After picking up a few souvenirs at Fujiya, I stopped at Kikukawa Shoten for dessert.
Their famous Hakone Manju was a nice little sweet treat to finish the meal.
How Is Hakone Manju Different from Onsen Manju?
Hakone is famous for its onsen manju, but Hakone Manju is quite different.
Traditional onsen manju is a steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste.
Hakone Manju, on the other hand, has a castella-style cake exterior filled with sweet white bean paste.
You can also watch them being made right in front of the shop.
Behind a glass window, a machine shapes and bakes each manju one by one.
What Does Hakone Manju Taste Like?
I ordered a few freshly made manju and received them warm from the shop.
Inside was sweet white bean paste with a rich, traditional flavor.
It was sweeter than I expected, but perfect with a drink.
At just ¥80 each, they are also one of the most affordable snacks in Hakone-Yumoto.
A Riverside Break with Mountain Views
Take one turn off the main shopping street, and you’ll soon reach the Hayakawa River.
I enjoyed my Hakone Manju by the river on a hot day in late May.
The cool breeze from the Hayakawa River felt refreshing, and the mountain views made it a perfect place to take a break.
Looking back, enjoying a simple manju by the river became one of my favorite memories of Hakone.
Grab a Drink, Too
If you plan to try Hakone Manju, I recommend buying a drink as well.
The sweet bean filling can leave you a little thirsty, especially on a warm day.
Kikukawa Shoten: Location, Hours, and Access
Kikukawa Shoten(菊川商店)
- Access: 2-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Tel: 0460-85-5036
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Thursdays (hours may change on holidays)
※ Please check the latest opening hours before visiting.
