The Bichu area where Kurashiki is located (western Okayama Prefecture) is said to be famous for azuki bean production, alongside Hokkaido and Tanba.
I also didn't know it was a famous azuki bean production area until I moved to Kurashiki.
As of March 2024, I heard that an event called Bichu Antabi 2 is being held in a stamp rally format, where you can eat anko (sweet red bean paste) sweets made with Bichu azuki beans, so I decided to participate and try some Japanese-Western fusion anko sweets.
What is "Bichu Antabi 2"?
Bichu Antabi 2 is a stamp rally event being held from January 20 to March 24, 2024. It is organized by the Kurashiki City Tourism Division, with supervision and cooperation from the Japan Anko Association.
By visiting stores that sell anko sweets made with Bichu azuki beans, purchasing products, and collecting stamps, you can enter a lottery for luxurious prizes.
The first event held in 2023 was very popular, with over 300 participants.
This time, 30 stores are participating, and there will be a variety of anko sweets ranging from traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) to new products developed for the event.
Check the pamphlet for the lineup of anko sweets for Bichu Antabi 2.
Furthermore, this year's theme is "This year, it's bicycles. Let's move only as much as we eat!", and if you go to buy on a bicycle, you will receive 2 points for the stamp.
The prizes you can apply for vary depending on the number of points you collect, so aim to collect the points you want to apply for.
The application deadline is March 25, 2024 (Monday).
Postmarked on the day is valid
▼For information on prizes, etc., click here.
- 3 points: Japanese black tea that goes well with anko, lottery for 30 people
- 10 points: Cozy tea time set, lottery for 20 people
- 20 points: Bizen pottery and a lovely tea time set, lottery for 10 people
- 30 points: Anko and wine pairing set, lottery for 3 people
- Top point earners award: Garmin smartwatch, presented to the top 3
- If you collect stamps from all 30 stores, you will receive a "Bichu An Ambassador Certification" (new version for the 2024 fiscal year) from the Japan Anko Association
Winter is cold, and opportunities to go out decrease, leading to a lack of exercise, so being able to cycle around is good for health.
Since I was at it, I decided to collect stamps by bicycle as well.
I participated in the event
Bichu Antabi 2 does not require a reservation to participate.
The stamp rally sheet is attached to the pamphlet, so first, let's decide which store to go to in order to get the pamphlet.
It’s also an exciting and fun time to think about which anko sweets to eat.
Once I decided on a store, I set off right away.
Kikkodo "An Cake"
The first place I visited was Kikkodo, located in the Bikan Historical Area.
Kikkodo is a traditional wagashi shop that has been making the famous "Murasuzume" from Kurashiki since its establishment in the Meiji era.
Upon entering the store, I found a large display of the "An Cake," which is featured in the anko sweets list for the event.
I quickly picked one up and headed to the register.
At the register, I informed the staff that I was collecting stamps for Bichu Antabi 2 and that I came by bicycle.
Then, along with the pamphlet stamped, I also received an Anzen Omamori (safety charm) card.
The Anzen Omamori card is a special card distributed to the first 200 customers at each store. I was lucky to get one.
On the back of the Anzen Omamori card, there are travel tips related to anko and an explanation of the card's image color.
It looks stylish, and it makes you want to collect cards from various stores.
The item I purchased this time was the anko cake featured in the pamphlet, but I heard that you can also get a stamp for sweets that are not listed in the pamphlet.
After returning home, I tried the an cake.
It looks simple, but the buttery flavor is pleasantly felt in the dough, and the elegant chunky red bean paste matches perfectly, creating a very rich taste.
At a reasonable price of 180 yen (including tax), it was a satisfying and delicious anko sweet.
Manmaru Koppe "Strawberry Daifuku"
The next store I visited is a koppe bread specialty shop called Manmaru Koppe.
The pamphlet featured a product called "Yomogi Strawberry Daifuku," and I was curious about what a strawberry daifuku made by a bakery would be like, so I decided to check it out.
Don't forget to bring the pamphlet to get your stamp.
Manmaru Koppe is located in a residential area, but it was easy to find as there was a Bichu Antabi 2 poster on the shop window.
When I told the staff, "I'm collecting stamps for Bichu Antabi 2...", they replied, "I'll make it now, so please wait a moment," and they made the strawberry daifuku right in front of me.
On the round koppe bread, a generous amount of anko was piled on, topped with large strawberries and gyuhi (sweet rice cake).
It's nice to be able to eat something freshly made rather than pre-made. The price of the strawberry daifuku was 350 yen (including tax) each.
The pamphlet featured yomogi (mugwort) koppe bread, but it was out of stock during my visit, so they used regular koppe bread instead.
At checkout, I accidentally forgot to mention that I came by bicycle, but the staff kindly asked, "Did you come by bicycle today?" which was a relief. It's nice to be asked.
As I was about to leave the store with the pamphlet and Anzen Omamori card, the staff shared some insider information: "Our Anzen Omamori is said to be inspired by the cherry blossoms at Sakatsu Park."
There is a large park called Sakatsu Park very close to Manmaru Koppe, and I had heard that the Kawazu cherry blossoms were in full bloom, so I decided to cycle a bit further to check it out.
It's great that you can casually explore by bicycle.
Sakatsu Park was in full bloom with Kawazu cherry blossoms, just like the color of the Anzen Omamori card. I couldn't help but want to take pictures.
It seems like it would be fun to have a cycling trip searching for the colors of the Anzen Omamori card.
The weather was nice that day, so I sat on a bench feeling the cherry blossom viewing mood and tried eating some strawberry daifuku.
The koppe bread is chewy and fluffy, perfectly matching the gentle sweetness of the red bean paste. The flavor of the gyuhi adds a nice accent.
The strawberries are quite large, making me hesitate whether to take a big bite. Sweets with seasonal fruits really make you feel the arrival of spring.
It was the perfect size for a light snack when I felt a bit hungry.
Next time I have the chance to go to Sakatsu Park, I thought I would like to ride my bike and buy some round koppe bread. I'm happy that my favorite walking route has increased thanks to the Bichu Antabi event.
Conclusion
I was able to collect stamps from five stores during this stamp rally.
There was an incident where I forgot my pamphlet along the way, but I enjoyed visiting various areas to eat red bean sweets.
As a newcomer from Kanagawa, I had little experience with "eating local foods," but I feel that Kurashiki, with its sweets events using local ingredients, is lively and interesting.
I encourage you to ride your bike while searching for the arrival of spring and go out to eat red bean sweets. You might make some wonderful discoveries.
Bichu Antabi 2 Data
| Name | Bichu Antabi 2 |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | ■ Event Period From January 20, 2024 (Saturday) to March 24, 2024 (Sunday) |
| Location | Within Kurashiki City, Bichu Region |
| Website | Kurashiki Tourism WEB Bichu Antabi 2 |
