Nov 30, 2011

Join a Tour to Learn How to Make Traditional Confectionery and the History of "Little Kyoto of Tohoku"

Morokoshi (唐土is a traditional confectionery in Akita Prefecture, which is made of roasted azuki bean powder and sugar. It is and pressed in molds and dried with slow heat. Morokoshi is dry and powdery, so that it is a perfect accompaniment with green tea.


Why called “Morokoshi” and written as “The Chinese Land”:

Although the derivation of the name “morokoshi “ is not certain, it is commonly believed that it comes from words by the Akita lord in the Edo period, which approved the quality as “better than any other types of confectioneries.”

The most common kanji letters used to write "morokoshi" is 唐土 - with a meaning of “The Chinese Land”. The technique of such confectionery is said to have come from China (then Tang Dynasty). People of that time were proud of their own as in equivalent level of quality as the ones made in the Chinese Land.

Learn the Traditional Morokoshi Making Technique in the Historic Town:

In the historic town, Kakunodate, you can find a few factories which practice the original techniques, while adopting new trends of preferences as in the variety of hardness, flavors, and styles. Take for example, Isamiya, and try their chocolate flavored morokoshi, steamed cake, wrapped in mochi, or ice cream!


Various types of morokoshi are available in store.

Learn How to Make Morokoshi and Enjoy Walking in Kakunodate Town:

Semboku City Tourist Information Center offers you a tour in which you can learn how to make morokoshi and also will explore the town with a certified guide. The tour will be available until Tuesday, December 27th, except for every Wednesday from 10:00 to 14:30. It is 2,000 Yen for adult and 1,000Yen for a child. Please sign up as a group of between 2 -10 people.
More Information + Reservation:


Usuyaki Morokoshi (Thinly-baked Morokoshi) is a unique match with matcha green tea -
even fancied by some traditional tea ceremony practioners in Kyoto.

Explore the samurai houses with a certified guide.

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