April 2025 – Wada Wagashi

A Journey to Trace the Origins of Manju: To Hayashi Shrine in Nara

Hello everyone, This time, I traveled to Nara City in search of the roots of manju, one of Japan’s traditional sweets. Are you familiar with manju? It’s a soft, fluffy confection made by wrapping sweet red bean paste in dough and steaming it. In Japan, it’s a very familiar type of traditional wagashi (Japanese confectionery). Interestingly, the place considered to be the origin of manju is located in the heart of Nara City, Nara Prefecture. I followed the map to get there, but the place was so modest and tucked away that I almost walked right past it without realizing! Once I stepped through the entrance and into the grounds, […]

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Kusa mochi

Hello everyone, When it comes to traditional Japanese sweets that signal the arrival of spring, kusa mochi (mugwort rice cakes) surely come to mind. Their gentle flavor, with the soft aroma of mugwort spreading through each bite, has been loved by many for generations. In this article, we’ll explore the charm, history, and famous shops of kusa mochi. What is Kusa Mochi? Kusa mochi is rice cake kneaded with boiled leaves such as yomogi (Japanese mugwort). There are various types—some with sweet red bean paste (anko) inside, others with anko served on top or on the side. Known as a symbol of spring in Japan, kusa mochi is a traditional