Yunohana Manju is one of the signature sweets of Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The onsen manju of Ikaho Onsen is known as Japan’s first hot spring manju, and today it remains one of the most popular souvenirs for visitors to the hot spring town.
The origins of Yunohana Manju date back to 1910. It is said that Hanada Katsuzo of Shogetsudo, a confectionery in Ikaho Onsen, created a manju with a color inspired by the tea-brown waters of Ikaho’s hot springs and began selling it under the name “Yunohana Manju.”
Its distinctive color, reminiscent of the local hot spring waters, and its simple flavor with a sweet bean filling quickly became popular. Over time, it became widely recognized as one of the signature specialties of the hot spring resort.
Today, numerous shops line the Ikaho Stone Steps and streets throughout the hot spring town, with each shop offering its own Yunohana Manju.
Visitors can enjoy the sweets while strolling through the hot spring town, or purchase them to take home as souvenirs. Yunohana Manju has become one of the iconic specialties of Ikaho Onsen.
There are several varieties of Yunohana Manju, and among them, Seihotei’s Yunohana Manju is particularly popular.
The filling makes use of the rich flavor of Oshima brown sugar and Hokkaido azuki beans. The deep, mellow character of brown sugar harmonizes beautifully with the refined sweetness of azuki beans, creating an elegant and satisfying flavor.
Yunohana Manju is more than simply a souvenir from a hot spring resort. It is a local confection that has developed alongside the history of Ikaho Onsen. Born during the Meiji era, it continues to preserve the tradition of onsen manju while remaining popular with visitors today.
When visiting Ikaho Onsen, take a stroll along the historic stone steps and enjoy the area’s famous specialty, Yunohana Manju, for a taste of the traditional atmosphere of this historic hot spring town.