Located in Fujito-cho, Kurashiki City, Fujito Manju Honten is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop with a history of about 800 years, said to have its origins in the Genpei War. It is named after the story of the Fujito Ferry, which appears in the Genpei Jōsuiki, and is said to have originated from the manju that was offered to Fujito Temple as a memorial for a villager who had told others about the shallows after the Genji general Sasaki Moritsuna killed him to silence him. The current main store was founded in 1860, the first year of the Man'en era, at the end of the Edo period, and its charming building is one of its attractions.

Fujito Manju is a small bun with a thin skin wrapped around smooth bean paste, and is characterized by its simple and elegant sweetness. The thin skin, made without any additives and fermented from steamed glutinous rice malt and wheat flour, creates a texture that melts in your mouth. Each one is handmade, and you can enjoy a freshly made, warm bun on the spot. It is very popular among locals and tourists alike as a souvenir from Kurashiki.

It is located a little away from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, but blends into the quiet, historic streets. It is also known as the location for the movie "Always: Sunset on Third Street," and it is worth visiting just to see the sights. Enjoy the traditional flavors while experiencing Kurashiki's history and culture.

In Tamashima, Kurashiki, there is Yamato, famous for its ohagi.

[Trivia]
The origins of Fujito Manju are said to date back to the Genpei War in 1184. The current main store was founded in 1860, at the end of the Edo period, and has a history of over 160 years. The skin is so thin that it is hard to tell whether it even has one, and the gentle sweetness of the bean paste stands out.

[Hidden gem information]
Right near the Fujito Manju main store is Fujito-dera Temple, a place associated with the Genpei War. It is said that Moritsuna held a memorial service for the villagers here, and is a spot history buffs can't miss. In the surrounding town of Fujito, there are many historical sites related to the Genpei War, so you can enjoy a historical stroll. There is a wisteria trellis near Fujito-dera Temple, and in spring, beautiful flowers bloom.