The "Sea and Green Market" (hereafter: Market) was held for the first time at Entsu-ji Temple in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
It was held with the desire to re-recognize the charm of Tamashima and to create something new.
I will report on the lively atmosphere of the day and the charm of Tamashima felt at the market.
What is the Sea and Green Market?
The Sea and Green Market is a new event launched by the team that holds the Kawara Marche in Tamashima, with the aim of "connecting people, things, and opportunities from Tamashima to enrich the community."
In its first edition, 21 shops participated, including those operating mainly in Tamashima and shops offering body-friendly sweets and drinks.
The venue, Entsu-ji Temple, is a historic temple where you can enjoy the beauty of nature through the seasons, including cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves.
Additionally, being on a high ground, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the town of Tamashima and the Seto Inland Sea, embodying the charm of Entsu-ji Temple in the name "Sea and Green Market."
The Atmosphere of the Day
Due to the presence of many popular shops, there was already a line of over 30 people at the opening, and the several free parking lots were full.
At the same time as the opening, some shops already had lines forming.
I also headed straight to the shop I had decided to visit.
Coffee and Baked Goods Shop, OUR COFFEE
The first place I went to was OUR COFFEE, which mainly operates in Tamashima's Material Library and Kanemitsu-cho, Asakuchi City.
At the market, they were selling coffee brewed with an espresso machine, as well as kiwi juice, quiche, and baked goods like pound cake.
There were a few people in line, but while waiting, it was enjoyable to look at the menu and think, "Should I get iced coffee or juice?"
After much deliberation, I purchased a spice ginger soda and a yeast donut.
The spice ginger soda has a sharp spiciness from the ginger, making it perfect for a hot day.
It also contains sliced lemon and pink pepper, adding a refreshing and cute touch.
The yeast donut is fluffy and chewy.
Its simplicity conveys the care that went into making it.
Shop for Enzyme Brown Rice Bento and Rice Flour Vegan Sweets, Hitotsu
Next, I headed to this shop, aiming for the raisin butter sandwich.
This sandwich is made without eggs or dairy products, and the cream in between is made with coconut oil and soy milk.
While typical raisin butter sandwiches often use rum, 'Hitotsu' features Japanese sake as a distinctive ingredient.
With a prompt to "Please enjoy it quickly as the cream melts easily," I decided to have it right there.
The body-friendly sweets have a mild sweetness that might seem insufficient, but this raisin butter sandwich has a rich cream that does not leave you feeling unsatisfied.
The raisins have a strong flavor of Japanese sake, allowing you to enjoy both Japanese and Western tastes together.
I liked it so much that I bought another one to take home.
Other Shops
Here are some of the other shops.
They had a colorful array of pickles.
You can also purchase rare pickles like kumquat and burdock.
▼Obata Shoten
A long-established tofu shop from Tamashima was also present.
They were selling oboro tofu and simple tofu donuts.
This is also a kitchen car operating on the Sabi West Coast in Tamashima.
I bought "Sweet Soy Sauce Fried Chicken," but my two sons finished it in no time.
It's a sweet and spicy flavor that kids love.
There were over 30 types of cute chopstick rests.
They seem to bring comfort to the dining table.
Dressings made with mirin lees and non-standard agricultural products are gentle on both the body and the environment.
Conclusion
Some shops had sold out of products by midday.
If you have specific items in mind or want to enjoy shopping at various stores, it is recommended to go in the morning.
Also, when shopping, it seems good to approach the time spent waiting in line with a sense of enjoyment.
Coming to the Sea and Green Market allowed me to visit Entsu-ji Temple for the first time in a while, and I was able to rediscover the charm of Entsu-ji Temple, including its scenery and nature.
The market not only allows for enjoyable shopping but also helps to invigorate the community and convey its charm. The next event is planned for autumn 2023.
I am already looking forward to finding connections with the people, things, and events of Tamashima through this venue next time.
Data on the Sea and Green Market
| Name | Sea and Green Market |
|---|---|
| Date | May 28, 2023, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 451 Kashiwajima, Tamashima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free (shopping is paid) |
| Website | Official Instagram of the Sea and Green Market |
