I moved to Kurashiki from the Kanto region in December 2023, and I am surprised by the number of restaurants in the Bikan Historical Area.
Although there are many places I want to visit, I find myself hesitating to step into several restaurants because, being a tourist area, I am unsure about the price range.
In the midst of this, I found information about an event called "Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally" where you can enjoy lunch made with winter ingredients from Okayama Prefecture, so I decided to participate.
What is the "Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally"?
From January 20 (Saturday) to March 17 (Sunday), 2024, the "Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally" will be held, organized by the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau.
A total of 44 restaurants in Kurashiki City will offer creatively prepared lunches using ingredients from Okayama Prefecture.
The lunch prices are set at three levels: 1,500 yen (excluding tax), 2,000 yen (excluding tax), and 2,500 yen (excluding tax), making it attractive to choose a restaurant that fits the occasion.
You can check the participating restaurants on the official website or from the image below.
How to Participate
First, get the application postcard.
I received mine at the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office located in the Bikan Historical Area, but you can also get it at major tourist information centers in the city, such as JR Kurashiki Station and Kurashiki City Office. Additionally, you can download it from the official website.
Some restaurants require a reservation by the day before, so it is necessary to confirm this.
On the day, enjoy the designated lunch for the "Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally" and have a stamp placed on your postcard at the time of payment.
I visited three restaurants, which I will introduce in this article.
Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata
The first restaurant I visited was Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata (Ryori Ryokan Tsurugata).
Tsurugata, which is said to be the second oldest building in Kurashiki, was built in 1744. It usually has the impression of being a high-end restaurant specializing in kaiseki cuisine.
However, during the Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally period, you can enjoy the "Tsurufu" lunch set for 2,000 yen (excluding tax).
On this day, I visited with a friend who was visiting from Kyoto. The deliciousness of the food was, of course, impressive, and my friend was very pleased, saying, "Not only can we enjoy kaiseki cuisine, but we can also have shabu-shabu made with Bisei black wagyu at this price, which is too good a deal."
Additionally, although there are many dishes, each is served in small portions, which was great for those with smaller appetites.
Washu Rakushoku Seribe
The second restaurant I visited was "Washu Rakushoku Seribe", located diagonally across from Geibunkan Hall and on the south side of the Bikan Historical Area. This is a restaurant specializing in sake and obanzai.
Since moving to Kurashiki, I have always dreamed of having a "regular izakaya," but I lacked the courage to explore restaurants alone, and my list of places I want to visit just kept growing. Washu Rakushoku Seribe was one of the izakayas I was curious about. This time, I decided to step in using the event "Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally" as an excuse.
The menu featured "Tempura Gozen." I was surprised by the plate full of tempura, but each piece was fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making for delicious tempura.
I couldn't finish everything, but I was able to take home the tempura I couldn't eat.
Moreover, the master was friendly and kind. He sent me off saying, "Whenever you miss home-cooked meals in Kurashiki, feel free to come by," so I plan to return to enjoy sake and obanzai next time.
Pesheluna
The third restaurant I visited was Pesheluna, an Italian restaurant located in Naramanshikoji in the Bikan Historical Area.
Since it is located just a step off the main street, a quiet atmosphere flows even on weekends.
Here, you can enjoy the "Italian Veal Tongue Stew Set," which is slowly cooked with Okayama vegetables and Italian veal tongue for 2,000 yen (excluding tax).
The chunky vegetables were all sweet, and the meat was so tender and flaky that it didn't even feel like tongue. There is also grape juice available in addition to wine, so it's safe to visit by car.
The portion size is sufficient for those with smaller appetites, so after finishing lunch at Pesheluna, you could stroll around the Bikan Historical Area and even stop by a café.
Conclusion
At each restaurant, simply entering with the "Kurashiki Itadakimasu Stamp Rally" postcard led to conversations with the staff, such as "Where are you from?" and "What other restaurants have you visited?"
By participating, it felt like the participants became a part of this town, creating a warm atmosphere.
My stamp rally is one store away from completion. While I want to visit another store outside the Bikan Historical Area, I wrote this report while pondering over it.
The "Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally" is ongoing until March 17, 2024 (Sunday). Why not take your stamp rally booklet and explore some delicious restaurants?
Data for the Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally
| Name | Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally |
|---|---|
| Dates | From January 20, 2024 (Saturday) to March 17, 2024 (Sunday) |
| Location | Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 1,500 yen (excluding tax), 2,000 yen (excluding tax), 2,500 yen (excluding tax) - three types |
| Website | Kurashiki Lunch Itadakimasu Stamp Rally |
