Did you know that Bichu is one of the three major adzuki bean production areas? Let's go on a tour of sweet bean paste treats with the "Bichu An Tabistamp Rally."

What comes to mind when you think of famous things in Okayama Prefecture?

Momotaro, muscat grapes, jeans, Korakuen... various things come to mind.

I didn't know until I participated in the event "Bichu Antabi", but actually, anko (sweet red bean paste) is also very famous.

Bichu is one of Japan's three major adzuki bean production areas, alongside Hokkaido and Tanba, and Bichu's anko continues to be loved throughout Japan.

I have traveled around Bichu's anko sweets, so I will introduce them.

What is the "Bichu Antabi Stamp Rally"?

The "Bichu Antabi Stamp Rally" is a stamp rally where you can receive stamps by shopping at designated stores in the Bichu area from October 1 to December 4, 2022, and enjoy Bichu's anko sweets.

You can enjoy a variety of anko sweets, from traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) made with Bichu Dainagon and Bichu adzuki beans to those that incorporate anko into cakes and fruit sandwiches.

If you collect three or more stamps, you also have a chance to win prizes related to anko through a lottery.

• 3 stamps: Anko (single item) using "Hokutani-san Monaka" - 30 people
• 10 stamps: Bichu Anko Reward Set - 10 people
• 15 stamps: Anko and Local Sake Mini Set - 10 people
• 27 stamps: Anko and Local Sake Luxury Set - 1 person

The event is organized by the Kurashiki City Tourism Division.

Obtain the stamp rally sheet

To get the stamp rally sheet, first head to the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office.

The stamp rally sheet is on the back of the pamphlet and can also be obtained at some of the designated stores.

Additionally, it is possible to print from the official Bichu Antabi Stamp Rally website.

Since there seems to be a shortage of leaflets, it is recommended to print the printable stamp sheet when participating.

Once you have obtained the pamphlet, it's finally time to start the stamp rally.

This time, I plan to visit three stores in the Bikan Historical Area.

When you shop at the designated stores, you will get stamps.

In addition to what is listed in the pamphlet, there are many other delicious wagashi, and I ended up buying too much.

I want to introduce everything, but from here on, I will only pick up what is listed in the pamphlet.

Ozakiya Bikan Historical Area Store's "Omikuji Dango"

First, I want to introduce the very cute-looking "Ozakiya Bikan Historical Area Store Omikuji Dango".

The anko on top of the dango is different for each one, allowing you to enjoy various flavors of anko with just one "Omikuji Dango".

By eating it with muscat grapes or marshmallows, you can finish it off easily, making it recommended even for those who are not fond of anko.

The colorful appearance of "Omikuji Dango" is likely to look great in photos.

It might be fun to take pictures against the backdrop of the Bikan Historical Area or to show your omikuji fortunes to friends.

Koedo Kurashiki Yodet Store's "Bichu Shiroazuki Yokan"

Next, I would like to introduce the "Koedo Kurashiki Yodet Store Bichu Shiroazuki Yokan".

This yokan (sweet bean jelly) is made with Bichu Shiroazuki beans grown in Bichu, and it contains white skin of Bichu adzuki beans inside.

Bichu Shiroazuki beans are rare due to their low yield caused by the difficulty of cultivation, and they are used in high-end wagashi such as namagashi (fresh sweets), yokan, and monaka.

When I actually tried it, I was able to enjoy a very light and elegant taste without the overly sweet feeling.

Why not take this opportunity to experience the taste of "Bichu Shiroazuki", the origin of white adzuki beans?

Kikkodo Bikan Historical Area Store's "Murasuzume"

Finally, I would like to introduce "Kikkodo (Kikkodo) Bikan Historical Area Store's Murasuzume".

"Murasuzume" is a Kurashiki specialty that has been passed down since its establishment in 1877, and it is still handmade by artisans one by one.

It is popular as a souvenir, so you might already know about it.

The thin outer skin and flavorful tsubuan (chunky red bean paste) match perfectly, making it irresistibly delicious.

You can also experience hand-grilling, so be sure to visit.

Kikkodo - The birthplace of Kurashiki's traditional confectionery 'Murasuzume'. The first Baumkuchen in Kurashiki and the Murasuzume hand-grilling experience are also recommended.

When you go sightseeing, one of the joys is deciding what souvenirs to bring back. Ideally, you want something rooted in the place you visited or something loved by the locals. And in Kurashiki...

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Conclusion

Recently, it seems that there are fewer people who enjoy eating wagashi.

In fact, many people around me are not fond of anko or do not eat it much.

For those who are not fond of anko, I encourage you to try various anko sweets through the "Bichu Antabi Stamp Rally".

Since the taste varies greatly by store and product, you might find your favorite anko sweet.

Whether you love anko or are not fond of it, why not participate in the "Bichu Antabi Stamp Rally" and feel closer to anko than ever before?

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