[Yanaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture] What is "Awamanju" recommended by locals? 7 stores where you can buy it!

When it comes to souvenir sweets from Fukushima, "Mamadooru" and "Usukawa Manju" are famous. However, this time we will introduce "Awa Manju",

The most appealing thing about awamanju is its texture. The unique texture is created by using glutinous rice and millet. The fresher it is steamed, the more pronounced the texture becomes, making it an addictive delicacy

This time, I would like to tell you about the appeal of awamanju. I will also introduce places to buy them, so please refer to this when you visit Fukushima

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What kind of sweet is Awamanju?

Awamanju is a Japanese sweet made of a dough made from millet and glutinous rice, wrapped around smooth bean paste

"Awa" is a plant of the grass family and is counted as one of the five grains. Like rice, there are two varieties: non-glutinous and glutinous. When cooked, non-glutinous millet has a smooth, crunchy texture, while when cooked, glutinous millet has a thick consistency and a faintly spicy aroma.

Millet, along with barnyard millet, another of the five grains, has a history of being widely eaten as a staple food since ancient times. However, in modern times, rice became the mainstay of the diet, and consumption dropped significantly. Nowadays, millet is attracting attention again as a highly nutritious food. Millet is rich in dietary fiber and also contains iron. With the rise in health consciousness, it is being rediscovered as a grain that can be easily consumed

Awamanju is characterized by its unique skin made from millet. It is made from a mixture of millet and glutinous rice, and the dough is dyed a bright yellow to resemble the color of the millet seeds. The thin skin combines the smooth, chewy texture of the glutinous rice with the crunchy texture of the millet grains, creating a truly enjoyable texture

Inside the skin is a generous amount of carefully kneaded smooth bean paste. It's not too sweet and melts smoothly in your mouth. The smooth bean paste is so lavishly wrapped that one is enough to satisfy you. However, the texture is so tempting that you'll find yourself reaching for another one... which is quite strange

The fresher it is steamed, the more chewy it will be, so if you have the chance, we highly recommend trying it fresh

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The origin of Awamanju made in Yanaizu Town

Yanaizu Town in Fukushima Prefecture is located in the Aizu region. The Tadami River flows quietly along the JR Tadami Line, and visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery

Why did Awamanju become so famous in Yanaizu Town? Its origins are unclear, but one story says that it was created in 1818 when the Fukuman Kokuzoson temple in Yanaizu Town was hit by a major fire, with the hope that "Awamanju would never be hit by disaster again."

Fukuman Kokuzoson Enzoji Temple is one of Japan's three major Kokuzo Bodhisattva temples. It is known as the guardian deity of those born in the year of the Ox and Tiger, and the "Nanakado Naked Pilgrimage" . It is also said to be the birthplace of the Akabeko legend, and the "Nattouushi" ( is said to bring good fortune. If you are visiting as a tourist, be sure to check it out along with the Awamanju.

Enzoji Temple <Information>

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

Google Map

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Where can I buy Awamanju? (Yanaizu Town Edition)

If you've ever wanted to try awamanju, why not visit Yanaizu Town and enjoy the authentic taste? There are several awamanju shops in Yanaizu Town, so you can compare the flavors of each shop. Be sure to find your favorite flavor

Hasegawaya Confectionery Shop

You can enjoy the elegantly sweet Awamanju. In addition to Awamanju, Kurimanju is also a popular item

Hasegawaya Confectionery Store <Information>

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

Google Map

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Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Yanagi Main Store

They also have seasonal Awamanju! We recommend enjoying some freshly made Awamanju in the eat-in space, or buying some frozen ones as souvenirs

Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Yanagi Main Store ＜Information＞

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

Google Map

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Iwaiya Confectionery Store

Along with the chewy Awamanju, be sure to check out the Kurimanju! It's a luxurious dish filled with chunks of chestnuts with their skins still on

Iwaiya Confectionery Store <Information>

• Facility name: Iwaiya Confectionery Store
• Address: 147 Yanagitsu Terayamachi, Yanagitsu-machi, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 0120-294-247
• Business hours: 9:00-18:00
• URL https://www.office-web.jp/iwaiya/

Google Map

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Inabaya Confectionery

You can enjoy awa manju, which has a chewy skin and a refreshing sweetness

Inabaya Confectionery Store <Information>

• Facility name: Inabaya Confectionery
• Address: 208 Yanaizu Iwasakacho, Yanaizu-machi, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 024-142-2511
• Business hours: 9:00-17:00

Google Map

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In fact, there are places outside Yanaizu where you can buy awamanju

In fact, there are places outside of Yanaizu where you can buy awamanju. We recommend these places if you want to enjoy the authentic taste easily. Be sure to check them out when you visit Fukushima

[Aizuwakamatsu City] Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Iimoriyama Branch

The shop is located at the foot of Mt. Iimori in Aizuwakamatsu City, a famous tourist spot related to the Byakkotai. The freshly steamed awa manju are very chewy

Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Iimoriyama Store <Information>

• Facility name: Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Iimoriyama Store
• Address: 21 Yahata Bentenshita, Ichinomachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 024-223-7277
• Business hours: 9:00-17:00
• URL: https://koike-manjyu.com/

Google Map

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[Aizuwakamatsu City] Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Store, Tsurugajo Kaikan Branch

Tsuruga Castle is a famous tourist spot in Aizu. You can also enjoy awamanju at the adjacent drive-in restaurant, Tsuruga Castle Kaikan. Don't miss it when you visit

Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Tsurugajo Kaikan Store ＜Information＞

• Facility name: Yanagi Manju Honpo Koike Confectionery Shop Tsurugajo Kaikan Branch
• 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

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[Nihonmatsu City] Iwaiya Confectionery Shop, Roadside Station Adachi Branch

Located inside the Adachi Roadside Station, you can enjoy freshly steamed warm awamanju. Be sure to try their soft texture

Iwaiya Confectionery Shop Roadside Station Adachi Branch <Information>

• Facility name: Iwaiya Confectionery Store Roadside Station Adachi Branch
• Address: 33 Shimokawasakikamidaira, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Business hours: 9:00-17:00
• URL https://www.office-web.jp/iwaiya/

Google Map

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summary

This time we introduced Awamanju, a famous confectionery from Yanaizu Town

Awamanju is made with millet, which has recently been attracting attention due to its high nutritional value. Its chewy and lumpy texture is delicious and addictive. Its beautiful bright yellow color also catches the eye, making it a surprising souvenir

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

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