Enpachi, a favorite of the locals
Ankoromochi made by Enpachi, a long-established Japanese confectionery in Ishikawa Prefecture, has long been loved by local people.
Along with “Akafuku” in Mie Prefecture, famous for its Ise pilgrimage, and “Ankoromochi Specialty Store Ganso Toraya” in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, which was born from entertaining processions of feudal lords, it is considered one of the three best ankoromochi in Japan.
The process of steaming the azuki beans in the subterranean water of Mt. Hakusan and then boiling them again and steaming them again is repeated many times to eliminate any roughness and impurities, and the store’s secret honey is added to produce a smooth bean paste with a unique taste and rich flavor.
Enpachi, which is also sold at the facility
Enpachi was founded in 1737. In 1898, when the Hokuriku Line opened, the company received permission to sell its confections at Matto Station, and even began to sell them standing on the platform. Today, there are stores in Hakusan City, where the head office is located, as well as in Kanazawa, Komatsu City, and Kaga City, and it is widely known as one of Ishikawa’s famous confections. Another reason for its popularity is that it is easily available at Kanazawa Station, Komatsu Airport, Meitetsu Mza, and other major facilities.
Anecdotes about Enpachi’s Ankoromochi
When you open the bamboo-skin wrapper, you will find nine Ankoromochi, each one bite-sized enough for even a woman to eat. The soft rice cake is wrapped in an elegant red bean paste with a rich red bean flavor.
There is an anecdote about Enpachi’s Ankoromochi.
One day in the year the store was founded, the owner planted a sapling of a Rohan oak tree in his backyard and prayed deeply, “If my wish comes true, it will grow into a big tree.
The wife and children suffered from hardships of life, but one night in the fall of that year, her husband appeared to her in her dream in the form of a tengu (a long-nosed goblin). The tengu said, “I am training to become a tengu at Kurama Mountain in Kyoto. If you eat rice cakes wrapped in red bean paste according to the method I teach you, you will have good health, prolong your life, and do prosperous business,” and disappeared.
Although it is not certain whether this story is true or not, Enpachi’s ankoromochi has been made in the traditional way for more than 270 years, delighting local and national fans alike.
Not only Ankoromochi but also Enpachi
Although Enpachi is famous for its ankoromochi, there are other popular dorayaki as well. There are three types of dorayaki: the “Nama Dorayaki,” a soft and fluffy dough sandwiched between popular red bean paste and raw ingredients; the “Cheese Dorayaki,” filled with cream cheese; and the “Green Tea Dorayaki,” a perfect combination of sweet bean paste and green powdered tea. All of them are light in texture and can be eaten easily.
In addition to ankoromochi and dorayaki, the main store in Hakusan City also offers Japanese sweets and “Ankoro Gelato,” a collaboration with a famous local gelato store, Marga Gelato. Ankoromochi and sencha (green tea) sets are also available at the store.
Enjoy Enpachi on the official website as well
Ankoromochi and dorayaki can be purchased from the official website of Enpachi. Ankoromochi does not last long and must be frozen, but if you thaw it naturally, you will be able to enjoy its original taste.
