Oni Bikkuri Manju Honpo - Famous for the giant statue of an ogre along National Route 180. A long-established Japanese and Western confectionery shop that is particular about handmade products.

National Route 180 connects the Bichu region in the western part of Okayama Prefecture from north to south.

On the way from Soja City to Takahashi City, a giant statue of an ogre stands along the national road.
Isn't this a familiar sight for the people of western Okayama Prefecture?

I also remember it very well since I often passed by it when I was little.

It's an impactful store, but don't you wonder, "What kind of store is it?"

This statue of an ogre is located at a Japanese and Western confectionery store called Onibikkuri Manju Honpo.
Founded in the 1970s, it has been loved by local residents and travelers using the national road for many years.

In my family and at my relatives' homes, we often bought products from Onibikkuri Manju Honpo as gifts.
The sweets from Onibikkuri Manju have a simple and reassuring deliciousness.

However, during the heavy rains in July 2018, the Takahashi River flowing in front of the store flooded.
Onibikkuri Manju Honpo suffered significant damage due to the flooding.

Now, they have managed to reopen the store after overcoming the hardships caused by the disaster.

Let me introduce Onibikkuri Manju Honpo, known for its ogre statue, which produces a wide range of both Japanese and Western sweets.

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo is a long-established Japanese and Western confectionery store along National Route 180

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo is located in the northern part of Soja City, in the Tanei District.

Along National Route 180, with the Takahashi River in front and the JR Hakubi Line behind the store, it has a great location.

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo is a long-established store that was founded in the 1970s at its current location.
Since its establishment, it has been loved by local residents and tourists passing by on the national road.

Initially, Onibikkuri Manju Honpo was founded by a former carpenter from Shikoku.

Later, due to circumstances, the founder had to return to Shikoku, and the current owner, Mr. Nishi, became the second generation due to his connection with the founder, having worked together as carpenters.

Since then, Mr. Nishi and his wife have been managing the store.
Now, it seems that their daughter sometimes helps out as well.

The landmark is a giant statue of an ogre

When you think of Onibikkuri Manju Honpo, you think of the giant statue of an ogre standing around the building.

▼Once you pass by it, its impact is unforgettable, and it is known as a standard sight in the local area.

▼Around the store, many ogres stand in a dignified manner. When you visit the store, be sure to take a close look at them.

▼If you look closely, the ogre's hand is holding the store's signature product, "Onibikkuri Manju."

This statue of the ogre was actually handcrafted by the first owner, the founder.
Being a former carpenter, the ogres are made very realistically.

Recommended products from Onibikkuri Manju Honpo

At Onibikkuri Manju Honpo, a variety of products are manufactured and sold, including the signature product "Onibikkuri Manju," as well as Japanese and Western sweets.

From the many products available, let me introduce the recommended items from the store.

The signature product and most popular "Onibikkuri Manju"

The Onibikkuri Manju is the store's signature product, as the name suggests.
It has been a product since the establishment and is the most popular item in the store.

Onibikkuri Manju is a bite-sized oval-shaped steamed bun.

▼There are two colors, white and brown, with the brown one having a brown sugar flavor.

▼Inside, both types contain red bean paste.

The fluffy dough has a subtle sweetness, and the moderately sweet and moist red bean paste is delicious.

Onibikkuri Manju is available in packs of 15 and 32.

"Castella" with four flavors

Castella has also been a popular signature product for many years.

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo's castella comes in four different flavors.

Each flavor is sold in a half loaf size.

Note that "Nagasaki" refers to the regular flavor of castella.

Popular Western sweet "Bussé"

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo also manufactures and sells Western sweets.

Among the Western sweets, Bussé is also popular.
Bussé comes in several varieties, including cream and orange flavors.

The price for each flavor is 140 yen (tax included) per piece.

"Karinto Manju" sold only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo also makes Karinto Manju, which is popular.

Karinto Manju is sold exclusively on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
It comes in packs of 6 for 220 yen (tax included).

A wide variety of seasonal products

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo also offers seasonal products.

Since the interview was conducted in early May, there were seasonal products available, such as the following.

The Strawberry Daifuku offered a delightful combination of the sweet and sour flavor of strawberries, the smooth red bean paste, and the chewy texture of the dough.

According to Mr. Nishi from Onibikkuri Manju Honpo, the warabi mochi available only in summer is a popular product.
The warabi mochi from Onibikkuri Manju Honpo comes in a total of five different flavors.

• Plain
• Matcha
• Coffee
• Yuzu
• Soy Milk

I thought the variety of flavors in the warabi mochi was quite rare.

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo was affected by the heavy rain in July 2018

The heavy rain in July 2018 caused significant damage in Soja City as well.

The Tanei district, where Onibikkuri Manju Honpo is located, was also a disaster area.

The store of Onibikkuri Manju Honpo was also affected by the heavy rain.
The Takahashi River, which flows right in front of the store, flooded, submerging the area by 160 to 170 centimeters.

According to Mr. Nishi from the store, the glass doors were broken, equipment was damaged due to flooding, and some equipment was washed away by the water.

▼Inside the store, there are vivid photos depicting the situation at that time.

Despite the significant damage, Onibikkuri Manju Honpo was able to resume operations safely in November 2018.

“Thanks to the cooperation of many people, including those who participated in volunteer activities and local residents, we were able to clean up and resume operations.
I am very grateful to those who lent their support. With a heart full of gratitude, I intend to work hard on the new store,”

Mr. Nishi expressed his words of gratitude.

Conclusion

The striking statue of the demon leaves a lasting impression at Onibikkuri Manju Honpo.

The Japanese and Western sweets made at Onibikkuri Manju Honpo, led by the Onibikkuri Manju and castella, are all beloved by customers for many years.

Seasonal products like Strawberry Daifuku and warabi mochi are highly recommended as they are very delicious.
These are must-try items during their sales season.

The convenience of being located along a main road is also a charm of Onibikkuri Manju Honpo.
Please stop by when you are driving or sightseeing.

Onibikkuri Manju Honpo Information

Name	Onibikkuri Manju Honpo
Address	45-1 Tanei, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	0866-99-1935
Parking	Available
Business Hours	8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Regular Holidays	Irregular holidays
Payment Methods	Cash
Reservation Availability	Yes Product reservations by phone are available
Seating	None
Smoking	Completely non-smoking
Barrier-Free	Accessible for wheelchairs as there are no steps

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