Savor Freshly Steamed Awa Manju – Yanai's Famous Local Delicacy
About this spot
Located at the temple gate of Enzan-ji, this traditional confectionery is renowned for its awa manju – a famous specialty of Yanai. Awa manju is a simple steamed cake made with millet and glutinous rice dough that wraps sweet azuki bean paste. According to local tradition, the people of Yanai, who faced repeated hardships, created these sweets as a prayer to "never encounter difficulties again" (awa-nai). The shop sells piping-hot treats at the counter, their golden dough steaming with the distinctive nutty flavor and delightfully chewy texture of fresh millet. Chestnut manju and tea manju are also popular, and comparing varieties while chatting at the shop is a quintessential temple gate town experience.
Tips
The shop is located just at the temple gate, below the stone steps of Enzan-ji. Fresh steamed manju are popular and may sell out in the afternoon, so visiting in the morning is recommended. Since awa manju don't keep long, purchase only the amount you'll eat the same day or the next day if taking them as souvenirs. It's best to bring cash for payment.
Best time to visit
Allow about 40 minutes. Fresh steamed treats are more readily available in the morning. This is a perfect rest stop after your temple visit.
Access & map
〒969-7201 Fukushima Prefecture, Kawa-Numa County, Yanai Town, Yanai Iwazaka-machi, 2-206
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