Interview with Mr. Tanabe from the Ikasa Wide Area Tourism Association
We spoke with Mr. Takuya Tanabe, the secretary of the Ikasa Wide Area Tourism Association, which is hosting the "Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026."
Background of the Stamp Rally
What kind of organization is the Ikasa Wide Area Tourism Association?
Tanabe
It is a wide-area tourism association that collaborates with five municipalities: Kasaoka City, Ibara City, Asakuchi City, Satosho Town, and Yakage Town. Each municipality works together to understand each other's methods and cooperate to promote tourism in the entire region.
We are particularly focused on promoting tours and disseminating information. In addition to this stamp rally, we also participate in local markets to showcase local specialties and plan tours around Ikasa.
How did the stamp rally come about?
Tanabe
It started with the desire to create a project that would encourage people to explore the region.
Last year (2025), it was held from autumn to winter, but this year, for the first time, it is being held from summer.
We planned it to coincide with the summer vacation and homecoming season, allowing more people to enjoy going out. It is also the season when fruits like peaches and grapes from the Ikasa region are in season.
Although it is a time shortly after the fiscal year has changed, we were able to proceed with preparations systematically and successfully hold the event.
About the Participating Spots
What kind of spots are participating?
Tanabe
Not only restaurants but also shops dealing with miscellaneous goods and accessories, as well as parks and other outing spots are widely participating.
Since it is a digital format using smartphones, it has become very easy to participate. I hope families will enjoy it as well.
Currently, many participants are women in their 40s and 50s.
There are many participants from the Ikasa area and those living in Okayama Prefecture, but due to the homecoming season, there were also participants from far away places like Osaka.
In the future, we plan to enhance our outreach through social media and collaborate with influencers to spread the appeal through word of mouth.
It seems that the probability of winning increases when you travel across municipalities.
Tanabe
I want people to discover places and shops they have never been to before, which is why we have set up a system where traveling across municipalities increases the chances of winning.
We often receive feedback from both visitors from outside the region and residents of the Ikasa area saying, "There are quite a few shops I didn't know about even though I live here" and "I visited for the first time."
Such new discoveries are the essence of the stamp rally. Please travel across municipalities and experience the charm of the region.
Conclusion
Enjoying lunch, stopping by parks, and buying souvenirs, the "Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026" is more enjoyable than expected.
Just as there were shops I visited for the first time due to the stamp rally, I realized that even in a region I thought I knew well, there are still many shops and places I am not familiar with.
The time spent looking at the map of target spots, wondering "Where should I go next?" might also be one of the joys.
How about searching for new favorite spots in the Ikasa area from this summer to autumn?
Data for the Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026
| Name | Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026 |
| Location | Kasaoka City, Ibara City, Asakuchi City, Satosho Town, Yakage Town |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free to participate |
| Website | Dedicated page for Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026 |
