Yakimanju

Loved across Gunma and especially in Maebashi, yakimanju is a local snack made by skewering plain steamed buns, brushing them with a sweet-savory miso glaze, and grilling them. Beloved at festival stalls and family tables alike, it is truly a regional soul food.

Highlights

Four or so hollow fermented buns are threaded onto a skewer and brushed again and again with miso glaze over charcoal. The contrast between the crisp, caramelized surface and the fluffy interior is the charm, and the scent of scorched miso stirs the appetite. Getting the glaze all around your mouth is part of the fun.

Enjoying the Seasons

A skewer eaten at a summer festival stall is something special, and the sight of people wandering and munching, fan in hand, is a signature scene of a Gunma summer. In the cold months, a piping-hot fresh-grilled one warms you, pairing wonderfully with green tea.

Access and Basic Information

You can enjoy it at long-established shops and shopping streets in Maebashi, and it also appears at supermarkets and festivals across the prefecture. Many shops offer takeout, making it a welcome souvenir.

A Quick Tip

Each shop blends its glaze differently in sweetness and miso balance. Tasting your way around to find your favorite is part of the pleasure.