It's been five years since I visited Kurayama in September 2022! I wanted to visit a factory that makes kibidango with my friend, but we didn't make a reservation. Instead, we bought some at the office and shop. I was happy to receive a special set of kibidango as a bonus. The kibidango was delicious, especially the milk flavor. My father also loved the authentic taste of the mochi made from real corn. I would love to try more corn-flavored treats in the future. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

【Takeout】Caramel??? A place that manufactures and sells kibidango, a confectionery that has been popular in Hokkaido for a long time. The shop is located along a prefectural road from Kurayama Town to Nagayama Town. 2021/6/11, 3:00 PM, I revisited the place where I had stopped during a cycling trip before. The same thing happened again (×ω×). Passing under the viaduct, you'll notice a sign, and it's a regular office building. There are samples of products at the entrance, like packs of 3 or 5. Since I didn't want to eat that many alone, I asked if I could buy just one. I bought 2 kibidango and a caramel, which had a delicious flavor resembling dark sugar, maybe due to heating the sugar. If you make a mistake, you should just use a calculator to avoid it... And if you do make a mistake, you should apologize, right~~~~.

A traditional Japanese confectionery shop located in Kurisuyama-cho, Yoichi District. Established in 1923, they specialize in making and selling kibi dango. They are open from 8:00 to 17:00 and closed on weekends and holidays. Their signature dish, Nihonichi Kibi Dango, is a type of kneaded confectionery they offer. While kibi dango is famous in Okayama and Inuyama, I didn't know it was also found in Hokkaido. Despite being called dango, it is not in the traditional round shape but rather in a flat form. The texture and taste are similar to Inuyama's kibi dango, made by kneading yellow flour. The sweetness of the yellow flour and the satisfying chewiness make it delicious. It is said to be tasty even when warmed up. Each pack contains 70g, offering a satisfying amount to eat.

Tani Seika Co., Ltd.'s "Kibidango" is a nostalgic treat that I remember my grandparents enjoying since I was a child. I had seen it in the supermarket but never bought it until now, when eating Vitamin Cas○la made me reflect on the past. The Kibidango (129 yen) comes wrapped in white paper to preserve its shape, and when unwrapped from the paper, it is wrapped in an edible rice paper. The texture is chewy and hard, different from what I remembered from my childhood. However, after heating it in the microwave as instructed on the packaging, I was able to enjoy its original flavor. The package also advises that the ingredients, made only from natural foods like mochi rice and malt syrup, can become hard in low temperatures and soft in high temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to store it at room temperature before consuming, especially in cold weather.

Finally, my day trip to Kobe is coming to an end as I make my way back to the Himeji SA rest area. While taking a break and walking through the shopping area, I came across something interesting - the "Number One Kibidango in Japan". When you think of kibidango, you might think of Okayama prefecture, right? Well, this "Number One Kibidango in Japan" is actually from Hokkaido. It has an illustration of Momotaro on the packaging, so it seems to be inspired by the famous Japanese folktale. Looking at the back, it says, "It was named 'Kibidango' with the wish of helping each other during the Hokkaido development period." The website mentions that they used Momotaro as a character to create this product. The price at the rest area is 165 yen, which is a bit higher than usual, but since it's not something you see every day, I decided to buy it. The main ingredient is malt syrup, which is different from the kibidango in Okayama. The one I bought was in stick form. Opening the package, I found a warm-colored, firm kibidango with a thin, transparent layer on the outside - turns out it was an edible film. When I took a bite, it was a bit hard due to the low temperature, but it softened up in my mouth. Kibidango tends to be softer and tastier when warm. It has a nice flavor, maybe from the malt. For Hokkaido locals, this kibidango might be more familiar and enjoyable compared to the ones from Okayama.

It's a place in Kurayama Town, but it's too much trouble to explain the exact location from the beginning, so please check the map on Tabelog as usual. Be careful when entering the entrance to the factory and store from a one-way road, then park your car in the front parking lot and enter the store. Inside the store, some products, samples, and related goods are displayed. I bought a pack of 5 "kibidango" and a pack of 12 individually wrapped "Osho Ame" for the winter limited edition. First, I tried the "kibidango," which is what they are known for. I haven't eaten it in over 10 years. Unwrap it and you'll find the familiar kibidango wrapped in edible rice paper. I cut about a third and tried it. It has a mild sweetness and a chewy texture like "dango mochi." Next, I tried the "Osho Ame," which is bite-sized, but still quite large. I lightly tapped it with the back of a knife to break it apart. It has a nostalgic sesame flavor, but it sticks to your teeth, so be careful if you have dentures or fillings. I enjoyed these nostalgic sweets, and since the manufacturer, "Yatada Seika," has a century-old history, I hope they continue to produce nostalgic sweets for a long time to come.

Welcome! ┌¬o＊ ＊ ＊ 2013.10 ↓During this trip, I was able to purchase the winter limited edition Daisho Ame, which is a food item sensitive to temperature as it melts when warm. Customers seeking this item are not well known, so the shopkeeper was able to tell that I had heard about it over the phone. This time, I did not receive the special Kibidango, but it was still a satisfying meal! Thank you!＊ ＊ ＊ 2013.09 ↓Kuriyama to Yubari Trip (Kuriyama Part) 02/10When in Kuriyama, one must visit this place. I couldn't resist and visited a bit early. As usual, I stopped by the shop |o| °_°)ﾉ|Yuugachon to purchase the classic omiyage since the winter limited edition Daisho Ame was not yet available. I also received a bonus, and with gratitude, I left saying, "Thank you, miss!" The Kibidango, wrapped in an edible wrapper, is a must-try for those who love sweet treats! Thank you for the meal!＊ ＊ ＊ 2012.10 ↓First time visiting the land of Kuriyama! "I've been craving Kibidango that I saw on BM before. Since I'm here, I should buy it from the factory!" I thought as I visited various shops and omiyage stores selling it. Just as I was about to pass under the underpass, I thought it should be around here somewhere. It was a bit confusing, with lots of twists and turns, but after circling around and backtracking, I found a mysterious building in the back. I cautiously opened the door |o| °_°)ﾉ|Yuugachon, and was greeted by a lady at the office. She looked at me like a lost cat and asked, "Who might you be?" After peeking inside, I was assured that I could buy Kibidango here. I selected a few items and was offered a taste test before being seen off. I purchased the classic Kibidango, a pack of 3, and shared 2 pieces. As always, I enjoy it warm (my teeth are not weak!). The taste of the Kibidango was rich, especially when paired with a bite of Yubari melon. The Daisho Ame needs to be cracked before eating, as it is a limited edition item only available in winter. It's a rare treat that I used to struggle with unwrapping as a child (that's a secret!). Thank you for the meal!

I purchased the Daisen Ami. I tried the taste of the brown sugar dumplings, and it was delicious. I thought it would be nice if they sold this mini set as a souvenir. It was my first time trying brown sugar flavored dumplings, and it was really tasty.

Purchased at a local supermarket on 4/30. It seems that Kibi Dango is related to Children's Day. This is not exactly like Kibi Dango, but more like a chewy and mochi-like texture. When I looked at the back of the package, it seems that it is not necessarily Kibi Dango. It's called Kibidango, I heard.

One of the souvenirs my husband brought back from his company trip to Hokkaido on November 4, 2022. "Nihonichi Kibidango" is a simple and nostalgic mochi snack (similar to dagashi), completely different from the well-known "kibidango" from Okayama Prefecture. (Its origin is said to be from the "Kibidango Gou" during the reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake and the development of Hokkaido.) I tried it for the first time, but it somehow felt nostalgic... It is quite sweet but the deliciousness is addictive. Nihonichi Kibidango 129 yen + tax (purchased at Kakizaki Shoten) [Ingredients] Malted barley syrup (domestically produced), sugar, glutinous rice, anko (sweet red bean paste), edible paper / calcium carbonate, lecithin (soybean derived)

In Hokkaido, the "Tengu-do Takarabune" and the "Yataseika" kibidango are considered the top choices. I bought the Yataseika kibidango at the Hokkaido Fair at the Fujisaki Department Store. Originally, it was called "Kibidango Kibidango," meaning "to prepare and unite to help before something happens." It has been sold since 1923, inspired by the spirit of the Hokkaido development by the Tondenhei and the recovery from the Kanto Earthquake. It is a traditional snack with a simple flavor of brown sugar. The package features Kintaro, although Kintaro's kibidango is actually Kibi Dango (laughs).

Photo submission! Continuing from Kinshui-an, the best kibidango in Japan! If you're a local, you must try the kibidango from Tanida Seika! I went there and revisited the memories of my childhood when I loved the best kibidango in Japan! My wife mentioned Tanida Seika, so we decided to go together this time. We arrived after driving around a one-way rotary-like road. I remembered drinking with a colleague from Okayama Prefecture during my active days. The best kibidango in Japan is actually from Okayama Prefecture? I need to study more! I bought the "Kita no Nishiki Amazake Mochi" for 250 yen including tax. There are various products available, but this time I chose the collaboration product with Kobayashi Shuzo. It was delicious, but I forgot to ask where they sell it!

Today, my boss at work brought in a treat for us. It's a product from a long-established confectionery in Kurayama Town, famous for the "Number One Kinako Dango." It's not from Yataseika or Taisho Amey, but a kinako mochi!? I didn't know such a thing existed, even though I've been a resident of Kurayama Town for years. When I unwrapped it, I could see that it was sprinkled with kinako powder. I'm not a fan of sweet things, but I'll give it a try. Oh!? It's not as sweet as I thought it would be. It has a texture more like beko mochi than regular mochi. The kinako powder is just a subtle accent. Honestly, I don't think it's that delicious, but personally, I think it's okay because it's not too sweet (laughs). It's interesting to see all the new products being created. It's clear that even long-established shops like this one have put in effort to get to where they are today. I know it's tough with the Corona shock, but I hope they continue to protect these historic stores. It was delicious!! Thank you for the treat♪

This is a gift I received at work. It's a souvenir from Kurayama Town, brought by an unfamiliar older man. It's "kibidango," which I've known since I was a child. I had no idea it was made in Kurayama Town in Hokkaido. It's called "Yatanokuni's Number One Kibidango." I didn't know it was the best in Japan. The package illustration looks a bit different. The texture of the wrapping might be slightly different too. When I took a bite, it was very chewy and elastic. It made me say "tough!" for a moment. Was it like this before? The "kibidango" I ate as a child was more soft and springy in my memory, but this one feels like it's strengthening my jaw. The package suggests warming it in the microwave, which makes sense. This improved version of "kibidango" brings back memories from my childhood.

The "Anywhere Footprint Left Behind Team" (named by bankara) received a souvenir from MYF who came from Hokkaido, and among the mixed reviews, (｀ｰ∀ｰ´) said "I want to try it," and the master brought it over. ＼(＾o＾)／ When it was handed over, there was a slight look of relief on their face, but... What is this?! (｡-ω-)_θ☆(ﾉ･⊿･)ﾉ Anyway, I was warned about dental work coming loose, so I broke off a small piece and put it in my mouth. The way it sticks is beyond caramel. The not sweet sesame flavor is also quite unique. It really sticks to your teeth, so you need some skill to eat it. Once you get used to it, it's quite delicious.

The Sapporo man who came to run a full marathon on February 23, 2018. He always brings souvenirs from Hokkaido when he comes to Tokyo. This time, I received a souvenir of Hokkaido specialty, which is said to be the most difficult candy to eat in Japan. It is almost square in shape, measuring 10.5mm x 10mm. It is wrapped in an edible film called oblate and has a retro packaging. The candy is meant to be broken before eating, but it is quite hard. However, the reason why it is said to be difficult to eat is not because of its shape. If you try putting a piece in your mouth, you will understand why. It sticks to your teeth terrifyingly. The adhesive power is at a panic level. It only takes a split second. You panic and try to bite it, which makes it stick even more. And then your dental filling comes off. At this point, you have no choice but to wait for it to dissolve slowly in your mouth. This candy is truly a silent terror. The taste is a mix of sweet and salty, with a sesame salt flavor. At first, there is no sense of excitement, rather a serious "dangerous" feeling. But for some reason, this taste becomes addictive, and I find myself foolishly putting one in my mouth, thinking "Oh no!" and struggling. The man who laughs when reading this review is annoying. And finally breaking free from the curse, there is still a leftover candy next to me that I haven't finished eating yet.

The image I have of kibidango is the souvenir from Okayama. The package has an illustration of an ogre and the kibidango itself is soft like mochi. I bought some kibidango at a Hokkaido product exhibition. These kibidango are sold under the name "Kibidango" with the spirit of Hokkaido's pioneering spirit. It doesn't seem to have any relation to the Momotaro legend. It's more like a flat stick-shaped mochi than a dumpling. If Momotaro had this, it would have been easier to carry around (laughs). When you eat it, it's a chewy mochi with a slightly sweet taste. When warmed in a toaster, it becomes softer and the texture changes. Family member A said that this kibidango tasted very nostalgic as it was what they ate as a child.

Nostalgic. Made mainly of malt syrup, sugar, and sticky rice. Shaped into rectangles and wrapped in edible rice paper. It's a chewy, sticky dumpling that hardens quickly at room temperature. To enjoy, warm it in the microwave for 5-second intervals until it reaches your desired firmness. I remember seeing it in candy stores when I was young. Nowadays, you can find bite-sized versions, but nothing beats the original single stick of kibidango. This treat is from a company in Kutchan, Hokkaido, established in 1923 under the name "Kibidango." They also make large, flat shoyu ame, which I personally don't enjoy. There are plenty of delicious snacks available now, but the first-time joy of tasting Hokkaido kibidango is something that will never be forgotten. If asked if it's tasty, I would say there are many delicious treats out there, but the reaction of someone trying kibidango for the first time is sure to be one of amazement. In today's world, Hokkaido kibidango is still the best for me. This is a story unique to Hokkaido.