It has suddenly become cold since December began.
I tend to stay at home when it's cold, so I'm worried about lack of exercise before the upcoming New Year.
Around the time when the cold winter ends, the event "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March," where participants can enjoy walking around various locations in Kurashiki City, will be held on the second Saturday and Sunday of March.
I will introduce the walking courses and highlights of the "38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March," which started accepting applications on December 1, 2024.
What is the "38th 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 outline of the 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March is as follows.
| Date | March 8 (Saturday) and 9 (Sunday), 2025 ※Held rain or shine |
|---|---|
| Main Venue | Kurashiki City Office (640 Nishinakada, Kurashiki City) |
| Participation Fee | Adults/2,000 yen (2,200 yen on the day) High school and middle school students/500 yen Elementary school students and younger/Free ※The same fee applies whether participating for one day or both days |
| Eligibility | Walkers who can follow the event rules and walking manners ※Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian |
Please check the following for application methods.
- Internet（http://i.spoen.net/92492）
A handling 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 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) - Postal Transfer
A payment slip (application form) is attached to the flyer. - In-Person Application
・Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division (2nd floor, window 11, Kurashiki City Office) 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM
・Life Park Kurashiki, major community centers in the city (Kurashiki, Mizushima, Kojima, Tamashima, Mabi, Sho, Chayamachi, Funao) 9:00 AM - 5:15 PM
※Life Park Kurashiki and major community centers in the city are closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the following weekday is closed)
※Payment can be made in cash or via PayPay.
The deadline for advance applications is "by January 31, 2025 (Friday)." It is recommended to apply in advance as it is expected that the reception will be crowded on the day.
Event Course
The reception and departure times vary depending on each event course.
As one of the largest walking events in Western Japan, many walkers from outside Kurashiki City participate, especially in the long-distance courses.
On March 8, the Kibi no Makibi Course will have a distance of 40 km (39.1 km), and on March 9, the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and Washuzan Hill Course will have a distance of 30 km (31.9 km).
38th Event Partnership Projects
The following partnership projects will be held during the 38th event.
- 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March Instagram Post Lottery
- Tourism Walk
- Interaction Walk
- Special Walk
- Walking Marriage - Kurashiki Town Walking Mystery Solving Marriage Activity -
Except for the "38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March Instagram Post Lottery," advance application is required, so those interested should apply early.
Interview with the Person in Charge of the 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
I spoke with Yusuke Naito from the Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division, who plans and operates the "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March."
Can you tell us about the background of the "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March"?
Naito (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.
It is a walking festival aimed at building physical strength and health while enjoying nature along the walking courses throughout Kurashiki City, and this will be the 38th event.
Participants gather from all over the country, making it an event that promotes the charm of Kurashiki, which has a significant impact on the sales of local accommodations and specialty products.
There are many courses set up. Do you have a recommended course, Naito-san?
Naito
All courses are recommended, but this time I suggest the 10 km course, which is set for both days.
The 10 km distance is suitable for walking beginners and families to participate easily. Of course, there is also a shorter 5 km course, but since 5 km is a distance often walked in daily life, I believe the feeling of having exercised comes from the 10 km course.
The 10 km course starts and ends at the Kurashiki City Office, so after walking, participants can enjoy food stalls and receive massages from volunteers.
This time, the 10 km course will be the Sakatsu Park Course on March 8 and the Genpei Historical Site Course on March 9.
What are the highlight projects of the 38th event?
Naito
The course names are the same as in previous years, but all courses have been slightly adjusted to allow walkers to visit photo spots while walking. The Takahashi River Course will now include the Showa retro atmosphere of the Tonomachi Shopping Street and the Drum Can Bridge as part of the walking course. There will also be an Instagram post lottery event, so I hope participants can take special photos while walking.
Additionally, this time, there are more courses starting and ending at the Kurashiki City Office. Therefore, we are enhancing the stage events at the city office.
On stage, there will be performances by students from local schools and dance presentations by local children, and I hope the local community will help liven up the event. By having local children on stage, I want not only the children but also their families and many Kurashiki citizens to feel closer to this event.
Furthermore, starting this time, we will present product vouchers from Hello's to 400 randomly selected participants who applied in advance. The participation ticket for the Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March is also one of the return gifts for hometown tax donations, so I hope people will apply in advance.
Advance applications are also accepted from corporate groups. If you apply with five or more people, we plan to list the corporate group name on the event website.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Naito
Early March is a great time for walking, so I hope you can feel the arrival of spring in Kurashiki.
We look forward to your applications.
Conclusion
I also participated in the previous (37th) Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March, walking 10 km.
I participated alone on the day, but I remember walking while deepening exchanges with other walkers and saying, "Let's meet again here next year!" as we parted ways. The 10 km distance is just the right distance for sports, and I felt not only the warmth of spring but also the warmth of people as I received encouragement from bystanders and warmed up with the pork miso soup served along the way.
This time, there are many related projects that make it easier for local people to participate, so I hope all the citizens of Kurashiki can help liven up this large-scale walking event in Western Japan.
With advance application benefits and being eligible for hometown tax donations, the Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March is a great opportunity.
As spring approaches, why not consider participating for your health next year?
Data of the 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
| Name | 38th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March |
|---|---|
| Date | March 8 (Saturday) and 9 (Sunday), 2025, starting at 7:00 AM (meeting times vary by course) ※Advance participation applications are accepted until January 31, 2025 (Friday) (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 Elementary school students and younger/Free |
| Website | Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March |
