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Okayama > Okayama city, Ushimado, Bizen > Tsuru no Tamago: Marshmallow Manju

Tsuru no Tamago: Marshmallow Manju

A delicate Japanese sweet with a fluffy texture and gentle sweetness

Tsuru no Tamago, meaning “Crane Eggs,” is a celebrated confection from Shimoyama Shojuken, a traditional Japanese sweets maker known as Tsuru no Tamago Honpo. Around 1887, the shop’s founder, Jishiro Shimoyama, was watching the cranes at Okayama Korakuen Garden when he came up with the idea for this unusual treat. Inspired by the shape of an egg and using marshmallow, then a cutting-edge ingredient, he created a distinctive confection that blended Japanese and Western confectionery traditions. It quickly became a sensation and remains one of Okayama’s best-known local sweets.

A Unique Blend of Japanese and Western Confectionery

The sweet has a soft, fluffy marshmallow exterior and a slightly firmer yellow bean paste filling, carefully shaped to resemble an egg. The contrast between the airy outer layer and the smooth, rich center creates a distinctive texture, while the mild sweetness makes it enjoyable without being overpowering.

A Taste Preserved Through Generations

Although the confectionery industry suffered significant losses during the war, the recipe for Tsuru no Tamago was revived by the shop’s second-generation owner, who had learned the craft of Japanese confectionery from childhood. Thanks to this dedication, the beloved sweet has continued to be made and enjoyed by generations of customers.

For visitors exploring Okayama City, Ushimado, and Bizen, Tsuru no Tamago offers a chance to sample a piece of the region’s confectionery history. Its delicate appearance, unusual marshmallow texture, and gentle flavor make it a memorable treat and a lovely souvenir to share.

Information

Name
Tsuru no Tamago: Marshmallow Manju
Link
Official Site

Okayama city, Ushimado, Bizen

Okayama