The "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March," held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of March, will be held without restrictions on the course or number of participants for the first time in five years.
While enjoying the pleasant spring weather and moving your body, we introduce the 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March, where you can also enjoy the food of Kurashiki.
What is the "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March"
The "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March" is the largest walking event in Western Japan, held in Kurashiki City since 1987 (Showa 62).
The 33rd to 35th events were canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the 36th event in 2023 was held with participant limits, but the 37th event in 2024 will be held normally for the first time in five years.
The implementation overview is as follows.
| Date | March 9 (Saturday) and 10 (Sunday), 2024 *Held rain or shine |
|---|---|
| Main Venue | Kurashiki City Office (640 Nishinakaida, Kurashiki City) |
| Participation Fee |
Adults: 2,000 yen (2,200 yen on the day), High school and middle school students: 500 yen, Free for elementary school students and younger *Same fee for participation on one day or both days |
| Participation Qualifications | Walkers who can follow the event rules and walking manners *Accompaniment by a guardian is required for elementary school students and younger |
The application methods are as follows.
- Internet (http://i.spoen.net/92492)
A fee of 220 yen is required for a total participation fee of up to 4,000 yen, and 5.3% of the total participation fee for amounts over 4,001 yen. - Phone Application
TEL:0570-039-846 (Weekdays 10 AM to 5 PM) - Postal Transfer
A payment slip (application form) is attached to the flyer. - In-Person Application
Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division, Life Park Kurashiki, Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, Mabi, Sho, Chayamachi, Funao Community Centers
*Payment via PayPay is available.
The deadline for advance applications is "by January 31, 2024 (Wednesday)." It is recommended to apply in advance as registration is expected to be crowded on the day.
Event Course
The reception and departure times vary by event course.
The highlight of this event is the long-distance course, held for the first time in five years.
On March 9, the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and Washuzan course will cover 40 km (38.7 km), and on March 10, the Kibi no Makibi course will cover 30 km (30.2 km).
These two courses are expected to attract many walkers from outside Kurashiki City as in previous years.
37th Event Partnership Projects
At the 37th event, the following partnership projects will be conducted.
- 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March Instagram Post Lottery
- Tourism Walk (advance application only)
- Friendly Walk
- Special Walk
All projects require advance application, so those interested should apply early.
The "Special Walk" has reached capacity.
Overview of the 36th Event
A friend of the author participated in the Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March and said, "I was very tired, but it was a lot of fun to visit spots I usually don't walk to."
The author has just moved to Kurashiki in the fall of 2023, so they want to participate in the 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March and explore the town of Kurashiki.
I spoke with Yuuki Sumida from the Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division, which plans and operates the Kurashiki Setouchi Two-Day March.
Interview with the Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division
Can you tell us about the background of the "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March" project?
Sumida (no honorifics)
The Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March was first held in 1987 (Showa 62) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the merger of Kurashiki, Kojima, and Tamashima, and just before the opening of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge the following year. Since then, it has continued as the largest walking event in Western Japan, with over 10,000 participants.
The 33rd to 35th events were canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the 36th event was held with participant limits and the long-distance course canceled. However, this year will be a normal event for the first time in five years, and we hope many people will participate.
There are many courses set up, but do you have any recommended courses?
Sumida
The top recommendation is the "Seto-Ohashi Bridge and Washuzan Course," which covers 40 km. This event will also commemorate the 90th anniversary of the designation of Setouchi National Park, so I hope participants can enjoy the magnificent views of Setouchi National Park created by the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
Additionally, the "Kibi no Makibi Course," which covers 30 km, is also recommended. It is a course where you can enjoy history and nature, and I hope participants can feel the steady recovery from the July 2018 heavy rain disaster.
At each course checkpoint, local volunteers will provide delicious pork miso soup. Furthermore, there will be food booths using local specialties and food trucks selling crepes and scones at the main venue. After walking a lot, please enjoy some delicious food to refresh yourself.
Please give a message to the readers.
Sumida
In March, warmth returns to the town of Kurashiki. This time of year, getting outside and moving your body can refresh both your mind and body.
Even on familiar roads, I hope you can feel the breath of spring that you might not notice from inside a car.
We welcome first-time participants, so we look forward to your participation.
Conclusion
A journey that is hard to walk alone feels possible when walking with someone else.
Walk using your whole body, see with your eyes, smell the spring, listen to the birds chirping, and taste the food of Kurashiki. It seems like it will be an event where you can enjoy Kurashiki with all five senses.
Why not participate in the "37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March" as a chance to rediscover the charm of our town, Kurashiki?
Data for the 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
| Name | 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March |
|---|---|
| Date | March 9 (Saturday) and 10 (Sunday), 2024, starting at 7 AM (meeting times vary by course) *Advance participation applications are accepted until January 31, 2024 (Wednesday) (same-day registration available) |
| Location | Meeting place: "Kurashiki City Office Main Building" |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Adults: 2,000 yen (2,200 yen for same-day applications), High school and middle school students: 500 yen, Free for elementary school students and younger |
| Website | 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March |
