Do you know about the monaka that is becoming a bit of a specialty at Jozankei Onsen in Sapporo's Minami Ward? It is a new and photogenic gem that differs from the traditional "monaka" in many ways. Let's visit there with high expectations to find out what kind of "monaka" you can expect to find there.

The store where you can buy this new sensation is called "Sakanoue no monaka," which has an unusual name. It is located on the first floor of Jozankei Dai-ichi Boteiru Suizantei, and can be entered from both inside and outside the hotel.

The interior of the restaurant has a clean and modern impression, and there is a small eat-in space. Since the restaurant is now "super" popular, it is filled with customers as soon as it opens.

The secret of its popularity is obvious. The delicate and beautiful monaka in the showcase look like jewels, and just looking at them makes one's heart skip a beat. The first time you see them, you may be surprised and wonder, "Is this really a monaka? The first time you see them, you will probably be surprised.

In the photo above, from left to right, "strawberry" (464 yen including tax) and "hojicha" (464 yen including tax). The monaka here is a style in which a financier is spread on the skin and mousse is placed on top of it.

For example, strawberry is a pistachio financier, strawberry mousse with custard cream and dark cherry. For hojicha, a cacao financier is topped with a hojicha mousse with hazelnuts and rum raisins. ......

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

The photo above left is "Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc" (494 yen including tax), a plain financier topped with a two-layer mousse of Japanese chestnuts and coffee. The right photo is "Cream Cheese and Sakekasu" (464 yen including tax), a novel combination of pistachio financier with Hokkaido cream cheese, sakekasu and yuzu mousse.

Hats off to all of them for their well-calculated flavors and yet very free-spirited creations!

The lid of the dumpling skin is attached separately and is placed over the dumpling when you eat it. The lid of the dough is attached separately and is placed over the dough when you eat it, so that the crunchy texture remains and it can be eaten as a one-handed sweet like a hamburger while strolling through the hot spring resort. Combined with the layers of flavors woven together in the mouth, you will be enveloped in the sensation of "I am tasting a new sweet! You will be enveloped in the sensation that you are tasting a new kind of sweet.

In addition to monaka, there are other products that make great souvenirs. Sakanoue Pudding (378 yen each including tax). There are three types: hojicha, plain, and milk, and you can choose from four different sauces: caramel, soy sauce caramel, salt, and miso, offering a blend of Japanese and Western flavors!

There are also baked goods such as pound cakes and madeleines, which many people buy as souvenirs. On the other hand, for those who would like to try them right here, there is a special place for them. There is a beautiful lounge in the back of the store, called "Ko-Mado" (old window)!

You can freely enjoy self-service free drinks (880 yen including tax) and spend your time as you like in this relaxing space. If you choose the "MONAKA Set" (1,100 yen including tax), which includes a bowl of sazuke and a free drink, you can save even more money. Some regulars even bring their laptop computers to work here.

It is no exaggeration to say that Sakanoue no monaka is now one of the best places to stop by when visiting Jozankei Onsen. Be aware, however, that the very popular monaka sometimes sell out in the early afternoon.

You will be amazed at the sight and even more amazed at the taste of the "monaka," so be sure to try it for yourself.

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