition: Warm Marche Information

Name	Okayama Marche, 8th Edition: Warm Marche
Date	January 29 and 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location	MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki, 1F event space
Admission (tax included)	Free
Website	MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki

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