Furoshiki Manju is one of Tottori Prefecture’s best-known traditional sweets, celebrated for its simple flavor and distinctive shape. Made by Yamamoto Otafukudo, a confectionery shop founded in 1868 in Kotoura Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture, this humble steamed bun has preserved its traditional recipe for generations. It has also received the honor of being presented to members of the Imperial Family and has won awards at Japanese confectionery exhibitions.
The name comes from the bun’s unusual shape, which resembles the four corners of a furoshiki, a traditional Japanese cloth used for wrapping and carrying items. Locals also affectionately call it Otafuku Manju, after the shop’s name.
The recipe combines brown sugar with wasanbon, a refined traditional Japanese sugar known for its delicate sweetness. Together, these ingredients create the bun’s characteristic flavor, balancing the deeper notes of brown sugar with the gentle sweetness of wasanbon.
Rather than changing its recipe to follow passing trends, Yamamoto Otafukudo continues to honor the founding philosophy of the business by preserving the taste that has been enjoyed since its early days. The result is a straightforward, comforting confection that reflects the enduring appeal of traditional Japanese sweets.
Furoshiki Manju is made without preservatives, artificial coloring, or added fragrances. Its clean, uncomplicated flavor makes it easy to enjoy, and its light sweetness encourages you to savor more than one.
There is no need for elaborate decoration or extravagant ingredients: the appeal lies in the familiar taste, soft texture, and craftsmanship that have made this sweet a local favorite for generations.
With more than a century and a half of history behind it, Furoshiki Manju offers visitors a taste of Tottori’s confectionery heritage. Whether enjoyed with a cup of Japanese tea or shared with friends and family, it is a thoughtful souvenir for anyone interested in traditional Japanese food culture.
For travelers exploring the Kurayoshi and Misasa area, this classic manju is a simple but memorable way to discover a sweet that has remained close to the hearts of local residents for generations.