Inaba White Rabbit Manju: Where to Eat (Tottori)

Inaba White Rabbit Manju is a representative Sanin confection made in honor of the Inaba White Rabbit, a myth recorded even in the Kojiki. Known for its charming shape modeled on a white rabbit, it is finished by wrapping yolk bean paste in soft dough. In the myth, Okuninushi, also known as Daikoku-sama, who saved the wounded rabbit, is said to have been united with Princess Yagami, and the tale is cherished for its deep ties to matchmaking. As a sweet unique to Tottori, the stage of the myth, it has long been beloved as a standard souvenir.

Highlights

Its round rabbit shape and red-tinted eyes are so endearing that just picking one up brings a smile. In the mouth, the mellow sweetness of the yolk bean paste spreads from within the moist white dough. Beyond its adorable looks, its refined flavor that never grows tiresome is another reason for its popularity. Its lucky ties to the myth also make it a welcome gift.

Enjoying the Seasons

Though a year-round standard, its popularity rises especially in years and celebratory seasons associated with the rabbit. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is perfect to enjoy during a break on your travels or with tales of your trip after returning home. Since it keeps well, it is also easy to buy in bulk.

Access and Basic Information

It is widely sold around the White Rabbit Shrine, at souvenir shops across the prefecture, and at the shops in JR Tottori Station. Buying it after visiting Hakuto Beach or the White Rabbit Shrine, the stage of the myth, makes for an even more memorable souvenir. Many come individually wrapped, adding to their popularity as they are easy to share.

Practical Travel Notes

It is sold year round and many come individually wrapped and keeping well, so it suits taking home as a souvenir to share. The myth-linked White Rabbit Shrine and Hakuto Beach lie in the western part of Tottori City, opposite the direction of the Tottori Sand Dunes, and touring by car makes them easy to include. Buying it together with a visit to the shrine known for matchmaking deepens its meaning as a gift. The shops in JR Tottori Station carry it too, so it can be picked up to cap a trip even when traveling by train.

A Quick Tip

Tasting it after praying at the White Rabbit Shrine makes the world of the myth feel much closer. Named after a shrine known for matchmaking, it is also recommended as a gift for someone dear to you.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• The maker and its history: This famous confection was created in 1968 (Showa 43) by Kotobuki Seika Co., Ltd. (Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture). Yolk-based bean paste is wrapped in a dough made with local Daisen butter, and the red eyes are colored with a vegetable pigment extracted from red radish.
• Public facility where you can stop by: Roadside Station Shinwa no Sato Shirousagi (613 Hakuto, Tottori City / 0857-59-6700). The shop is open 8:00-19:00 (8:30-18:00 from December 3 to February 28) and is open all year round. It offers a wide range of souvenirs themed on the white rabbit.
• Access: The roadside station is about 20 minutes (13.4 km) from JR Tottori Station and about 6 minutes from Tottori Conan Airport. By local bus, get off at "Hakuto Jinja Mae".
• Also worth a visit: At "Okashi no Jukijo" (1605-1 Sada, Yodoe-cho, Yonago City / 9:00-17:00, 1 minute by car from the Yonago IC on the Yonago Expressway), the maker's own directly managed facility, you can also take a tour of the confectionery factory.

* Opening hours and prices at individual establishments vary from shop to shop.

(Sources: Kotobuki Seika Co., Ltd. official website "Inaba no Shirousagi", Roadside Station Shinwa no Sato Shirousagi official website, Okashi no Jukijo official website)

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourist information for Tottori Prefecture and information published by the individual establishments. Prices, menus and seasonal offerings are subject to change, so please check the official information of each establishment for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From several hundred yen to the 1,000-yen range for a boxed set
• Where to buy it: Confectionery shops, souvenir shops, and station and airport kiosks throughout the prefecture
• Recommended time of day: Daytime. Good as a gift to take home or to round off a trip
• Avoiding the crowds: An easy-to-buy classic souvenir. Popular items sell out, so buy early
• Enjoy it together with: Boxed famous confections as souvenirs, Hakuto Jinja Shrine, Hakuto Coast, and the Tottori Sand Dunes