37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March (Advance registration is open until January 31, 2024) — Rediscover the charms of Kurashiki while feeling the breath of spring.

The Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March, held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of March, will be held without restrictions on routes or participant numbers for the first time in five years.

Here’s an introduction to the 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March, where you can enjoy Kurashiki’s food while getting active and savoring the pleasant warmth of spring.

What Is the “Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March”?

The Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March is a walking event on the largest scale in western Japan, held in Kurashiki City since 1987.

The 33rd through 35th events were canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the 36th event in 2023 was held with a limit on participant numbers. In 2024, however, it will be held as usual for the first time in five years.

The event details are as follows.

Registration methods are as follows.

• Online (http://i.spoen.net/92492)
  A fee of ¥220 applies to entry fees totaling up to ¥4,000; for totals of ¥4,001 or more, a fee of 5.3% of the total entry fees applies.
• By phone
  TEL:0570-039-846 (Weekdays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
• By postal transfer
  A payment form (entry application) is included with the flyer.
• In person
  Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division, Life Park Kurashiki, and the Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, Mabi, Sho, Chayamachi, and Funao Community Centers　
  ※Payment by PayPay is accepted

Event Routes

Registration and start times vary depending on the event route.

The highlight of this year’s event is the long-distance routes, being held for the first time in five years.

On March 9, the Seto-Ohashi Bridge–Washuzan Hill Route covers 40 km (38.7 km), and on March 10, the Kibi no Makibi Route covers 30 km (30.2 km).

Many walkers from Outside Kurashiki City also take part in these two routes each year.

Events in Partnership with the 37th March

The following partner events will be held alongside the 37th March.

• 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March Instagram Post Prize Drawing
• Sightseeing Walk (advance registration only)
• Friendly Walk
• “Since You’re Here” Walk

Advance registration is required for all events, so if you’re interested, be sure to sign up early.

Highlights from the 36th March

An acquaintance of mine took part in the Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March and said, “I was really tired, but it was so much fun to visit places I wouldn’t normally walk to.”

I also only moved to Kurashiki in the fall of 2023, so I’d like to take part in the 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March and explore the city.

We spoke with Sumida Yuki of the Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division, which plans and runs the “Kurashiki Setouchi Two Day March.”

Interview with a Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division Representative

Could you tell us about the background to planning the Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March?

Sumida (titles omitted)

The Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March was first held in 1987 to mark the 20th anniversary of the merger of Kurashiki, Kojima, and Tamashima, as the opening of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge was approaching the following year. Since then, it has continued as western Japan’s largest walking event, with more than 10,000 participants.

The 33rd through 35th events were canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the 36th event was held with the long-distance routes canceled and participant numbers limited. This year, however, it will be held as usual for the first time in five years, and we hope many people will take part.

There are many routes. Do you have any recommendations?

Sumida

My top recommendation is the “Seto-Ohashi Bridge–Washuzan Hill Route,” which covers 40 km. This year’s event also marks the 90th anniversary of Seto Inland Sea National Park, so I hope you’ll enjoy the spectacular views of the park, with the magnificent Seto-Ohashi Bridge as a backdrop.

I also recommend the “Kibi no Makibi Route,” which covers 30 km. It’s a route where you can enjoy history and nature, and I hope you’ll also see for yourself the steady recovery from the July 2018 torrential rains.

Local volunteers will also serve welcoming pork soup at checkpoints along each route. In addition, food stalls featuring local specialties and food trucks serving crepes, scones, and more are scheduled to set up at the main venue. After all that walking, treat yourself to some delicious food and relax.

Do you have a message for our readers?

Sumida

March is when warmth returns to Kurashiki. Getting outside and being active at this time of year is a great way to refresh both body and mind.

Even on familiar roads, I hope you’ll notice the first signs of spring that you might miss from inside a car.

First-timers are very welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there.

From the Writer

Even a route you might not walk on your own can feel manageable when you’re with someone else.

Walk using your whole body, take in the sights, breathe in the scent of spring, listen to birdsong, and savor Kurashiki’s food. It sounds like an event where you can enjoy Kurashiki with all five senses.

Why not take part in the 37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March as a chance to rediscover the charms of our town, Kurashiki?

37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March Information

Name	37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March
Dates	Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10, 2024; starts at 7:00 a.m. (meeting times vary by route) ※Advance registration is open until Wednesday, January 31, 2024 (same-day registration available)
Location	Meeting place: Kurashiki City Office Main Building
Entry fee (tax included)	Adults/¥2,000 (¥2,200 for same-day registration); high school and junior high school students/¥500; elementary school students and younger/free
Website	37th Setouchi Kurashiki Two Day March

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