Have you heard of the monaka that is becoming a bit of a local specialty at Jozankei Onsen in Minami Ward, Sapporo? Although it is called monaka, it is a completely different taste from the usual ones, a new sensation and a photogenic gem. Let's go there with excitement to find out what kind of monaka we can find. The shop where you can buy this innovative monaka is a shop with the unusual name "Sakanoue no Monaka." It is located on the first floor of Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei and can be accessed from both inside and outside the hotel.

The interior of the store has a clean, modern feel, and there is even a small eat-in space. Because it is now an extremely popular store, it is filled with customers as soon as it opens.

The secret to their popularity is obvious at a glance. The mochi lined up in the display case are as delicate and beautiful as jewels, and just looking at them makes your heart flutter. People who see them for the first time will be surprised and ask, "Is this really a mochi?"

The photo above shows, from the left, "Strawberry" (464 yen including tax) and "Hojicha" (464 yen including tax). The monaka here is a style where a financier is placed on top of the skin, and then a mousse is placed on top of that. For example, for strawberries, you can have pistachio financiers, strawberry mousse with custard cream and dark cherries, and for roasted green tea, you can have cacao financiers, roasted green tea mousse with hazelnuts and rum raisins.

On the left in the photo above is "Blueberry Yogurt" (421 yen including tax). A marbled yogurt mousse is placed on top of a strawberry financier. On the right is "Caramel Poire" (464 yen including tax). A pumpkin financier is placed on top of a caramel mousse sprinkled with pear compote.

On the left in the photo above is the "Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc" (494 yen including tax), a plain financier topped with a two-layered mousse of Japanese chestnut and coffee. On the right is the "Cream Cheese and Sake Lees" (464 yen including tax), a unique combination of pistachio financier topped with Hokkaido cream cheese, sake lees, and yuzu mousse. Each and every flavor has been carefully calculated, and it's amazing how creatively they've been created!

The lid of the mochi skin is provided separately and is put on when eating. This keeps the mochi crispy, and it can be eaten as a one-handed sweet like a hamburger while strolling around the hot spring town. Combined with the many layers of flavors that combine in your mouth, you'll feel like you're tasting a completely new kind of sweet!

In addition to the monaka, there is also another product that is perfect as a souvenir: "Sakanoue no Pudding" (378 yen each, tax included). It comes in three flavors, "Hojicha," "Plain," and "Milk," and you can choose from four sauces, caramel, soy sauce caramel, salt, and miso, so you can enjoy a mix of Japanese and Western flavors.

They also have baked goods such as pound cakes and madeleines, which many people buy as souvenirs to take home. However, for those who want to try them on the spot, they have a special place for you to do so. There is a wonderful lounge at the back of the store called "Furumado"!

You can relax and enjoy your time in a relaxing atmosphere while sipping on the self-service free drinks (880 yen including tax). If you choose the "MONAKA Set" (1,100 yen including tax), which includes a monaka and a free drink, you can get even better value. Some regulars bring their laptops here and work.

It is no exaggeration to say that Sakanoue no Monaka is now one of the must-visit spots when you visit Jozankei Onsen. However, please note that during popular months, they may sell out in the early afternoon. You'll be amazed by the sight, and even more amazed by the taste; be sure to give this experience a try.

＜Sakanoue no Monaka＞ Location: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei, 3-105 Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (1st floor) Phone: 011-598-2142 (Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei) Official website: https://www.jyozankei-daiichi.co.jp/sakano_ueno_monaka/