Ogaki, known as the “city of water,” has been renowned for its pristine groundwater for centuries. This pure water inspired the creation of mizu-manju in the late Meiji era (1868-1912), a unique Japanese confection enjoyed in the summer.
While manju (steamed bun) typically refers to round sweets with a sweet bean paste filling and a wheat flour dough, mizu-manju uses a translucent dough of kudzu and bracken starch, which sets when chilled. The result is a refreshing, subtly sweet treat that evokes images of cool water and clear streams—perfect for hot summer days. These seasonal sweets are typically available from April to September, though specific dates vary by shop.
The sight of mizu-manju cooling in small cups in shop windows is a beloved summer tradition in Ogaki. For an extra-refreshing experience, try the Mizuman-gori, a dessert that uses mizu-manju as a topping on kakigori (shaved ice)! Visit Ogaki during the summer to sample these uniquely Gifu delights.
- Sweets
- Food & Drink
- Summer
Basic Information
| Address | Around Ogaki St. (Ogaki city, Gifu prefecture) |
|---|---|
| Access | About 30min from Nagoya, by train |
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