Interview with Tanabe Takuya of the Ibara-Kasaoka Regional Tourism Association
We spoke with Tanabe Takuya, secretary of the Ibara-Kasaoka Regional Tourism Association, which is organizing the “Gurutto Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026.”
How the stamp rally got started
What kind of organization is the Ibara-Kasaoka Regional Tourism Association?
Tanabe (surname only)
It is a regional tourism association formed through cooperation among five municipalities: Kasaoka City, Ibara City, Asakuchi City, Satosho Town, and Yakage Town. We work to boost tourism throughout the region by learning about one another’s approaches and cooperating.
We focus particularly on encouraging visitors to explore the area and sharing information. In addition to this stamp rally, we set up booths at local markets to introduce regional specialties and plan tours around the Ibara-Kasaoka area.
How did the stamp rally get started?
Tanabe
It began with the desire to “create a project that gets people exploring the region.”
Last year (2025), it was held from autumn through winter, but this year, for the first time, it is being held starting in summer.
We planned it to coincide with a time when more people can enjoy going out, such as summer vacation and the season for returning to one’s hometown. It is also the season when fruits from the Ibara-Kasaoka area, such as peaches and grapes, are in season.
Although it was not long after the start of the fiscal year, we proceeded with preparations according to plan and were able to hold the event successfully.
About the participating spots
What kinds of spots are participating?
Tanabe
A wide range of places are participating, including not only restaurants but also shops selling miscellaneous goods and accessories, as well as outing spots such as parks.
Since it is a digital rally using smartphones, it is very easy to take part. We hope families will enjoy it too.
Currently, many of the participants are women in their 40s and 50s.
Many participants live in the Ibara-Kasaoka area or elsewhere in Okayama Prefecture, but because it is the season for returning to one’s hometown, some have come from farther away, including Osaka.
Going forward, we hope to share information on social media and work with influencers to spread the word about the area’s appeal through word of mouth as well.
The system increases your chances of winning if you visit spots across multiple municipalities, right?
Tanabe
We set up the system so that visiting spots across multiple municipalities increases your chances of winning, because we want people to discover places and shops they have never visited before.
We often hear comments not only from visitors from outside the region, but also from people who live in the Ibara-Kasaoka area, such as, “There are quite a few shops I didn’t know about even though I live here,” and “I visited for the first time.”
Those kinds of new discoveries are what make the stamp rally special. We hope you will visit places across different municipalities and experience the region’s appeal.
From the Writer
The “Gurutto Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026” is easier to enjoy than you might expect, whether you’re having lunch, stopping by a park, or buying souvenirs.
Just as there were shops we visited for the first time thanks to the stamp rally, we realized that even in areas we thought we knew well, there are still many shops and places we have yet to discover.
Taking a look at the map of participating spots and wondering, “Where should I go next?” may be one of the pleasures of the rally.
Why not look for new favorite spots in the Ibara-Kasaoka area this summer and autumn?
Gurutto Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026 Information
| Name | Gurutto 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 | Gurutto Ikasa Digital Stamp Rally 2026 dedicated page |
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