[Yanaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture] What is “Awamanju” recommended by locals? Where can I buy it?

When it comes to souvenir sweets from Fukushima, ``Mamadoru'' and ``thin skin manju'' are famous. However, this time we would like to introduce ``Awamanju''

The appeal of Awamanju is its texture. The use of sticky rice and millet creates a unique texture. The texture becomes more pronounced the fresher it is steamed, making it an addictive and must-have dish.

This time, I would like to tell you about the charm of Awamanju. We will also introduce shopping spots, so please use this as a reference when sightseeing in Fukushima.

What kind of sweet is Awamanju?

Awamanju is a Japanese sweet filled with strained red bean paste wrapped in a skin made from millet and glutinous rice.

"Millet" is a plant belonging to the Poaceae family and is counted as one of the five grains. Like rice, there are two varieties: uruchi and mochi.Uruchi has a smooth and chewy texture when cooked, while mochi has a thick, slightly spicy aroma when cooked.

Millet, along with barnyard millet, which is also a five-grain, has a history of being eaten as a staple food since ancient times. However, in modern times, rice became the main ingredient at the table, and consumption decreased significantly. Nowadays, millet is once again attracting attention as a highly nutritious food. Millet is rich in dietary fiber and also contains iron. As people become more health-conscious, they are being reconsidered as grains that can be easily consumed.

Awamanju is characterized by its unique skin made from millet. It is made from a mixture of millet and sticky rice that is dyed a bright yellow color inspired by the color of millet seeds. The smooth, chewy texture of the glutinous rice and the bubble-like texture of the millet grains combine within the thin skin to create a truly enjoyable texture.

The inside of the skin is filled with carefully kneaded bean paste. It's not too sweet and melts smoothly in your mouth. It's wrapped in luxurious bean paste, so you'll be very satisfied with just one. However, it's strange because I can't help but reach for one more thing because of the texture.

The fresher it is steamed, the more chewy it will be, so if you have the chance, you should try it freshly made.

The origin of Awamanju made in Yanaizu Town

Yanaizu Town in Fukushima Prefecture is a town located in the Aizu region. Along the JR Tadami Line, the Tadami River flows quietly and you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature.

Why did Awamanju become famous in Yanaizu Town? The origin of this shrine is not certain, but according to one story, it was created in 1818 when Fukuman Kokuzoson in Yanaizu Town was hit by a huge fire, in hopes of ``preventing disaster from happening again.''

Fukuman Kokuzoson Enzoji Temple is one of the three major Kokuzo Bodhisattva temples in Japan. It is known as the guardian deity of those born in the Year of the Ox and the Tiger, and is also famous for the ``Nankado Naked Pilgrimage'' It is also said to be the birthplace of the Akabeko legend, and it is said that the ``Naked Cow'' When you visit for sightseeing, be sure to check it out along with Awamanju.

Enzoji Temple＜Information＞

• Facility name Fukuman Kokuzoson Enzoji Temple
• Address: 176 Yanaizu Jike-cho, Yanaizu-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number 024-142-2002
• Business hours 8:00-15:45
• URL https://temple.aizu-yanaizu.com/

Google Map

Where can I buy Awamanju? (Yanaizu Town edition)

I want to try awammanju! If so, why not visit Yanaizu Town and enjoy the authentic taste? When you visit Yanaizu Town, there are several shops that make Awamanju, so you can taste and compare the flavors of each shop. Please try finding your favorite flavor.

Hasegawa confectionery shop

You can enjoy the elegant sweetness of the bubbly buns. In addition to frothed manju, chestnut manju is also a popular item.

Hasegawaya Confectionery Shop＜Information＞

• Facility name Hasegawaya Confectionery
• Address: 180 Ko, Yanaizu Iwasaka-cho, Yanaizu-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number 024-142-2383

Google Map

Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Yanaizu Main Store

We also have seasonal steamed buns! We recommend eating freshly made food in the eat-in space, or buying frozen items as souvenirs.

Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Yanaizu Main Store <Information>

• Facility name Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Yanaizu Main Store
• Address 206 Yanaizu Iwasaka-cho, Yanaizu-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 024-142-2554
• Business hours 8:30-18:00
• URL https://koike-manjyu.com/

Google Map

Iwaiya confectionery shop

Be sure to check out the chestnut manju as well as the chewy bubbly manju! A luxurious dish filled with chestnuts with astringent skin.

Iwaiya Confectionery Shop＜Information＞

• Facility name Iwaiya confectionery store
• Address: 147 Ko, Yanaizu Jike-cho, Yanaizu-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 0120-294-247
• Business hours 9:00-18:00
• URL https://www.office-web.jp/iwaiya/

Google Map

Inabaya confectionery shop

You can enjoy bubbly buns with chewy skin and refreshing sweetness.

Inabaya Confectionery Shop＜Information＞

• Facility name Inabaya confectionery store
• Address: 208 Ko, Yanaizu Iwasaka-cho, Yanaizu-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number 024-142-2511
• Business hours 9:00-17:00

Google Map

In fact, there are spots where you can buy awammanju outside of Yanaizu town.

In fact, there are places outside Yanaizu where you can buy awammanju. Recommended if you want to enjoy the authentic taste easily. Be sure to check it out when sightseeing in Fukushima.

[Aizuwakamatsu City] Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Store Iimoriyama Branch

Our store is located at the entrance to Mt. Iimori in Aizuwakamatsu City, a famous tourist spot related to the Byakkotai. Freshly steamed steamed buns are chewy.

Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Iimoriyama Store <Information>

• Facility name Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Iimoriyama store
• Address: 21 Yahata Bentenge, Ikki-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 024-223-7277
• Business hours 9:00-17:00
• URL https://koike-manjyu.com/

Google Map

[Aizuwakamatsu City] Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Tsurugajo Kaikan Store

Tsuruga Castle is a famous sightseeing spot in Aizu. You can also enjoy awammanju inside the adjacent drive-in "Tsurugajo Kaikan". Please don't miss it when you visit.

Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Tsurugajo Hall Store <Information>

• Facility name Yanaizu Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Tsurugajo Hall store
• Address: 4-47 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 024-285-7502
• Business hours 10:00-16:00
• URL https://koike-manjyu.com/

Google Map

[Nihonmatsu City] Iwaiya Confectionery Roadside Station Adachi Branch

We have a store inside the roadside station Adachi, where you can enjoy freshly steamed warm awammanju. Please enjoy the soft texture.

Iwaiya Confectionery Roadside Station Adachi Store <Information>

• Facility name Iwaiya confectionery roadside station Adachi store
• Address: 33 Shimokawasaki Kamidaira, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Business hours 9:00-17:00
• URL https://www.office-web.jp/iwaiya/

Google Map

summary

This time we introduced Yanaizu Town's famous confectionery, Awamanju.

Awamanju is made using millet, which has been gaining attention again in recent years due to its high nutritional value. Its chewy and chewy texture leaves you wanting more. The beautiful bright yellow visuals are eye-catching, so I think you'll be surprised by the souvenirs.

If you haven't tried it yet, please give it a try. It's sure to be one of your memorable tastes.