At the end of March 2025, as if to announce the arrival of spring, cherry blossoms began to bloom in various places throughout Kurashiki City.
With the arrival of such spring, the 2nd Shimotsui Castle Ruins Sakura Festival was held at the Shimotsui Castle Ruins (Seto-Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park) in the Kojima area of Kurashiki City.
The event was filled with plenty of activities to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, a stamp rally, and local gourmet food.
We will introduce a special moment unique to spring along with photos.
What is the 2nd Shimotsui Castle Ruins Sakura Festival?
The 2nd Shimotsui Castle Ruins Sakura Festival (hereafter referred to as "Sakura Festival") is an event organized by the Shimotsui Thinking Association. It was held on March 30, 2025 (Sunday) at the Shimotsui Castle Ruins (Seto-Ohashi Bridge Memorial Park).
The Shimotsui Castle Ruins is a scenic spot located at an elevation of 89 meters, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. In spring, about 300 cherry trees bloom, making it a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot known to those in the area.
The Day's Events
On the day of the Sakura Festival, the parking lot at the venue was unavailable, so we used a shuttle bus.
We drove to Kojima Station and parked our car at a temporary parking lot set up nearby.
We boarded the shuttle bus from Kojima Station. The fare was required from elementary school students, and it was 100 yen one way.
After about 15 minutes, we arrived at the Shimotsui Castle Ruins venue.
The first thing that caught my eye was a banner that read "Sakura Festival." The light pink design was very spring-like.
Breathtaking Views × Cherry Blossoms × Castle Ruins! A Stamp Walk Rally Full of Highlights
I participated in a stamp rally around the Shimotsui Castle Ruins.
There are a total of 6 stamp locations. With determination, we set off.
We ventured along a nature-rich mountain path, feeling adventurous.
This is the state of the main keep ruins. A workshop was being held there.
In the same square, there was another corner called the World Play Area, where three types of games could be enjoyed freely:
- Ring toss (Japan)
- Cornhole (USA)
- Mölkky (Finland)
It was impressive to see children taking their first steps and older people alike enjoying themselves across generations.
Beyond the main keep ruins, there were the second and third bailey ruins.
The view opened up dramatically, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the Seto Inland Sea.
Just gazing at the calm sea was soothing for the heart.
Each stamp point had panels explaining the history and highlights. While reading the explanations, I reflected on the past and felt the romance of history.
Depending on the location, the cherry blossoms were about 20% to 40% in bloom. They seemed likely to reach full bloom in a few days.
Admiring the early-blooming flowers has its own charm.
I heard participants saying, "Let's come back next week to see the cherry blossoms again."
The stamp rally, which we walked through leisurely and enjoyably, took about 30 to 40 minutes. By collecting 6 stamps, you can enter a lottery for luxurious prizes such as meal vouchers and food from local shops.
The grand prize is, surprisingly, octopus from Shimotsui.
Winners of the grand prize will have fresh ones shipped to them as soon as they are caught.
Enjoying Shimotsui Gourmet
After walking a lot, I was very hungry. I headed to the food booth to fill my stomach.
With delicious aromas wafting from various stalls, my appetite was stimulated by snacks, rice dishes, and sweets.
In addition to festival staples like yakisoba and fried chicken, there were menus utilizing local specialties.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, I thought, "I want to eat something related to Shimotsui," and purchased octopus rice and octopus fried rice. I shared them with my family.
The octopus rice was deeply flavorful as the rice absorbed the umami of the octopus, and it had a nostalgic, gentle taste.
Next is octopus fried rice. The plump octopus adds a great accent, making it hard to stop eating.
Eating rice under the pleasant blue sky while viewing the cherry blossoms was exceptionally delicious.
Making Keychains at the Shimotsui Attraction Promotion Booth & First Unveiling "THINK GOOD SHIMOTSUI"
I participated in a workshop with children at the Shimotsui attraction promotion booth right at the entrance of the venue.
The materials for the keychains are scrap materials used in boats from Shimotsui.
This product was born from a university student's graduation thesis and is part of an initiative aimed at revitalizing the Shimotsui area.
Difficult parts were assisted by parents or helped by staff, and everyone was engrossed in the work.
Here are the completed products. They have unique, cute faces with big, round eyes.
It’s amazing how scrap materials that were supposed to be discarded have transformed into such wonderful items.
Next to the workshop, there was also a sale of goods from the brand "THINK GOOD SHIMOTSUI".
A portion of the sales proceeds will be used for environmental conservation, fisheries, and regional revitalization in Shimotsui.
As a show of support, I purchased a tatami edge coin case.
Conclusion
For the author, who is from the Kojima area, Shimotsui has always been a familiar place.
However, participating in this cherry blossom festival led to new discoveries, such as encounters with shops I had never known and initiatives for regional revitalization.
The charm of Shimotsui that I experienced through this festival is surely just a small part. There seem to be many wonderful places and encounters yet to be discovered in this town.
I would like to take a leisurely stroll on an ordinary holiday to further savor the charm of Shimotsui.
Data for the 2nd Shimotsui Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival
| Name | 2nd Shimotsui Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | March 30, 2025 (Sunday) From 10 AM to 4 PM |
| Location | Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Homepage | Shimotsui Thinking Association Official Instagram |
