Kanjudo in Suttsu Town has been in business since the early Taisho era (early 1910s). Its signature product, "Ebitaro," looks just like a side dish. It might make you crave a bowl of white rice, but believe it or not, it's actually a sweet! We visited Kanjudo to hear their story.

Kanjudo originally started as a senbei (rice cracker) shop catering to fishermen. It's a store that has been loved by locals for a very long time.

The signature "Ebitaro" (135 yen each, tax included) was created in 1962, making it quite a long-selling product. The inspiration apparently came from seeing fried shrimp being cooked in the kitchen.

Ah, so that's why it looks like a fried food. Inside the crispy coating, which is handmade and fried one by one, is a white bean paste filling. It might be easier to imagine if you think of it as an an-doughnut, but with a crispy coating and white bean paste. Being bite-sized, you might find yourself eating too many!

Interestingly, some people prefer it after some time has passed and the coating has become moist, rather than fresh out of the fryer. Kanjudo's other signature product is the "Kitaguni no Kuma-san Monaka" (Bear-shaped Monaka from the North Country) (150 yen each, tax included).

Its adorable design is reminiscent of a traditional wood-carved bear. It seems almost a shame to eat it, but inside it's filled with smooth white bean paste, offering a gentle sweetness.

It's so quintessentially Hokkaido that it would make a perfect souvenir. Furthermore, their "Sakuramochi," sold for a limited time from around February to April each year, is another popular item with many local fans.

This is a Kanto-style (Eastern Japan style) sakuramochi, where bean paste is wrapped in a thin, crepe-like dough made from wheat flour, which is rare in Hokkaido. It's usually sold in a pack of five for 570 yen (tax included), but when there are leftovers, they also sell packs of three for 342 yen (tax included). On weekends, it's also available at the nearby hot spring facility "Yubetsu no Yu," where it's said to be popular among onsen visitors.

The shop, located along National Route 229, is marked by a yellow "Ebitaro" sign. When you visit Suttsu, be sure to stop by. You'll be greeted by wonderfully charming sweets that will surely make you want to come back for more.

＜Kanjudo＞
Location: 56-3 Shineicho, Suttsu-cho, Suttsu-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-62-2113
Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed: Every Sunday, irregular holidays
(Photos by laufen Katsu)