A Sweet Inspired by the Mountains of Tokushima
Walnut trees have grown naturally in the mountains of the Tsurugi range in Tokushima for generations. Local tradition tells that when the Sadamitsu River, which rises in these mountains, swelled during heavy floods, branches and walnuts were carried downstream. Over time, walnut trees took root in Tsurugi Town and produced abundant nuts year after year.
Inspired by this connection between the local landscape and its ingredients, Fujiya developed Kurumi Age Manju as a way to showcase walnuts associated with the area. The result is a regional confection that brings together a familiar Japanese sweet and the distinctive flavor of locally rooted food culture.
A Golden, Fried Treat with a Walnut Filling
Kurumi Age Manju is made by blending walnuts into mildly sweet white bean paste. The filling is wrapped in a simple dough prepared from wheat flour, eggs, sugar, and baking powder, then fried until golden.
Although its name includes the word manju, which usually refers to a Japanese bun filled with sweet bean paste, its texture is closer to a traditional Japanese an-donut. The lightly crisp exterior contrasts with the soft filling, while the walnuts provide a rich fragrance and a satisfying nutty taste in every bite.
The sweetness is deliberately moderate, allowing the character of the walnuts to come through rather than being overwhelmed by sugar. Its small size makes it easy to enjoy with tea or coffee, whether as an afternoon snack or a little treat during a sightseeing trip.
Handcrafted by a Traditional Confectionery Workshop
Fujiya is located in Tsurugi Town, in the foothills of Mount Tsurugi, a mountain revered for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. With a history of approximately 100 years, the workshop produces Japanese sweets inspired by the grains, ingredients, and traditional food culture of Awa, the historical name for much of present-day Tokushima Prefecture.
The workshop also draws underground water from the foothills of Mount Tsurugi. Its product range includes Inaka Hegi Mochi, a rustic rice-based confection, and uirō, a traditional Japanese sweet. These specialties reflect Fujiya’s emphasis on regional ingredients and time-honored confectionery techniques.
A Regional Sweet to Discover in Tsurugi
For travelers exploring Tsurugi Town, the Oboke and Koboke gorges, or the secluded Iya Valley, Kurumi Age Manju offers a delicious way to experience the food traditions of Tokushima’s mountain communities. Its walnut-filled center, golden fried crust, and comforting sweetness make it a distinctive alternative to more familiar Japanese souvenirs.
Enjoy it with a cup of Japanese green tea for a traditional pairing, or try it with coffee to complement the roasted notes of the walnuts. With its connection to the local landscape and its satisfying, old-fashioned flavor, Kurumi Age Manju is a memorable treat for anyone interested in discovering the regional sweets of rural Japan.