I participated in the first "Citizen Walking Day" of 2024.
The course in January was Tamashima District in the western part of Kurashiki City.
Tamashima is my hometown, and I am familiar with this course, but usually, I just pass through in a hurry.
I participated with excitement, thinking that walking slowly with many people might allow me to rediscover the charm of Tamashima that I had not noticed before.
What is "Citizen Walking Day"?
"Citizen Walking Day" is a walking event organized by the Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Committee, Kurashiki Walking Association, and Kojima Walking Association.
We walk through historical sites and parks in Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, and Mabi on a monthly basis.
The first "Citizen Walking Day" of 2024 was held on January 14 (Sunday) on the "Haguro Shrine Course in Tamashima District".
Starting from JR Shin-Kurashiki Station, we walked a round trip of about 7 km along the Tamagawa River.
Although it was January, the cold was not too severe, and about 80 participants of various ages, from children to seniors, joined.
Overview of the Tamashima District Haguro Shrine Course
We started at JR Shin-Kurashiki Station at 9 AM.
We headed south from Shin-Kurashiki Station to Tamagawa Park.
From there, we visited Tonomachi Shopping Street and Saiso-tei, turning back at Shinminato Bridge. Then we headed to Haguro Shrine, went around Agazaki Park, and returned to Shin-Kurashiki.
We walked through the center of Tamashima, which has a traditional atmosphere.
The only uphill part is the stairs leading up to Haguro Shrine, and the rest of the path is flat, making it easy for anyone to walk.
Relaxing by the Water: Tamagawa Park
After about a 25-minute walk from JR Shin-Kurashiki Station, we arrived at Tamagawa Park.
The park is spacious, allowing one to feel the vastness of the sky. The mountains in the distance include Mt. Yosho.
Tamagawa Park has a windmill that turns slowly in the breeze, playground equipment, and rest areas, where families and people out for a walk were enjoying their day off.
At the waterside where ducks swim, many canola flowers were blooming, creating a yellow carpet.
Participants were taking cheerful photos against the backdrop of the canola flowers.
Crossing the Drum Can Bridge to the Showa Retro Tonomachi Shopping Street
From Tamagawa Park, we headed to Shinbori Park, located across from Tamashima Library.
We crossed the Drum Can Bridge to reach Tonomachi Shopping Street. The Drum Can Bridge is a floating bridge made of drum cans.
It was also used for filming the movie "Tombi." It's a somewhat rare bridge that you don't see elsewhere.
Entering Tonomachi Shopping Street, it was bustling with the "Bichu Tamashima Minato Morning Market," held on the second Sunday of every month. The enticing smells of grilled chicken and bread made me slow my pace.
Tamashima's Merchant House: Old Yunoki House (Saiso-tei)
After passing through Tonomachi Shopping Street and entering a quieter residential area, we found Old Yunoki House (Saiso-tei).
Old Yunoki House is the former residence of a village headman who served the Bichu Matsuyama Domain.
It is said that Kumada Ataka, a samurai of the Bichu Matsuyama Domain, committed seppuku here to protect the lives of his subordinates.
Listening to the guide's explanation, I felt as if I had time-traveled back to that era.
It was about 4 km from the start to here.
Sitting on the engawa (veranda) and looking at the quiet garden, I was able to take a short break.
Haguro Shrine Protected by the Karasu Tengu
After walking about 500 meters from Saiso-tei, we arrived at "Haguro Shrine."
This shrine was established to pray for the success of the land reclamation project in Tamashima. It is so well-loved by the local people that when you mention Tamashima's shrines, "Haguro Shrine" is the first that comes to mind.
Participants also visited the shrine in small groups.
We greeted the Karasu Tengu on the roof tiles.
It seemed to be protecting the town of Tamashima from above.
Conclusion
The Tamashima District Haguro Shrine Course was a route where we could enjoy the charm of Tamashima while viewing the waterside townscape, wild birds, and flowers along the Tamagawa River.
Walking through the area, I was reminded that Tamashima is a region deeply connected to water, with the Tamagawa River and Tamashima Port.
Although JR Shin-Kurashiki Station is a bit far from the center of Tamashima, it is a pleasant distance for a walking course.
The average walking pace was around 4 km per hour.
Even with a large group, we were able to walk leisurely without rushing.
Why not participate in "Citizen Walking Day" and rediscover the charm of Kurashiki City in a fun way?
The next event will be on February 11, 2024 (Sunday), following the path of the Wind Road in the Kojima District of Kurashiki City, visiting the "Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum" on a course of about 9 km.
- 8:45 AM: Gather at JR Kojima Station
- 9:00 AM: Start
A challenging course with an ascent towards Washuzan also sounds fun.
First-time participants need to fill out the "2023 Citizen Walking Day Participation Application Form."
Data for the 2023 Citizen Walking Day
| Name | 2023 Citizen Walking Day |
|---|---|
| Location | Kurashiki City (Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, Mabi) |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Homepage | 2023 Citizen Walking Day |
