Matsushima Koren is a traditional confectionery with a long history in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Made from Miyagi-grown Sasanishiki rice, it is a delicate, paper-thin rice confectionery baked one piece at a time. Its crisp, light texture and unique quality of seemingly melting in the mouth are among its most distinctive characteristics.
Gurenya Shingetsuan, the long-established confectionery shop that produces and sells Matsushima Koren, has its main store in Matsushima. The confectionery is said to have been passed down since the shop’s founding in 1327, making it one of Matsushima’s best-known traditional sweets.
Matsushima Koren is made by turning Sasanishiki, a type of non-glutinous rice grown in Miyagi Prefecture, into a thin mochi-like dough and baking each piece over charcoal. While it may initially resemble a traditional Japanese rice cracker, its exceptionally thin texture is what sets it apart.
The finished rice confection is so thin that it can appear almost translucent. When placed in the mouth, it first provides a light, crisp sensation before gradually breaking apart and seeming to melt away. Its simple and elegant flavor allows you to appreciate the subtle sweetness and delicate natural flavor of rice.
The basic version of Matsushima Koren is made with non-glutinous Sasanishiki rice, refined white sugar, and Hakata salt. It is known for its simple preparation without food additives. By keeping the seasoning to a minimum, the natural flavor of the rice and its gentle sweetness can take center stage.
The method used to make Matsushima Koren is said to have been passed down through the family using a one-heir tradition. Producing a uniformly thin dough and baking each delicate piece individually requires considerable skill and experience.
Baking the confection carefully over charcoal gives it a subtle roasted aroma while preserving its delicate thinness and light texture. The sense of craftsmanship involved in making each piece by hand is another part of the appeal of this traditional confectionery.
Matsushima Koren has a story behind it that goes beyond the history of the confectionery itself. Its origins are traditionally associated with Guren-ni, a Buddhist nun whose story is connected with the area around Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima.
According to the tradition, the story began with a wealthy man named Kamon, who lived near the approach to Zuiganji, and a merchant from Kisakata in Dewa Province, in what is now Akita Prefecture. Kamon’s son, Kotaro, and the merchant’s daughter, Tani, hoped to spend their lives together and formed a family relationship.
However, Kotaro died at a young age after falling ill. Tani nevertheless visited Kamon’s family dressed as a bride and is said to have continued serving his parents even after becoming a widow. After Kamon and his wife passed away, Tani changed her name to Guren and became a Buddhist nun.
After becoming a nun, Guren is said to have established Shingetsuan. According to the traditional story, she used rice offered at temples and Buddhist halls, ground it into flour, baked it into rice crackers, and distributed them among the people of the village. This is regarded as the origin story of Matsushima Koren.
The tradition reflects a spirit of respect for food and compassion toward the local community. Rather than allowing rice offered to temples to go to waste, Guren transformed it into a simple food that could be shared with others. Alongside this story, Matsushima Koren has continued to be passed down through the generations.
The name “Matsushima Koren” is closely associated with Guren, the woman traditionally linked to the confectionery’s origins. This makes it more than simply a souvenir sweet. It is also an interesting part of Matsushima’s cultural heritage, connecting local food traditions with the history of temples and the story of an individual woman.
In addition to the traditional version made with refined white sugar, Matsushima Koren is also available in varieties made with Wasanbon sugar and reduced maltose. The different sweeteners create subtle differences in flavor, making it enjoyable to compare the varieties.
Because the confection is exceptionally thin and light, it is also well suited to enjoying with Japanese tea. Its gentle rice flavor makes it approachable for people of all ages and an appealing souvenir to take home after exploring Matsushima.
Matsushima Koren brings together the simple flavor of Sasanishiki rice, traditional craftsmanship, and the story of Guren-ni. The rice confection is baked until it becomes almost translucent, beginning with a delicate crispness before gradually dissolving in the mouth.
When visiting Matsushima, consider exploring not only historic attractions such as Zuiganji Temple but also the local food traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Tasting Matsushima Koren offers another way to experience the town—one connected not only with its famous scenery, but also with its long history, temple culture, and the everyday lives of the people who have lived there.