As part of the town development in Kojima, the "Kojima Station Front Sanpaku Market" (さんぱくいち) was planned to create a lively shopping street.
Held on the last Sunday of every month at "Tenmaya Happy Town Kojima Store," "Topia Tenmaya Happy Town Kojima Store," "Shopping Court PATIO," and "7th Street," it features local specialties and products from Okayama Prefecture, offering food and sales all at once.
The name of the morning market comes from "Kojima Sanpaku," a phrase that has been passed down as a way to convey the pride of the people of Kojima.
"Sanpaku" refers to "the white of cotton (textile industry)," "the white of salt (salt industry)," and "the white of baby sardines (fishing industry)." These represent the typical industries that have supported the history and economy of Kojima.
This is the 155th event, with 35 stores participating from within Okayama Prefecture.
I went with my family to have breakfast.
First, let's get breakfast
From the entrance of Shopping Court PATIO, adjacent to Tenmaya Happy Town Kojima Store, various shops line up.
Since there are a few tables and chairs available, if you can secure a seat, you can enjoy breakfast at a leisurely pace.
I was quite hungry, so I immediately went to buy yakitori at a shop called "Yakitori Ichiban" right at the entrance.
I purchased sunazuri (200 yen each). My family bought momo (200 yen each).
They offer various parts such as momo, kawa, bonjiri, and shinzou.
As I went further inside, I discovered a line.
I wondered what the line was for, and it seemed they were selling beef tendon curry (500 yen per bowl).
Being a curry lover, I immediately got in line. I was excited about what the taste would be like while waiting.
However, as my turn approached, a shocking fact was revealed.
It turned out that I was in the line for beef skewers (290 yen each), not beef tendon curry!
I had noticed that the line had split into two at the beginning, but it seemed that the right line was for beef skewers and the left line was for beef tendon curry.
I was curious about the beef tendon curry, but I didn't feel like getting back in line and just bought the beef skewers instead.
I had just bought yakitori earlier...
This shop was called "Beef Skewer Workshop," and it seemed that the curry was just as popular.
If they are there next time, I would like to try it.
After buying the beef skewers, I reunited with my family, who had bought pho and chijimi.
▼ I tried pho for the first time, and it had noodles in a broth made from meat, similar to ramen in Japan.
When I tasted it, it had an ethnic aroma, and the noodles were smooth and delicious.
This shop focuses on local production for local consumption and does not use chemical seasonings.
No wonder it had a gentle flavor.
▼ Next, the chijimi was chewy, and the sauce was spicy and delicious.
▼ The beef skewers I bought instead of curry.
I chose the hormone variety. It was plump and sweet.
Although I was disappointed about the curry, this was a hit.
At this point, I was quite full.
Having eaten breakfast, I decided to stroll around the area a bit.
Fire truck and little firefighters
Next, I explored 7th Street.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous Kojima Station Front Sanpaku Market was canceled, and with the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, it felt like there were many people around.
Near the entrance of 7th Street, I spotted a fire truck.
Members of the Kurashiki City Fire Department were there, dressing small children in firefighter uniforms and taking pictures with the fire truck.
It was very popular among the little ones.
The firefighter said to the children, "This is real firefighter gear, so it doesn't let heat escape, which makes it hot."
Since it was a firefighter uniform for small children, I thought it was fake, but it seems it was real.
The fireproof clothing worn by firefighters protects them from flames and heat and is designed to prevent some water from penetrating inside.
However, it is also structured to not let sweat and heat escape during activities.
Firefighters working in such challenging environments as fire scenes, while wearing fireproof clothing that doesn't let heat escape, deserve our respect.
As I continued down 7th Street, I found a flea market taking place.
Clothes, shoes, cooking utensils, toys, books, and various other items were being sold.
There might be things in our house that we don't use but can't seem to dispose of.
While I use auctions and apps for items that might sell, I thought a flea market would be nice for items that are expensive to ship or small, allowing for face-to-face transactions.
A stage that energizes!? Hip-hop dance
In the Central Court of Topia Tenmaya Happy Town Kojima Store, a hip-hop event was taking place.
It seemed that students from a dance studio called "Wise Bird" were performing.
The name Wise Bird embodies the hope that they will become a smart group aiming for dance as a total art that integrates various genres.
However, unfortunately, when I arrived, it had just ended...
I hope to see it next time.
Souvenirs are a treat to enjoy at home
When it comes to morning markets, souvenirs are one of the great pleasures besides breakfast.
Let me introduce the souvenirs I purchased this time.
ERI Powder's chiffon cake
At ERI Powder's, there are unusual chiffon cakes lined up, including orange, strawberry, lemon, banana, cashew nuts, and apricot.
There are so many varieties that I couldn't remember them all, with as many as 45 types available.
I was indecisive, but I ended up purchasing the yuzu chiffon cake.
I ate it at home, and it had a fluffy texture with a hint of yuzu flavor.
Katayama Store's Tofu Donuts
I purchased tofu donuts at Katayama Store.
Recently, these donuts are perfect for the author, who has been gaining a bit of a belly.
They are low in calories, so I recommend them to those who usually watch their calorie intake.
I also bought and ate fried rice cakes, which were so delicious that it would not be an exaggeration to say they ranked first in my "fried rice cake ranking history."
If you have the chance, please try buying them at least once.
Conclusion
Additionally, there is pressed sushi made with low-sugar rice containing konjac from Yogetsudo - NObu.
Diced steak using Chiyagyu Beef from Nakayama Meat Shop, fluffy cream bread from the newly participating Ebisu Pan, and various types of takoyaki from Harapeko-ya.
There are many attractive shops and products, and I thought it would be difficult to see everything in one visit.
Above all, you can feel the energy of the shop owners and the customers coming to Kojima Station's Sanpaku Market.
There are always new shops participating, and even the same shops change their product lineup.
At the same time, events are also held, so both first-time visitors and repeat customers can enjoy themselves.
Why not visit the lively Kojima Station's Sanpaku Market on the last Sunday of the month?
Data on Kojima Station's Sanpaku Market
| Name | Kojima Station's Sanpaku Market |
|---|---|
| Date | Last Sunday of every month |
| Location | Kojima Station, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Kojima Station's Sanpaku Market |
