Thinly Baked Cake and Refined Sweet Bean Paste
The outer layer of Genji-maki is made by combining ingredients such as wheat flour, eggs, and sugar, then spreading the batter thinly and carefully baking it. Once the surface develops a delicate golden-brown color, it has a subtle roasted aroma and a pleasantly moist texture.
The filling is koshi-an, made by slowly cooking azuki beans and straining them until smooth. Its restrained sweetness complements the gentle sweetness of the outer layer, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.
Genji-maki can be enjoyed in its distinctive long, slender form or cut into smaller pieces for easy serving. Paired with Japanese tea, it offers a relaxing way to appreciate the understated elegance of Tsuwano’s traditional confectionery culture.
A Sweet Said to Have Originated in the Late Edo Period
The origins of Genji-maki are traditionally traced to the late Edo period. One account says that it was created by the official confectioner serving the Tsuwano domain and presented to Kamei Koremi, the 11th lord of the Tsuwano domain.
According to this tradition, the lord’s wife, Mitsuko, saw the confection and was reminded of a poem from the “Wakamurasaki” chapter of The Tale of Genji. The sweet is said to have received the name “Genji-maki” from this association.
The connection between the name of a local confection and a classic work of Japanese literature is one of its most fascinating features. Genji-maki offers not only a taste of Tsuwano’s history but also a glimpse into the literary traditions and aesthetic sensibilities of Japan.
Another Tradition: A Sweet Said to Have Wrapped a Gold Coin
Another story traces Genji-maki back to the Genroku era of the Edo period. According to this tradition, the lord of the Tsuwano domain presented a gift in an effort to improve relations with Kira Kozuke-no-suke. The confection is said to have originated from a sweet shaped like something wrapped around a koban, an oval gold coin used in feudal Japan.
However, no clear historical documents confirming this origin have been identified, and the theory that Genji-maki originated in the late Edo period is generally regarded as the more credible account today. The fact that several traditions have been passed down alongside the historical record adds another layer of fascination to the confection’s long history.
Each Tsuwano Confectionery Has Its Own Character
Today, more than 10 shops in Tsuwano make and sell Genji-maki, with each producer maintaining its own techniques and flavor characteristics. Even when the confection carries the same name, differences in baking, texture, and the flavor of the bean paste can make each shop’s version unique.
Alongside the traditional koshi-an filling, modern variations include matcha-flavored bean paste and seasonal versions. You can also find creative adaptations such as “Age Genji-maki,” in which the confection is coated and deep-fried, offering a different texture and way to enjoy this historic sweet.
Traditional Craftsmanship Passed Down Through Generations
The appeal of Genji-maki depends heavily on the craftsmanship used to prepare both the bean paste and the thin outer layer. Azuki beans are slowly cooked to create a smooth, delicate filling, while the batter is carefully adjusted in terms of thickness and baking time.
Some long-established confectionery shops have continued their craft since the Meiji period, preserving techniques passed down through generations while also developing products suited to modern tastes. By balancing respect for tradition with new ideas, Genji-maki remains a beloved specialty of Tsuwano.
A Perfect Souvenir from a Walk Around Tsuwano
Genji-maki makes an excellent souvenir for visitors to Tsuwano. Its distinctive long shape and traditional-style packaging fit naturally with the atmosphere of the historic town, often described as the “Little Kyoto of the San’in Region.”
Its elegant, gentle sweetness makes it approachable for a wide range of tastes, while enjoying it with Japanese tea is a wonderful way to take a quiet break during a day of sightseeing. Trying Genji-maki from different shops and comparing their individual characteristics is another enjoyable part of exploring Tsuwano.
A Traditional Sweet That Holds Tsuwano’s History and Culture
Genji-maki may be a simple confection of smooth red bean paste wrapped in thinly baked dough, but within it are layers of Tsuwano’s history, classical literature, local traditions, and generations of confectionery craftsmanship.
While preserving a tradition believed to date back to the late Edo period, Genji-maki continues to evolve with new flavors and ways of enjoying it. After exploring Tsuwano’s historic streets, take time to savor this gently sweet traditional confection while reflecting on the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.