In November 2025, a chestnut specialty store, Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store (hereinafter referred to as "Maruroku"), opened in the Bikan Historical Area.
When you think of chestnuts, you might think of autumn, but Maruroku offers chestnuts year-round. Additionally, you can also enjoy Okayama sweet chestnuts that are grown in northern Okayama Prefecture.
As someone who loved roasted chestnuts bought in Chinatown when I was little, this is intriguing information. I immediately went to Maruroku.
It closed in July 2026.
The information provided below is from when it was in operation.
Chestnut Specialty Store "Maruroku"
Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store is a chestnut specialty store that opened in November 2025 as a place where you can enjoy chestnuts all year round.
It is located on the eastern side of the Bikan Historical Area, just beyond Honmachi Street, where traditional townscapes remain. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from JR Kurashiki Station, but it's nice to enjoy the scenery of the Bikan Historical Area while walking.
Please note that there is no parking available, so please use nearby parking facilities.
Store Appearance
At Maruroku, there is a pressure roasting machine at the storefront, and chestnuts are roasted on the spot.
The roasting takes about 15 minutes.
When the heating is finished and the lid is opened, a "puff" sound is heard, and steam bursts out, spreading the slightly sweet aroma of chestnuts.
People passing by were also curious about the roasting process and gathered around.
Product Introduction
At Maruroku, you can enjoy three types of roasted chestnuts: Tianjin sweet chestnuts, Okayama sweet chestnuts, and Nakayama chestnuts.
Each type is sold in bags for takeout, and both Okayama sweet chestnuts and Nakayama chestnuts are also available in cups. I ordered the cup versions of Okayama sweet chestnuts and Nakayama chestnuts, which are perfect for walking and tasting.
Okayama Sweet Chestnuts Packed with Sweetness
Okayama sweet chestnuts are a variety developed by the Okayama Prefectural Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Research Center Forest Research Institute.
They are mainly cultivated in the Katsue district, which is located in the northeastern area of Okayama Prefecture.
They are small and yellow, and compared to other Japanese chestnuts, they are characterized by their strong sweetness and easy-to-peel astringent skin.
After harvesting, they are ripened at low temperatures for about four weeks, which enhances their sweetness.
When I actually tried them, I was surprised by their sweetness.
Even though they are just roasted, they taste like a Japanese sweet. I found myself wanting to reach for a second one because they were so delicious.
Nakayama Chestnuts with Large Grains
The large appearance of Nakayama chestnuts is eye-catching.
Nakayama chestnuts are produced in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture.
Each one has a cut, making it easy to peel and eat on the spot.
Each chestnut is large, providing ample satisfaction.
With a fluffy texture, it feels like you are eating sweet potatoes.
In the future, chestnut-based sweets are also planned to be sold.
For the latest information, please check Maruroku's Instagram.
The roasted chestnuts sold at the specialty store "Maruroku," which is not commonly seen.
In the same building, a cafe where you can enjoy Okayama sweet chestnuts is also planned, and it will become a hub for promoting Okayama sweet chestnuts.
I interviewed Kimura Satoshi, who serves as the coordinator for the entire facility, about the background of Maruroku's opening and activities to promote Okayama sweet chestnuts.
Data on Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store
| Name | Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-23 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 09080094505 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays For details on regular holidays, please check Instagram |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes Items can be reserved with prior contact |
| Seating | Additional: Eat-in space planned |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Additional: Available inside the store |
| Website | Maruroku Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area Store |
