When you visit Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, why don't you take a souvenir of the famous confectionery "Ganso Miso Manju"? It is an interesting and tasty manju that does not contain miso even though it is a miso manju, and there is even a mysterious legend about it.

Miso manju is sold by Umeya, a limited company in Rusutsu Village. It is a confectionery shop located along Route 230 and is easily recognizable by the large sign "Miso Manju" at the entrance.
The main ingredients of miso manju are well-selected Tokachi red beans, wheat flour, rice flour, brown sugar, and pomelo. As you may notice, the word "miso" is nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, as the name suggests, the appearance is somewhat miso-like.
When you try it, you will find that the chunky skin and koshi-an (sweet bean paste) have a simple taste that will linger on your palate. The bite-sized pieces are easy to eat, so you may end up eating two or three in a row. The fact that no additives are used at all is a reassurance. The fact that the manju is individually wrapped makes it a great souvenir. The design is retro and strangely attractive.
Now, this miso manju has a mysterious legend. It is said that in the late Meiji period (1868-1912), when the first owner of the store was selling Daifukumochi in Rusutsu Village, a traveling monk with white hair stopped by and taught him how to make miso manju (a sweet made with bean paste). He told him, "If you make it together with this, it will be appreciated by farmers and travelers who are striving to cultivate the land. It is nutritious enough," he said and left it at .......
The monk's advice was followed and Daifukumochi and Miso Manju were made together. At that time, horse-drivers passing by the store took a rest and filled their stomachs with Daifukumochi and Miso Manju before heading over the mountains.
Miso manju is still made the same way as in the past. As mentioned above, there are no additives in the product, so be aware that the expiration date is only 2 days in summer and 3 days in winter. Incidentally, they can be refrigerated for a week or frozen for a month or more.

They can also be fried with a thin batter, so why not find your own best way to enjoy them?

＜Miso Manju Honpo Umeya Co.
Location: 53-1 Rusutsu, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-46-3450