Okayama Marche, where local creators and artists set up stalls.
MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki and Ario Kurashiki, directly connected to JR Kurashiki Station, are holding this event irregularly to commemorate their 10th anniversary.
This event is the 8th edition and is titled Warm Marche.
In this still chilly season, I participated in the event seeking warmth.
I will report on the heartwarming atmosphere of the marche.
Overview of Okayama Marche
Okayama Marche has a theme for each event, with about 10 to 20 shops offering goods and food that align with the theme.
It is held in the event space on the first floor of MITSUI OUTLET PARK, and participation is free, allowing anyone to drop by.
By checking the website, you can see in advance which shops will be participating.
Past Events
Let me briefly introduce some of the past events.
| Event Period | Event Name |
|---|---|
| April 24-25, 2021 | Okayama Marche 1st Edition - Flowers |
| June 26-27, 2021 | Okayama Marche 2nd Edition - Beauty and Health |
| August 22-23, 2021 | Okayama Marche 3rd Edition - The Circle of Support Turns into Strength |
| August 28-29, 2021 | Okayama Marche 4th Edition - SDGs That I Can Do |
| October 16-17, 2021 | Okayama Marche 5th Edition - Gentle on the Body |
| November 27-28, 2021 | Okayama Marche 6th Edition - Handmade |
| December 18-19, 2021 | Okayama Marche 7th Edition - White |
Various events have been held, and the past events also seem enjoyable!
The events are often held on the last Saturday and Sunday of the month.
The opening hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM each time, so you can take your time to look around.
With a great location directly connected to JR Kurashiki Station, and held even in rainy weather, it is easy to drop by anytime.
Highlights of Okayama Marche
Many wonderful shops! Let's explore various booths
The charm of Okayama Marche is that you can meet many shops at once.
Since many products are rooted in the local area, the shopkeepers are very friendly and willing to chat.
The scale is not too large, so you can see everything; first, let's take a stroll around your favorite course.
Just looking at it warms the heart - Itomono Colorful
Among the many shops, the first thing that caught my eye was the colorful yarns.
This is from "Itomono Colorful," which makes yarn-based goods.
The yarn balls, made from a combination of various colors, are characterized by their unique hues and names.
The blue yarn ball on the far left of the image is named "Galaxy."
Indeed, it evokes the image of a blue universe with red and orange stars mingling together, just like a galaxy.
Each yarn ball has its own personality and is very cute.
There are also plenty of warm goods like hats and gloves.
You can feel the warmth that comes from hand-knitting, and just looking at them warms the heart.
Wooden and leather accessories - tackle wood design
I discovered a booth lined with unique wooden accessories.
As I was looking closely, a friendly staff member approached me.
This is the booth of "tackle wood design," located in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, which sells items with the concept of "wooden items that can be enjoyed as you use them stylishly."
What is lined up on the left side of the image are business card holders made of wood and leather.
You can feel the warmth of the wood, and it's wonderful!
With a rich variety of colors, these items are very tempting to pick up.
▼ "Please have a seat!" This is the chair that was offered to me.
Actually, the seat part is made of paper!
It has high elasticity and conforms to your shape, so you won't get tired even after sitting for a long time.
At first, I was a bit worried it might tear, but it was very sturdy, and the fit was comfortable.
Such interesting encounters are the charm of events! Just as I was getting excited, let's peek into the next booth!
You should go at lunchtime! Enjoy authentic Indian HOT curry in Okayama
The strong spicy aroma wafting through the air is from "Paishi-Pais," where you can enjoy South Indian curry.
The chef, originally from Kerala, India, serves home-cooked dishes with spices passed down from his grandmother.
"Where is Kerala?" you might wonder! I felt the same way.
In fact, Kerala has been a major producer of spices since ancient times and is famous as a paradise in South India.
In other words, you can enjoy authentic curry from the heart of the heart!
I wonder what kind of curry it is; it makes me excited!
However, I made the unfortunate mistake of arriving with a full stomach at lunchtime...
I promised to visit the shop next time and reluctantly left the scene.
If you're interested, please visit the shop located in Daizen, Okayama City.
And I recommend going to the event before lunchtime!
Many spots to take a break when tired
When you want to take a break after enjoying the event, let's take a short rest at the bench terrace inside the facility.
On sunny days, sunlight pours in, making it warm and pleasant.
Since the event is held in an outlet facility, you might also enjoy shopping while you're there.
Can't wait for the next Okayama Marche!
At this event, I encountered many wonderful shops and people.
However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, some shops were unable to participate, and it seems that the number of booths was fewer this time.
Next time, there may be even more heartwarming encounters.
The theme for the 9th Okayama Marche is "Fermentation."
I have a feeling that I will be able to eat delicious food that is gentle on the body!
I am very excited to see what kind of shops I will encounter next time.
Scheduled for February 26-27, 2021, so don't forget to mark your calendars!
Data on the 8th Okayama Marche - Warm Marche
| Name | 8th Okayama Marche - Warm Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | January 29-30, 10 AM - 5 PM |
| Location | MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki, 1F Event Space |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki |
