I went to the year-end annual event "Spoon's New Year Market" held at the outdoor event square of Kurashiki Mirai Park and Ario Kurashiki.
The popular store "Gohan-ya Saji", located about a 10-minute walk from JR Soja Station, is in charge of planning and managing the event. They reportedly hosted a total of 16 events in 2023.
Since I live in Mabi, "Gohan-ya Saji" is close to me, but I had never been to the store or the market, so I went to prepare for the New Year.
Overview of "Spoon's New Year Market"
The "Spoon's New Year Market" was held on December 29, 2023 (Friday), with about 40 stores participating at the outdoor event square of Kurashiki Mirai Park and Ario Kurashiki.
The event hours are the same as the "Good Morning Market" held on the second Sunday of every month, from 9 AM to 12 PM.
- Snacks for gatherings with relatives and friends during the New Year
- Wonderful items appreciated for New Year preparations and gifts
- Not only food but also colorful miscellaneous goods and bookstores
With such items gathered, if you want to take a good look at each store, three hours during the event may not be enough.
Several stores were sold out by 10 AM, so if you want to enjoy it thoroughly, it's better to go early.
Venue Appearance
I immediately went there.
I will introduce the stores I visited this time.
Kibatoya (Baked Sweets)
This is a baked sweets shop located in Kojima.
I thought, "What a lucky day that it's a popular shop but not crowded!" but almost everything was sold out...
My daughter and I were at a loss, and here is the kind gaze of the Kibatoya staff. However, fortunately, they had some stollen left.
I savored the chocolate stollen carefully after returning home.
Stone Oven Bakery nico (Pizza and Sweets)
After that, while strolling through Kurashiki Mirai Park, I discovered an oven.
As my hunger peaked, I am not good at waiting in line, but before I knew it, I was excited and waited for about 40 minutes to get a "Margherita" and "Gorgonzola Cheese with Honey" pizza, which I ate right there.
The hot pizza baked in the stone oven is exceptional.
451 Books (Mobile Bookstore)
Having filled my stomach, I went for another stroll.
As I headed towards the event square at Ario Kurashiki, I was drawn to a cute bookstore. Picture books, foreign books, and adorable miscellaneous goods were crammed in every corner.
The owner, Negi-san, is said to be the representative of the organizing body for the Okayama Literary Festival.
It seems there will be various events from February to March, which also piques my interest.
Conclusion
I spoke with the organizer, Ochi-san.
It was a warm event where I could feel the connections between people, as if a small town had formed around Saji-san.
On January 14, 2024 (Sunday), the monthly regular event Ohayou Market will be held at Ario Kurashiki.
Details of the event will be updated regularly on Instagram, so let's check it out.
Data on Saji's Year-End Market
| Name | Saji's Year-End Market |
|---|---|
| Date | December 29, 2023 (Friday) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Location | Ario Kurashiki, Kurashiki Mirai Park |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Website | Saji's Event Account (Instagram) |
I want to especially cherish the vendors, as well as our customers and everyone at Ario Kurashiki.
Many shops that usually do not participate in events join us, saying, "If it's Saji-san's event!" The year-end market also serves as a chance to greet those shops.
In 2024, we already have 14 events planned, so I look forward to your continued support!