The “Sea and Green Market” was held for the first time at Entsu-ji Temple in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
It was held with the hope of rediscovering Tamashima’s appeal and creating something new.
Here’s a report on the lively atmosphere that day and the charms of Tamashima I discovered at the market.
The information presented was current when this article was published in June 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Sea and Green Market?
The Sea and Green Market is an event newly launched by the team that holds Kawara Marche in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, with the aim of “connecting people, activities, and things through Tamashima, and enriching the community.”
At the first event, 21 shops took part, including businesses active mainly in Tamashima and shops offering sweets and drinks that are gentle on the body.
The venue, Entsu-ji Temple, is a historic temple and a place where visitors can enjoy nature through the seasons, including cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves.
It is also situated on high ground, and the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Tamashima and the Seto Inland Sea. The name “Sea and Green Market” reflects the appeal of Entsu-ji Temple.
The day’s events
With many popular shops taking part, a line of more than 30 people had already formed by opening time, and the several free parking lots were full.
Some shops had lines forming as soon as they opened.
I headed straight for a shop I had decided I absolutely had to visit.
OUR COFFEE, a coffee and baked goods shop
First, I headed to OUR COFFEE, which mainly operates at Matelial Library in Tamashima and in Konko Town, Asakuchi City.
At the market, they sold coffee made with an espresso machine, as well as kiwi juice, quiche, pound cake, and other baked goods.
A few people were in line, but it was fun to look at the menu while waiting and wonder, “Should I get an iced coffee or juice?”
After much deliberation, I bought a spiced ginger soda and a yeast doughnut.
The spiced ginger soda has a sharp, spicy ginger kick and is perfect for a hot day.
It also contains sliced lemon and pink peppercorns, adding a refreshing taste and a cute touch.
The yeast doughnut is fluffy and chewy.
Its simplicity conveys the care that went into making it.
Hitotsu, a shop selling enzyme brown rice lunch boxes and rice flour vegan sweets
Next, I headed to this shop. What I was after was a raisin butter sandwich cookie.
They contain no eggs or dairy products, and the cream sandwiched inside is made with coconut oil and soy milk.
While typical raisin butter sandwich cookies often contain rum, Hitotsu uses Japanese sake.
When they told me, “The cream melts easily, so please enjoy it soon,” I decided to eat it right there.
Healthy sweets can seem a little unsatisfying because they are not very sweet, but this raisin butter sandwich cookie has a rich cream filling and just the right amount of sweetness.
The raisins have a distinct sake flavor, making it a delightful blend of Japanese and Western tastes.
I liked it so much that I bought another one to take home.
Other shops
Here are a few of the other shops.
Colorful pickles were on display.
You could also buy unusual pickles, such as kumquats and burdock root.
▼Obata Shoten
A long-established local tofu shop from Tamashima also had a stall.
They sold oboro tofu and simple tofu doughnuts.
This food truck also operates locally on the west coast of Sabi in Tamashima.
I bought the “sweet-and-savory fried chicken,” but my two sons finished it in no time.
It has a sweet-and-spicy flavor that kids love.
There were more than 30 kinds of cute chopstick rests.
They would be soothing to have on the dining table.
This dressing, made with mirin lees and off-spec agricultural produce, is a product that is kind to both the body and the environment.
From the Writer
Some shops had already sold out of their products before noon.
If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, or you’d like to enjoy shopping at a variety of shops, it’s best to go in the morning.
Also, when shopping, it’s a good idea to enjoy the time spent waiting in line.
Coming to the Sea and Green Market gave me the chance to visit Entsu-ji Temple for the first time in a while, and I was reminded of the temple’s charms, including its scenery and natural surroundings.
This market not only offers a chance to enjoy shopping, but also brings the community to life and shares its charms. The next event is reportedly planned for autumn 2023.
I’m already looking forward to finding connections with the people, activities, and things of Tamashima through this event next time.
Sea and Green Market Information
| Name | Sea and Green Market |
|---|---|
| Event date | May 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Location | 451 Kashiwajima, Tamashima, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free (shopping costs extra) |
| Website | Sea and Green Market official Instagram |
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