Speaking of Okayama souvenirs, "Kibi Dango" is the one! We visited the long-established shop "Kōeido" (Okayama City)

The person who will be introducing us together is Okayama's local hero, Momo Saver!

• Table of Contents
• What is Kōeido?
• Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet): A traditional taste recognized as the best in Japan
• Cute individual packaging featuring illustrations by Gomi Taro: 6 different characters
• Limited edition "Mukashi Kibidango (Traditional Style Kibidango) ": Special Kibi Dango from Okayama Prefecture
• Where to buy: Department stores in Okayama Prefecture and nationwide
• Summary: Traditional Japanese sweets you must try when visiting Okayama

What is Kōeido?

Chunagon Main Store

Kōeido was founded in the Edo period. Originally a pottery shop called Hiroseya that had been in business for seven generations, it converted into a Japanese confectionery shop in 1856 (the third year of the Ansei era). Under the guidance of Iki Sanensai, the chief retainer of the Okayama domain at the time, the simple Kibidango that had been around for a long time in Okayama were transformed into a high-quality Japanese confection suitable for tea ceremonies. The feudal lord then gave permission for the use of the nail-pulling crest, the national seal of Bizen Province. This meant that Kibi Dango was officially recognized by the feudal lord as a famous confectionery representing Okayama. From this point on, Kōeido's Kibi Dango became widely known.

Fujiwara store entrance

It's wonderful that we can still enjoy the same Kibi Dango 170 years later. It is said that the Okayama Prefecture-born author Uchida Hyakken loved the kibi dango from Kōeido, especially the skewered ones. In his work "Kibi Dango at Dawn," he wrote, "The Kibi dango shop in Chunagon is Kōeido." There is still a store in Chunagon today.

Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet): A traditional taste recognized as the best in Japan

Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet)(Photo provided by Kōeido)

When we hear Kibi Dango, the first thing that comes to mind is the story of Momotaro. Momotaro sets off to defeat the ogre, carrying Kibi Dango made by his grandmother. There is a famous scene in which he shares the Kibi Dango with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, and makes them his allies.

There's a special story behind Kōeido's "Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet)." When Emperor Meiji visited Okayama in 1886, the first owner, Asajiro, presented him with Kibi Dango he had made himself. In return, the emperor composed a poem that read, "Kibi dango, unlike any other in Japan, has earned its reputation for its flavor," and gave the product the seal of approval, calling it "Japan's Kibi Dango." Later, with the development of the railway, it became a souvenir from Okayama Station and became known nationwide as a specialty representative of Okayama, along with the auspicious story of the ogre's slaying.

We spoke with Konishi Yuki of Kōeido Co., Ltd., and he told us that the "Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet) " is the store's greatest feature. The main ingredient, glutinous rice, is produced in Nayoro City, Hokkaido . The distinctive package illustration is by world-renowned picture book author Gomi Taro. It's a design you'll never forget once you've seen it.

Cute individual packaging featuring illustrations by Gomi Taro: 6 different characters

The Kibi Dango inside the box are individually wrapped in wrapping paper featuring a lovely illustration by Gomi Taro. There was actually something I had been wondering about for a while, so I asked Konishi about it.

Author: How many different illustrations are there on the packaging? Also, does the box I purchased contain all of them?

Konishi: There are a huge variety of illustrations, but the packaging for the Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet) features six randomly chosen illustrations (Momotaro, Oni, Dog, Monkey, Pheasant, and a robot-like character). The 10-piece series currently comes in seven flavors (Original, Brown Sugar, Sea Salt, Kinako, White Peach, Matcha, and Sports), all of which have the same specifications.

The character on the left doesn't have a name.

My box contained all the different types. Included with Momotaro and his friends was a mysterious robot-like character. When I asked what this character was, I was told that it doesn't have a specific name, and that Gomi Taro had said, "The recipient can choose whatever they like."

Limited edition "Mukashi Kibidango (Traditional Style Kibidango) ": Special Kibi Dango from Okayama Prefecture

Mukashi Kibidango (Traditional Style Kibidango)(left) and Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet)(right)

I learned about "Mukashi Kibidango (Traditional Style Kibidango)" for the first time after hearing about it this time. Apart from the Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet), which is available nationwide, it is sold exclusively at seven directly managed stores in Okayama Prefecture and through an online shop. This product is made using glutinous rice specially grown by contracted farmers in Okayama Prefecture. The packaging also has a slightly more mature design. It is less sweet than the Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet), has a firm texture and offers a different flavor. I also recommend this one.

Mukashi Kibidango (Traditional Style Kibidango)(left) and Ganso Kibidango (Original Millet Dumpling Sweet)(right)

Where to buy: Department stores in Okayama Prefecture and nationwide

You can also purchase it at JR Okayama Station.

It can be purchased at seven directly managed stores (Chunagon Main Store, Fujiwara Store, Sun Station Terrace Okayama Okayama Takashimaya Store, Okayama Kurashiki Store, Kurashiki Store, Kurashiki Otori Store, Tenmaya Okayama Store) and the online shop. It is also widely sold at JR-affiliated kiosks, supermarkets such as Tenmaya Store, service areas, and parking areas within Okayama Prefecture. Outside the prefecture, it is mainly sold at department stores.

Kōeido Online Shop

Summary: Traditional Japanese sweets you must try when visiting Okayama

I remember my Kibi Dango was in school lunches. While Kibi Dango is a familiar food in Okayama , people outside of Okayama Prefecture may not have many opportunities to eat it. Take this opportunity to try it!

Photo provided by Kōeido

The Fujiwara Kōeido and Chunagon main branch of Koeido that we visited this time also have coffee shops where you can relax while enjoying a meal.

[ Kōeido Fujiwara store]

Address: 60 Okayama Prefecture, Naka-ku , Okayama City, Fujiwara Naka Ward

TEL: 086-271-0101

Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (Café last orders 17:00)

Closed: 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month *However, the store will be open if it coincides with a public holiday, busy season, or seasonal event.

Parking: Available

Kōeido ｜Official website