Yaki Manju Higashiya is a street-food stall and small shop on Ikaho's famous stone-paved Ishidan-dori shopping street, in Shibukawa City, Gunma. It specialises in yaki manju — Gunma's most iconic regional snack and one of Japan's lesser-known prefectural street food traditions. Yaki manju consists of steamed wheat-flour buns (manju) skewered on bamboo, brushed repeatedly with a sweet, caramelised miso paste made from locally produced Gunma miso, then grilled over charcoal until the surface blisters and the miso glaze darkens to a sticky, smoky finish. The result is a snack with a crisp miso crust giving way to a pillowy steamed interior; the flavour is simultaneously sweet, savoury, and faintly smoky. The Higashiya stall has been operating on the Ikaho steps for decades and is considered one of the reference points for the style, drawing visitors who walk the 365 stone steps of Ikaho's main street. Miso karinto — deep-fried wheat dough sticks glazed with the same miso mixture — is a secondary product available alongside the skewered manju. Prices are deliberately low, reflecting the snack's populist roots: ¥200–400 per skewer makes yaki manju one of the most affordable street food experiences in Gunma. The stall operates under irregular closure schedules that do not follow a fixed weekly day off; visitors should check for signage on arrival. Ikaho Onsen itself is a classic domestic hot spring resort, and the Ishidan-dori steps are the town's social spine, lined with souvenir shops and historic bathhouses.
Signature dishes
- Yaki manju (skewered miso manju)
- Miso karinto (deep-fried dough with miso glaze)
Good to know
- Known for
- Yaki manju — skewered steamed buns brushed with sweet miso paste, Gunma's most famous street food
- Hours
- 9:00AM–5:00PM; closed irregular days
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Ikaho Ishidan-dori, Shibukawa, Gunma 377-0102
36.4812, 138.9249 View on map
Highlights
- Yaki manju — Gunma's signature street food: steamed miso-glazed buns grilled over charcoal
- Historic stall on Ikaho's 365-step Ishidan-dori, operating for decades
- Caramelised sweet-miso glaze is the defining flavour — smoky, sweet, and sticky
- Among the most affordable snacks in Gunma at ¥200–400 per skewer
- Miso karinto (deep-fried miso-glazed dough sticks) available as a secondary snack
Tips for visiting
- Eat the manju fresh off the grill while walking the Ishidan steps; the glaze hardens as it cools
- Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend queues from domestic onsen tourists
- Closures are irregular — arrive early in the day to maximise the chance the stall is open
- No seating at the stall itself; yaki manju is a walk-and-eat snack by tradition
- Yaki manju is best eaten within 10 minutes of purchase while the glaze is still warm
When to visit
Spring (cherry blossom, April) and autumn (foliage, October–November) when Ikaho Ishidan-dori is most lively; weekday mornings avoid weekend onsen visitor crowds.
Accessibility
The stall is on the open street along Ikaho's sloped stone steps; the Ishidan-dori itself is a steep stone stairway with no wheelchair access along its main spine. The lower section near the bus stop is more accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What does yaki manju taste like?
The miso glaze creates a sweet, savoury, smoky crust around a soft steamed bun. The texture ranges from slightly chewy at the edge to pillowy at the centre. The bun interior is plain — it does not contain red bean paste.
Is yaki manju vegetarian?
The bun itself is wheat flour and water; the miso paste used is typically mixed-grain miso. It is generally suitable for vegetarians but not vegan, as miso production sometimes involves fish-based koji.
How is Ikaho Ishidan-dori reached?
From JR Shibukawa Station, take a bus (approximately 25 minutes) to Ikaho Onsen bus stop. The Ishidan stone steps begin from the central bus stop area.
Is the stall open year-round?
The stall operates roughly April through November with irregular closures. Winter operation depends on weather and the owner's schedule — verify by phone (+81 279-72-2041) before making it the purpose of a visit.