Sakura Manju and Scenic Views: A Taste of Spring at Mt. Omuro

Sakura Manju (桜まんじゅう) is a traditional Japanese sweet that’s as charming as it sounds! It’s a soft, steamed bun filled with anko—a sweet red bean paste made from azuki beans.

What makes sakura manju special is its cherry blossom flair. The dough is often a soft pink, and it may be topped or infused with a pickled sakura flower or leaf, adding a light floral aroma and a subtle salty note that balances the sweetness. It’s a seasonal treat especially enjoyed in spring during hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

At the base of Mt. Omuro in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, you can enjoy this delightful snack while taking in the natural beauty. Its delicate flavor and pretty appearance make it a perfect break during your visit.

Mt. Omuro is a smooth-sided cinder cone volcano formed around 4,000 years ago, rising about 300 meters high with a base diameter of approximately 1,000 meters. It’s one of the largest volcanoes in the Izu Monogenetic Volcano Group, reaching an elevation of 580 meters above sea level. Centuries ago, lava flows from its eruptions reshaped the landscape of Ito, filling valleys and creating the current Izu-Kogen plateau, as well as extending the Jogasaki Coastline.