Sweets

The scent of bamboo brings back memories! "Sasa Dango," a retro Japanese sweet from Inawashiro Town (Fukushima Prefecture)

Each sasa dango is carefully wrapped in a large, deep green bamboo leaf. The refreshing scent of the bamboo leaves brings back memories of childhood

This article focuses on the local specialty of Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture, "Sasa Dango" from Horaido Confectionery. We'll introduce the history of this beloved local treat, as well as recommended Horaido products to buy alongside it

The shop is close to leisure spots such as Nakanosawa Onsen and Lake Inawashiro, so it's also recommended as a souvenir. If you're a fan of Japanese sweets, be sure to check it out

What are Hourai-do's Sasa Dango?

Houraido's Sasa Dango is a nostalgic Japanese sweet made using traditional methods. Each mugwort dumpling filled with bean paste is wrapped in two large Kuma bamboo leaves. Four sasa dango are tied together like a bell and placed in a bag, giving it a retro look

The first thing you notice when you pick it up is the distinctive scent of bamboo. The refreshing aroma of nature hits your nose and fills your chest. Once you unravel the bamboo leaves, you'll find a smooth mugwort dumpling inside. The chewy, springy mochi dough is wrapped around a gently sweet bean paste filling

The dumplings also have a strong bamboo scent, and once you try them you're sure to become addicted. It's a dish that will remind you of the bamboo scent and make you want to eat it again and again

The shop is located in Nakanosawa Onsen town, so why not try some sasa dango instead of hot spring manju?

What is the special feature of Houraido's Sasa Dango?

Houraido's sasa dango are made with carefully selected ingredients and traditional methods

First, the ingredients. Kumazasa, the face of Hourai-do's sasa dango, is, of course, real bamboo. We select and use lush, beautiful bamboo leaves. The water used in the mochi dough and bean paste comes from the pure water of Mount Bandai. It is soaked in the bounty of nature, resulting in a gentle flavor

The amount of mugwort that gives the dumplings their vibrant green color is kept to a minimum so that they don't become bitter. Even those who don't like mugwort will be able to enjoy them to the very last bite

Next, we use traditional methods. From making the mugwort dumplings to wrapping them in bamboo leaves, each one is made by hand

The dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves and tied with straw string to form a candy shape. The time and effort that goes into each and every one of them makes you feel that Houraido wants you to enjoy delicious, traditional bamboo dumplings

With the evolution of online information networks, customers now come from far away, and mail order sales are also available. Even though the circumstances of buyers change with the times, Houraido's sweets continue to use traditional ingredients and manufacturing methods, and perhaps this is because they contain the artisan spirit that can only be found in Japanese sweets

The charm of Houraido's sweets is not just sasa dango!

Houraido Confectionery is committed to using traditional ingredients and methods, and they also manufacture and sell other popular Japanese sweets besides sasa dango. This time, we've picked out some recommendations from among them. They're just as delicious as sasa dango, so be sure to consider them as souvenirs too

Shikokumochi (purple rice cake) with delicious zunda bean paste

This dark purple, ohagi-style dish is made with ancient rice and has a unique appearance. The mochi is filled with zunda bean paste, which retains the texture of edamame beans. It has a gentle sweetness and the flavor of the edamame is brought out. When you bite into it, the contrast between the purple of the mochi and the yellow-green of the zunda bean paste is beautiful

It is said to be delicious even when slightly chilled. How about combining it with bamboo dumplings as a tea snack?

A collaboration with Koriyama City's soul food: Cream Box Daifuku

Cream Box Daifuku is a new generation collaboration product. In Koriyama City, the white, creamy, and sweet milk cream is generously spread on top of fluffy, chewy bread. This Daifuku is stuffed with that cream inside a chewy Daifuku. There's no way it won't be delicious!

The cute, cream-box-style bread-shaped box makes it a perfect souvenir for younger generations

Crispy and moist fried buns

Deep-fried manju is a staple at Japanese confectionery shops, but Houraido Confectionery's deep-fried manju is known for its deliciousness. The crispy exterior and moist interior create a nice contrast. The smooth bean paste is also delicious, as expected

Even if it has been a while since they were last eaten, you can restore their crispness by toasting them in a toaster oven. They also make a great souvenir

summary

This time we introduced the sasa dango made by Houraido Confectionery, which has a store in Nakanosawa Onsen in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture

Wrapped in bamboo leaves and tied with straw string, their retro appearance is sure to appeal to lovers of Japanese sweets. Each one is a carefully handcrafted piece of "well-made Japanese sweets."

There are plenty of other delicious sweets besides sasa dango. It can be hard to choose what to buy in the store. Even if you end up buying too much, they're so delicious you'll be sure to finish them all

If you are looking for a Fukushima souvenir that will be well-received, be sure to check this out

Horaido Confectionery <Information>

  • Name: Horaido Seika Co., Ltd
  • Address: 2855-453, Sanyo Numajiriyama, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-2752
  • Business hours: 8:00-17:00
  • Phone number: 0242-64-3717
  • Official URL: https://hou-raido.com/

Google Maps

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles