When I go to the Bikan Historical Area, there is a shop I always look forward to visiting.
It is the "Kurashiki Specialty Ebisu Manju," where you can enjoy freshly baked treats, located very close to the west approach of Achi Shrine.
Oban-yaki, Imagawa-yaki, Taiko-man, Gozasoro, Hijiri-yaki…
Different regions have various names for these treats.
In Okayama Prefecture, they are also called "Fu-man" (couple manju), but in the Bikan Historical Area, they are well-known by the name "Ebisu Manju."
They are only available in autumn and winter.
By the end of summer, I eagerly await the day the shutters will open for business.
You can enjoy them fresh on the spot or buy a lot to take home as souvenirs.
Let me introduce the "Kurashiki Specialty Ebisu Manju."
Freshly baked "Ebisu Manju" located right next to the west approach of Achi Shrine
Located in the "Ebisu Street Shopping District" that continues from JR Kurashiki Station, is the "Kurashiki Specialty Ebisu Manju."
The name comes from being a "manju shop on Ebisu Street Shopping District."
It is located very close to the west approach of Achi Shrine and also near the Bikan Historical Area.
The Ebisu Manju is available from September 30 until around Golden Week the following year.
It is a delicious treat available only in autumn and winter.
The "noren" (traditional shop curtain) made by the Textile Department (now: Fashion Technology Department) of Kurashiki Industrial High School.
The face of Ebisu looks quite humorous.
The characters for "Kurashiki Specialty Ebisu Manju" were written by the shop owner, Shimamura Minoru, who is a calligraphy teacher.
The manju costs 100 yen each (tax included). Even if you buy 10, it’s only 1,000 yen.
Shimamura says, "They are a bit smaller compared to others," but even so, the price is surprising.
Eagerly waiting for the fresh ones. Cute regulars who come every morning
Before the shop opened, I met some cute regulars. It was Tomonaga and his son Shota (3 years old).
They say it is their daily routine to stroll around the Bikan Historical Area and take a break with Ebisu Manju.
Holding some coins, they are waiting for the manju to be ready.
Shota couldn't wait for the manju to be ready and went to check on it. Let's take a look together.
Carefully applying oil, the heated batter is poured into the copper plate.
The batter slightly overflowing creates a crispy edge that is delicious.
Generously filled with homemade sweet red bean paste.
The batter is puffing up nicely.
Shota is also smiling. He can't wait for the manju to be ready.
The batter is poured into the empty molds.
The batter for the red bean paste is combined, and it is complete. It has been beautifully baked.
"Which one is the biggest? Is it this one? Is this one bigger?"
While gently asking, Shota is choosing the manju together.
A staff member with a wonderful smile hands them over.
Packed with sweet red bean paste! Freshly baked hot Ebisu Manju
Freshly baked hot "Ebisu Manju" for 100 yen (tax included).
The feature is that it has wings like a UFO's disc.
When you break the hot manju, it is packed with sweet red bean paste.
Steam rises from the red bean paste, making it irresistible on a cold day.
With a crispy baked skin and hot, gooey sweet red bean paste.
Freshly baked, it is exceptionally delicious! The warmth of the manju spreads in your stomach, making your body feel warm.
Since they are small, they don't make your hands dirty and are just the right size for eating while walking.
Shota-kun also has this smile. He was carefully eating the manju (sweet bun) little by little.
Shota-kun looks forward to stopping by Ebisu Manju every morning. He will start attending kindergarten from spring.
Ebisu Manju has a lovely regular customer.
We interviewed the owner of Ebisu Manju, Minoru Shimamura.
Ebisu Manju Data
Some of the photos, including the one at the beginning of the article, were taken during the introduction interview in March 2020 at the old price (75 yen).
The current price is "100 yen each."
| Name | Ebisu Manju |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-16-37 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-2800-6827 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday Closed from after Golden Week until September 30 |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
