Atami’s Early Spring Delight: “Sakura Manju” Blends Cherry Blossoms with Lucky “Mugi Kogashi”

A Taste of Early Spring: Atami’s New Sakura Manju Arrives

As winter still holds its grip across much of Japan, Atami, a coastal city renowned for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, is already welcoming spring with a delightful new confection. The Kuro Mugi Manju Honpo, located at Izu-Muranoeki LUSCA Atami, is set to release its seasonal “Sakura Manju” (Cherry Blossom Steamed Bun) on January 2, 2026. This limited-edition treat encapsulates the essence of Atami’s vibrant spring, blending the delicate aroma of cherry blossoms with a revered local lucky charm, mugi kogashi.

The Allure of Sakura Manju: A Harmonious Blend of Flavors

The Sakura Manju features a soft, chewy, pink-hued dough infused with finely chopped salted domestic cherry leaves. This unique dough is then kneaded with mugi kogashi, a fragrant roasted barley flour deeply rooted in Atami’s history as a special offering to the deities of Kinomiya Shrine. Inside, a smooth, light koshi-an (strained red bean paste) made from domestic adzuki beans awaits. Each bite delivers a gentle symphony of flavors: the subtle floral notes of cherry, a hint of saltiness, and the warm, nutty aroma of mugi kogashi, all wrapped in a satisfyingly chewy texture. It’s a sweet invitation to experience Atami’s early spring.

• Price: 130 yen (tax included) per piece, 820 yen (tax included) for a box of 6

• Allergy: Wheat

Special Limited-Time Assortment and Packaging

From January 2 to January 12, 2026, a special assortment set featuring both the new Sakura Manju and the classic Kuro Mugi Manju will be available in exclusive New Year’s packaging. This limited-edition wrapping, adorned with designs of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms, expresses wishes for a joyful New Year. It makes for a thoughtful gift, perfect for showing gratitude or celebrating new beginnings.

For the standard seasonal assortment, the packaging is a vibrant pink, featuring cherry blossom illustrations and the Kuro Mugi Manju Honpo’s iconic Tengu (a long-nosed mythical figure) character, also rendered in a cheerful pink. This festive design makes it an ideal souvenir for visitors to Atami during the cherry blossom season.

The Enduring Appeal of Kuro Mugi Manju

The original Kuro Mugi Manju, the cornerstone of the Kuro Mugi Manju Honpo, is a beloved Atami specialty. Crafted with a rich, dark molasses-infused dough and kneaded with mugi kogashi, these steamed buns boast a moist, chewy texture and a fragrant, roasted barley aroma. They are famously offered at Atami’s Kinomiya Shrine, a powerful spiritual site home to a sacred camphor tree over 2,000 years old. Having sold over 4.4 million pieces, the Kuro Mugi Manju has become a staple for both locals and tourists alike.

• Price: 118 yen (tax included) per piece, 756 yen (tax included) for a box of 6, 1,512 yen (tax included) for a box of 12

• Allergy: Wheat

Decoding Atami’s Lucky Charms: Mugi Kogashi and Kinomiya Shrine

At the heart of these manju lies mugi kogashi, a traditional ingredient with deep cultural significance. It is a powder made from roasted and ground barley, historically offered to the deities at Kinomiya Shrine. Legend has it that during the summer annual festival, when Sarutahiko-no-mikoto – a deity often depicted as a Tengu with a long red nose, leading the gods – scatters mugi kogashi, it wards off evil and bestows blessings of health and longevity. This makes mugi kogashi a powerful symbol of good fortune in Atami.

Atami Sakura: Japan’s Earliest Cherry Blossoms

Atami is home to the Atami Sakura, celebrated as the earliest-blooming cherry variety on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Along the picturesque Itogawa River, visitors can enjoy countless Atami Sakura trees, painting the town in shades of pink. The 16th Atami Sakura Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival, running from January 10 to February 8, invites everyone to witness this spectacular early arrival of spring.

A Message from the Kuro Mugi Manju Honpo

The Kuro Mugi Manju Honpo embodies a founding principle: “We want to bring joy to as many customers as possible with delicious sweets.” The company aims to be a vital part of Atami’s community, sharing its traditions, culture, and the blessings of mugi kogashi through their beloved manju. As one representative shared, “We hope that everyone, both those living in Atami and those visiting, will be blessed with many auspicious connections, just as the people of Atami have cherished the traditions and benefits of mugi kogashi for generations.”

Where to Find These Delights

• Izu-Muranoeki LUSCA Atami (LUSCA Atami 1F)

• Online Shop (Shizuoka Umachokubin): https://umachokubin.com/view/category/kurmugimanjuhonpo

The introduction of the Sakura Manju, deeply intertwined with Atami’s unique early cherry blossoms and the auspicious mugi kogashi, offers more than just a sweet treat. It’s a cultural experience, a piece of Atami’s heritage, and a gentle harbinger of spring. As Japanese kawaii culture continues to enchant audiences worldwide, these meticulously crafted regional sweets, rich in local narratives and seasonal beauty, are poised to become new favorites, inviting global admirers to savor the authentic flavors and traditions of Japan.