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Okayama > Kurashiki > Fujito Manju

Fujito Manju

A Historic Kurashiki Sweet Loved for Its Gentle, Never-Cloying Sweetness

Fujito Manju is a traditional Japanese confection sold by Fujito Manju Honpo, a long-established sweet shop with its main store in Fujito Town, Kurashiki City. Alongside Murasuzume, it is one of Kurashiki’s best-known historic sweets and remains a popular favorite among local residents.

The manju is said to have originally been sold at a teahouse within the grounds of Fujito-ji Temple, continuing until around the Genroku era (late 17th century). The recipe was gradually refined, and by the late Edo period, it had evolved into its present form: smooth red bean paste wrapped in a thin, amazake-infused dough and steamed.

Delicate Dough with a Hint of Amazake

The thin wrapper is made by combining wheat flour with amazake, a traditional sweet fermented rice drink prepared using locally sourced koji and pressed sake lees. This dough is wrapped around smooth red bean paste, shaped into small rounds, and steamed until tender.

The result is a comforting confection with a delicate sweetness that never feels overwhelming. The soft bean paste pairs beautifully with the subtle fragrance of amazake in the thin outer layer, making Fujito Manju a treat that is easy to enjoy one piece after another. Its reasonable price is another part of its enduring appeal.

A Charming Souvenir from Kurashiki

At the shop, customers can also choose to have their manju wrapped in bamboo bark instead of conventional packaging. This traditional presentation adds a rustic, nostalgic touch, making Fujito Manju an especially charming gift or souvenir from Okayama.

For visitors exploring Kurashiki’s historic streets, this time-honored sweet offers a simple and delicious taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Information

Name
Fujito Manju
Link
Official Site

Kurashiki

Okayama