Walking around town is fun! Investigating nostalgic sweets near Miharu Town Hall [Miharu Town, Fukushima Prefecture]

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"Towns are interesting to explore on foot!", this series takes you on a leisurely stroll through towns to discover their charms. This time, we explored Miharu Town in Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture.

While Miharu Town is famous for its "Miharu Takizakura" cherry tree, this time we investigated the area around the Miharu Town Hall. The townscape, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, has a fresh feel with a mix of retro and modern elements. With a casual stroll of about an hour, we were able to discover a nostalgic sweet that has been loved by locals for a long time

Please use this as a reference when you visit

the previous "Strolling Around" article!

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

The town is fun to walk around! A journey to find easy-to-eat gourmet food near JR Nihonmatsu Station [Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/46255

"Towns are more interesting when you walk around!" This is a series where we explore the charms of towns by actually strolling around them. This time, we explored the area around JR Nihonmatsu Station in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town. If you're going to enjoy walking around town, you should definitely look for "quick snacks." You can easily buy several snacks that will satisfy your hunger. This time, we found some delicious recommendations that you can snack on while walking during our approximately one-hour stroll. Why don't you also go and search for delicious treasures in Nihonmatsu? Previous "Stroll Article...".

The journey begins at Miharu Town Hall

Our journey begins at the Miharu Town Hall. There are plenty of public parking lots nearby, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the town

Incidentally, the name Miharu comes from the fact that in spring, three types of flowers—peach, plum, and cherry blossom—bloom all at once. I think there's something evocative about the fact that they used "Miharu" (三春) instead of simply "three flowers" (三花), adding a bit of nuance

Miharu Town was once home to Miharu Castle, the residence of the lord of the Miharu Domain. Also known as Maizuru Castle, it is famous for the fact that Aihime, the only daughter of Tamura Kiyosuke, who ruled this area, became the principal wife of Date Masamune. The ruins of Miharu Castle are located about 500 meters from the town hall, so it might be worth taking a visit

You can find past articles about Aihime here

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

Who was Princess Aiko? Tracing her path to becoming Date Masamune's wise wife [Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/36994

This article delves into the history of Megohime, the wife of Date Masamune, a renowned general of the Sengoku period. She was actually born in Miharu Town, Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture. Miharu Town, which flourished as a castle town of Miharu Castle, still retains historical sites and monuments that evoke the atmosphere of that time. Who exactly was Megohime, and what kind of places can be found in Miharu Town? We will explain by unraveling history. Who was Megohime? What kind of person was Megohime, who became the wife of Date Masamune, a famous general of the Sengoku period? Let's start with Megohime's birthplace...

From Miharu Town Hall, head northwest along Prefectural Road 40

The area around the town hall is lined with buildings along the Sakuragawa River, which flows from east to west. If you walk northwest along Prefectural Road 40, you will come across a staircase leading up a slope

Actually, the building you can see ahead is Miharu Elementary School, a municipal school in Miharu Town. On the stairs leading to the school, you'll find the Meitoku Gate, a cultural property designated by Miharu Town. The Meitoku Gate is a remnant of an educational facility (the former Miharu Domain lecture hall, "Meitokudo") built in the late 18th century by the 7th lord of the domain. It was originally located elsewhere but was moved after the war

The gate that students pass through to and from their schools, both now and in the past, evoked a profound sense of emotion

Continuing northwest along Prefectural Road 40, you will come across the Miharu Community Center "Mahora." It is one of the town's popular spots for relaxation, featuring a concert hall and event space

Across Prefectural Road 40 from Mahora, there was a building that caught my eye

On the first floor is the long-established Miharu Matsubaya Bakery. The product lineup has a nostalgic feel to it, and I think many people will feel a sense of nostalgia when they visit. Among the many popular items such as minced meat bread and apple pie, I purchased the "egg bread" that caught my eye the most

The "Egg Bread" (small bag)was priced at 235 yen (tax included) as of March 11, 2026. It has a crispy, firm texture that is easy to bite into. A gentle egg flavor spreads in your mouth. The simple, round sweetness is so comforting that once you start eating, you'll find yourself reaching for a second slice. It's a local snack that has been loved in the area for a long time. Be sure to check it out when you visit!

Now, after passing Matsubaya Bakery and continuing northwest along Prefectural Road 40, you'll find a modern townscape that retains a retro feel

Pharmacies, kimono shops, greengrocers... A row of shops retaining the appearance of traditional Japanese houses, as well as multi-tenant commercial complexes

This is Miharu Ichibankan, a convenient complex located in the heart of Miharu Town, Fukushima Prefecture, bringing together a hospital, pharmacy, fresh produce market, and popular curry restaurant. The upper floors are apartments, making it a vital hub for supporting the lives of the local community

Head south on National Route 288

When you reach a T-junction, turn onto National Route 288 and walk south

Then the scenery changes completely. A shopping street filled with the charm of the Showa era unfolds before you, like opening a time capsule

Suddenly, I noticed an interesting spot across the street from the York Benimaru Miharu store

This is Miharu Nakamachi Kura, a stylish tourist and community spot with a retro atmosphere, created by renovating three traditional storehouses that remained in Miharu Town, Fukushima Prefecture

The premises include "Hanakago" , a tourist information center offering Miharu's local specialties and sake; "Cafe Burikiinu" , popular for its pasta and sweets ; and "Chuka Soba Honjin" , where you can enjoy ramen made with soy sauce from a long-established local brewery. It's the perfect place to take a break or do some shopping during your travels.

If you head southwest along National Route 288, you'll notice the intriguing sign for a confectionery shop

This is "Yume Kobo Fukuchiya." The display case was filled with individually packaged baked goods such as shortbread and sweet potato treats. They also have gift boxes of sweets available, making them perfect as souvenirs

This time, I was drawn in by the sign at the entrance and"daifuku" (rice cakes). As of March 11, 2026, a pack of six cost 700 yen (tax included).

Each one feels substantial and heavy. The mochi is soft and gooey, and it's filled with a generous amount of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth red bean paste. I could definitely taste the quality

Since they're individually packaged, they're easy to share with multiple people, and it's great that you can eat them one by one at different times. They'd be perfect for a fun tea time with family and friends

Further southwest along National Route 288, I spotted yet another sign that caught my attention

"Miharu Confectionery Roman Frères Iwaseya"? Judging from the sign, it seems to be a Western-style confectionery shop. Since I was there, I stepped inside and found a spacious and bright interior with a warm atmosphere that makes it easy for local people to drop by

The display case is filled with baked goods, including an intriguing item called "Jomon-yaki," which resembles a cookie. Many of the baked goods bear the name of Miharu, making them perfect souvenirs

This time, I bought "Sakura Sable," which evokes the image of the Takizakura cherry tree. As of March 11, 2026, it costs 100 yen including tax. I was surprised by the reasonable price. The gentle shape of the cherry blossom and the garnish of salted cherry blossoms make you feel the arrival of spring and bring a sense of peace. The crisp, gentle, and simple taste can be enjoyed by people of all ages

Walking around the Miharu Town Hall area is interesting!

This time, we started at the Miharu Town Hall and walked around in search of nostalgic sweets

Even places you usually just drive past can offer new discoveries when you explore them on foot. How about enjoying a leisurely stroll through town while searching for beloved local sweets?

Haruka Hashimoto

Woman in her 30s / Resident of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture / Writer who handles local gourmet information / Favorite phrase is coexistence and co-prosperity

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