Even if you don't know the name "Yamasa Rengamochi Honpo," the words "Renga Mochi" might ring a bell for many. It's a bite-sized mochi confection that has long been a staple in Ebetsu, a city known as the "Town of Bricks." Let's take a closer look at this famous Renga Mochi, along with some of the other sweets they offer. You'll find they all have a wonderfully nostalgic charm!

While we say it's been around for a long time, a look back at its history reveals that Renga Mochi was created in 1901, during the 34th year of the Meiji era. The idea was apparently born from the thought, "You can't eat a roof tile, but maybe you could if it were transformed?" This is why the name uses the character '化' (ka, meaning to transform) instead of '瓦' (ga, meaning tile) as in the word for brick, '煉瓦' (renga). What a clever play on words!


The retro packaging is adorable, and believe it or not, the recipe has remained unchanged since the company's founding. It's made with 100% glutinous rice from Hokkaido and has a gentle sweetness from the adzuki beans sourced from the Tokachi region.
It's also delicious when warmed up, and so tasty you'll find yourself reaching for a second, and then a third.
Now, the maker, "Yamasa Rengamochi Honpo," offers a variety of other sweets, so let's introduce a few. First up is the "Ebetsu Manju."
Surprisingly, this one has an even longer history than Renga Mochi, having been made since 1885 (Meiji 18). They are made using a traditional method, with the grill marks applied to each one by hand. The soft texture is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Like Renga Mochi, there are other sweets modeled after bricks. One of them is the "Renga Kurumi Mochi." This mochi, with the crunchy texture of walnuts as an accent, is generously coated in kinako (roasted soybean flour). Walnuts and kinako are a surprisingly perfect match!
Here's one more brick-themed sweet. The "Noborigama" looks just like a climbing kiln made of stacked bricks that has been turned into a confection. It has a charming, rounded appearance, but it's quite a substantial treat.
Let's also pick up a slightly more unusual treat. The "Jubei Watashibune" has a unique appearance with an almond on top of a manju, but it also features an innovative combination of coconut-flavored white bean paste wrapped in a cocoa-flavored dough. It's a surprisingly delicious combination.
The sweets from Yamasa Rengamochi Honpo all have a somewhat nostalgic flavor, and each one is inspired by the local culture and history of Ebetsu and Nopporo. As you savor their delicious taste, it might be nice to reflect on these connections.

＜Yamasa Rengamochi Honpo Co., Ltd.＞
Location: 8-4 Nopporo-cho, Ebetsu-shi, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-385-9689