Have you heard of the “Kojima Ekimae Sanpaku Market,” held every month in Kojima, Kurashiki City?
For generations, three industries have supported life and livelihoods in Kojima: textile manufacturing, salt production, and fishing. The “white of cotton, white of salt, and white of sand lance (ikanago)” that symbolize each industry are collectively called “Sanpaku (the Three Whites),” a proud expression of Kojima that has been passed down to the present day.
The morning market known as the “Kojima Ekimae Sanpaku Market” was started in honor of the “Three Whites of Kojima.” We visited this historic market, which held its 196th event on May 25, 2025.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in June 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Kojima Ekimae Sanpaku Market?
The “Kojima Ekimae Sanpaku Market” is a morning market held on the last Sunday of every month on the grounds around 7th Avenue, Patio, and Tenmaya Topia in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
The three facilities are lined up almost in a straight line, with rows of vendors along the walkways.
The surrounding grounds are also closed to traffic on the day, so you can shop at your leisure with peace of mind.
The day of the event
The first thing we noticed upon arriving at the venue was the appetizing aroma tickling our noses.
The scent of charcoal grilling and teppanyaki wafted from all directions, making our stomachs rumble.
“What delicious food will we find today?” we wondered as we set off excitedly.
In the fresh morning air, the vendors’ cheerful voices rang out, and the place was full of energy.
Enjoying the food at Sanpaku Market
First, we bought a tornado potato from “Imokoro.” Their stall was at the entrance to Patio, and its yellow color caught our eye.
The long potato, which looked to be over 30 cm, delighted the family.
We chose the barbecue flavor from four options. Its crunchy texture and punchy spices were a perfect match.
Next was the pot-cooked chiffon cake from “ERI Kona’S.”
We were surprised by the variety, and enjoyed taking our time choosing. This time, we picked chocolate chip.
We were surprised by its “jiggly” feel as soon as we picked it up. It was cake, but so jiggly!
One bite filled our mouths with a moist texture and gentle sweetness.
Drawn in by the enticing aroma of charcoal grilling, we bought the charcoal-grilled red old hen from “Okayama Komatsumura.”
Its chewy texture and spicy kick were addictive—we could have eaten it forever.
The half-size portion (normally 300 yen) was on sale for just 200 yen that day for elementary and junior high school students.
We enjoyed the half-size portion there, then took home a regular-size one to enjoy with drinks that evening.
Crafts that showcase “the spirit of Kojima,” and an unexpected booth
At “Denim Goods N,” bags, pouches, pen cases, and more were packed tightly together.
Kojima is also famous as the birthplace of domestically made jeans.
The shop’s products are handmade one-of-a-kind items made with Kojima denim; no two are alike.
The shopkeeper told us that they mainly sell on consignment during the rest of the month, but set up a stall at Sanpaku Market every month.
I bought a pouch for my family.
I use it as a coin purse, and the more I use it, the more character it develops—and the more attached I become to it.
One unexpected booth was the play area run by “Kojima Children’s Center.”
From ring toss and fishing games to plate spinning and crafts, little children were engrossed and having a wonderful time.
It’s a very welcome corner for families with young children.
Another surprising feature was the blood sugar testing booth run by the “Kojima Pharmacists Association.”
- You’re concerned about your health, but don’t feel you need to go to the hospital
- You’d like to take a closer look at your health
For people like that, we felt that having a health check at an event was a welcome initiative.
A lively indoor venue! & a belly dance show
Inside the building, the vegetable sales area was bustling.
The generously sized vegetables were sold at affordable prices, and at times a line formed at the checkout. People who got a good deal on fresh vegetables looked delighted as they carried large plastic bags.
At Central Court, a belly dance show by Atelier Asanoha was taking place.
The dancers, dressed in dazzling costumes, moved gracefully and powerfully, captivating the audience.
The venue was transformed into an exotic atmosphere, and many people stopped to watch.
From the Writer
When we hear “morning market,” we tend to picture vegetables and gourmet food, but when we actually visited, we were surprised by the wide variety of vendors and categories.
A wonderful event to enjoy with all five senses: pleasing to see, delicious to eat, exciting to hear, delightful to smell, and fun to touch.
It is held on the last Sunday of every month, and takes place even in rainy weather, making it easy to plan a visit.
Why not visit Kojima Station Mae Sanpakuichi at least once?
Kojima Station Mae Sanpakuichi Information
| Name | Kojima Station Mae Sanpakuichi |
|---|---|
| Date | Last Sunday of every month 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Location | Within the grounds of 7th Avenue, Patio, and Tenmaya Topia |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kojima Station Mae Sanpakuichi Official Website |
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