In the fall of 2025, global sports events such as the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics will be held in Japan. I was glued to the continuously updated new Japanese records.
As the weather warms up, the annual spring event "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March," perfect for those inspired to develop a habit of physical activity, will be held again this year on the second Saturday and Sunday of March.
From December 1, 2025 (Monday), applications for the "39th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March" will start, and I will introduce the walking courses and highlights.
What is the "39th 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 39th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March is as follows.
| Date | March 14 (Saturday) and 15 (Sunday), 2026 ※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 Elementary school students and below/Free ※The same fee applies whether participating for one day or both days |
| Eligibility | Walkers who can adhere to the event rules and walking manners ※Accompaniment by a guardian is required for those in elementary school and below |
Please check the following for application methods.
- Internet
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)
Call charges and a sports entry fee (300 yen) are required - Postal Transfer
A payment slip (application form) is attached to the flyer
A transfer fee is required - In-Person Application
- Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division (2nd Floor, 11th Window, 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 - 4:30 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
- Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division (2nd Floor, 11th Window, Kurashiki City Office)
- Corporate and Group Applications
Download the corporate and group application form from the official website and apply directly to the event office
・Applications can be made from five people or more
・The corporate (group) name will be listed at the main venue and on the event website, and participants will receive a limited edition original towel for this event
The deadline for advance applications is "by January 31, 2026 (Saturday)." It is recommended to apply in advance as it is expected that the reception will be crowded on the day.
Event Course
Please note that the reception and departure times vary by event course.
As one of the largest walking events in Western Japan, it seems that many walkers from outside Kurashiki City participate, especially in the long-distance courses.
On March 14 (Saturday), the Seto-Ohashi and Washuzan course will be a 40 km (38.4 km) walk, and on March 15 (Sunday), the Kibi no Makibi course will be a 30 km (30.6 km) walk.
Additionally, this year, the destination for the 10 km course on the second day has been changed from Sakatsu Park to the Kurashiki Fureai no Oka Park course. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the park that just opened in October 2025, and it is an attractive course that allows walking through tourist spots and cherry blossom sites such as the Bikan Historical Area, Hourinji Temple, and Kawazu cherry blossoms along the Kurashiki River.
This course is also designated as the "Fureai Walk" course for walkers with disabilities and their families, so it is expected to be lively with many participants.
39th Event Partnership Projects
The following partnership projects will be held at the 39th event.
- 39th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March Instagram Post Lottery
- Tourism Walk
- Fureai Walk
- Setsukaku Walk (to be held in Tsuyama on March 16, 2026)
- Walking Marriage - Kurashiki Town Walking Mystery Solving Marriage Activity -
Except for the "39th 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 39th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
I spoke with Tetsuya Yamaji from the Kurashiki City Sports Promotion Division, who plans and operates the "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March."
I heard that a new course has been set for this year's "Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March."
Yamaji (no honorifics)
The Kurashiki Fureai no Oka Park opened in Kurashiki City Arishiro in October 2025. I believe there are still people who haven't visited, so we have set a course that allows you to see the new park.
At the event, Kurashiki Fureai no Oka Park will be a checkpoint. The pork miso soup that is served at the checkpoint every year is planned to be prepared at the outdoor stage in the park's event square. Please enjoy the delicious pork miso soup at the new park.
Additionally, the new course will pass by the Bikan Historical Area and Hourinji Temple on the way there, and on the way back, it will pass by the Kawazu cherry blossoms along the Kurashiki River. It is a fun course for families to walk together, not just for adults but also for children.
I hope you enjoy walking while feeling the arrival of spring.
The pork miso soup and the "hospitality" of each course are also one of the highlights.
Yamaji
The pork miso soup is provided for free. Additionally, the hospitality is provided by volunteers from each region.
They will make the participants' experience enjoyable by offering free admission to tourist spots, snacks, and original stamps, ensuring that participants can enjoy completing the course.
This year, it has been decided that the entrance fee for Nozaki's Historical Residence will be waived for participants on the first day of the Seto-Ohashi and Washuzan course.
While aiming to complete the course, please also enjoy interacting with the local people.
Last year, the Takahashi River course was partially changed and the distance increased. What was the participants' reaction?
Yamaji
Last year, we added new highlights such as the Tonomachi shopping street to the Takahashi River course. Although the actual distance exceeded 20 km at 22.3 km for the 20 km course, the increase in highlights was well received.
For participants, this event seems to emphasize "what highlights can be enjoyed while walking" rather than the distance of the course. In response to this feedback, this year's new course, the Kurashiki Fureai no Oka Park course, has been designed to incorporate various highlights along the way.
This year, we will also visit Entsu-ji Temple and the Drum Can Bridge, just like last year. The course has ups and downs, so it offers a good walking experience, and the view from Entsu-ji Temple is very beautiful.
The event partnership projects are also plentiful.
Yamaji
Every year, all events reach their capacity before the application deadline.
In particular, the tourism walk on the first day and the Setsukaku Walk held on March 16 (Monday), the day after the event, are popular, so those interested should apply early.
The Setsukaku Walk will start from the north exit of JR Kurashiki Station and will go to the "500 Selected Beautiful Walking Paths in Japan (33-7)," which includes the "Path to Explore Tsuyama Castle Town from the Edo Period."
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Yamaji
On the day of the event, there will be hospitality from local volunteers at each course's checkpoints, as well as warm support for participants walking towards the goal.
This event is perfect for getting outside and moving your body during this season when you can feel the arrival of spring, refreshing both your mind and body. Please feel the breath of spring that you might not notice from inside a car, even on familiar roads.
First-time participants are also very welcome. We look forward to your applications.
Conclusion
I also participated in the Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March, walking 10 km in the previous event (the 37th) and the last event (the 38th).
On the Genpei Historical Site Course I walked last year, original stamps and snacks were served at Fujido Temple along the way, and despite being in the middle of walking, I thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing by ringing the bell and paying my respects at Fujido Temple.
I participate in the "Interaction Walk," a collaborative project for people with disabilities held on the second day every year, and since this year will be the third time, I was wondering, "Will we go to Sakazu Park again?" I am excited to hear about the course change.
A walking event where you can discover new charms of Kurashiki City while walking. It is a perfect event to loosen up the body that has stiffened during the cold season. Why not sign up early and look forward to the warm spring days?
Data for the 39th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March
| Name | 39th Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March |
|---|---|
| Date | March 14 (Saturday) and 15 (Sunday), 2026, starting at 7:00 AM (meeting times vary by course) * Pre-registration is required by January 31, 2026 (Saturday) (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 registration) High school and middle school students/500 yen Elementary school students and younger/Free |
| Website | Setouchi Kurashiki Two-Day March |
