What is "Decchi-yokan", a winter delicacy in Fukui? Characteristics and stores where you can buy it
Wakasa Decchi-yokan of Fukui, also known as "mizu-yokan," is a winter delicacy of Fukui Prefecture that has been popular among the common people for centuries. This article introduces the origin of the name "Wakasa Decchi-yokan," its characteristics in Fukui and other regions, as well as recommended stores where you can purchase it. Please refer to it as a souvenir when visiting Fukui or when enjoying this unique winter delicacy.
What is Decchi-yokan?
Decchi-yokan is a Japanese confectionery that takes its name from "Decchi-yokan," meaning "apprentice. Compared to the common yokan, it is inexpensive and easy to obtain for the common people. Here we introduce the origin of the name, regional characteristics, and homemade recipe of Decchi-yokan.
Japanese confectionery with the name derived from the word "Decchi" ("apprentice")
Decchi-yokan is a Japanese confectionery made by adding agar or wheat flour (joshinko) to an an (sweet bean paste) made of azuki beans and sugar. There are various theories as to the origin of the name, but the most common theory is that it is related to a child serving a merchant family (chou-chou).
- It is said that because it was inexpensive, apprentices brought it back as a souvenir when they returned home from their apprenticeships.
- One theory is that the apprentices would eat the leftover paste from the kneaded yokan, mixed it with water, and then eat it.
- The theory is that compared to kneaded yokan, it is not boiled down enough and is only half-served, like an apprentice’s serving.
- One theory is that the word "detchiru" comes from the process of kneading the red bean paste and wheat flour together.
Also known as "mizuyokan," a winter delicacy
Wakasa Wakasa Yokan, also known as "mizu-yokan," is a popular winter delicacy in Fukui. Most Wakasa Choukkan do not contain any additives, and are made only from azuki beans, agar, and sugar (mainly white sugar).
The northern part of Fukui Prefecture is called the Reinan region (Tsuruga and Wakasa area), while the southern part is called the Reinan region (Tsuruga and Wakasa area), with the "Kinome Pass" as a dividing line. In the Reinan area, brown sugar is used in some cases, and these are mainly called "mizu-yokan.
The northern part of Fukui Prefecture is called the Reinan region (Tsuruga and Wakasa area), while the southern part is called the Reinan region (Tsuruga and Wakasa area), with the "Kinome Pass" as a dividing line. In the Reinan area, brown sugar is used in some cases, and these are mainly called "mizu-yokan.
Both types of mizuyokan feature less agar and less sweetness, and are softer and more moist than ordinary mizuyokan. They are also cheaper and more popular among the general public.
Generally, mizu-yokan is usually enjoyed chilled in summer, but Fukui's choyokan (mizu-yokan) cannot be preserved due to its low sugar content. Therefore, they are said to be in season during the winter when the temperature is cooler.
Differences by Region
Decchi-yokan is also found in western Japan, mainly in the Kinki region, but the method of making it and its taste differ depending on the region. In addition to Fukui Prefecture, there are also "Decchi-yokan" in Shiga Prefecture and "Decchi-yokan" in Osaka Prefecture, each of which is introduced in "Our Local Cuisine" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.
Shiga Prefecture
An (sweet bean paste) made from azuki beans and sugar is mixed with wheat flour (or Kamishinko), wrapped in a bamboo skin moistened with water, and steamed. It is also called "steamed yokan" and is characterized by the slight aroma of the bamboo skin and the glutinous texture of the flour. It is said that "Decchi-yokan" originated in Omi, and in 1998, "Decchi-yokan," a specialty of Shiga Prefecture, was selected as one of Shiga Prefecture's Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Selected Intangible Folk Assets.
An (sweet bean paste) made from azuki beans and sugar is mixed with wheat flour (or Kamishinko), wrapped in a bamboo skin moistened with water, and steamed. It is also called "steamed yokan" and is characterized by the slight aroma of the bamboo skin and the glutinous texture of the flour. It is said that "Decchi-yokan" originated in Omi, and in 1998, "Decchi-yokan," a specialty of Shiga Prefecture, was selected as one of Shiga Prefecture's Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Selected Intangible Folk Assets.
Hokusetsu area, Osaka Prefecture
Choukan from this area are made with agar, a specialty of the Hokusetsu region. The use of sugar, which used to be expensive, is reduced, and the use of agar is characterized by a light, simple flavor with a moderate sweetness. In addition, Decchi-yokan made in the Kawachi area is steamed with flour instead of agar, which gives it a different texture.
Choukan from this area are made with agar, a specialty of the Hokusetsu region. The use of sugar, which used to be expensive, is reduced, and the use of agar is characterized by a light, simple flavor with a moderate sweetness. In addition, Decchi-yokan made in the Kawachi area is steamed with flour instead of agar, which gives it a different texture.
Easy recipe for Wakasa Decchi-yokan
Ingredients for Wakasa Decchi-yokan are readily available at supermarkets, so you can also make it by hand. The following is a basic recipe.
<Materials
- Koshian 150g
- white sugar 230g ※If you use store-bought smooth red bean paste, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Pinch of salt
- Agar 8g
- water 1000～1100ml
<How to make it
- Put the agar in a pot and soak in water to soften it.
- Once the agar has dissolved, turn the heat to low and add the sugar to dissolve.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the sweet bean paste.
- Blend until smooth and glossy, add salt and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, let cool, pour into a tray and chill in the refrigerator until solidified.
Reinan Area】Shops where you can buy Wakasa Decchi-yokan and Mizuyokan
Although you can make them by hand, you still want to enjoy the taste of a famous store. Here are some stores in the Reinan area where you can purchase Wakasa Choukkan and mizu-yokan, so why don't you compare the tastes of each store?
Shihoju Corporation Nishizu Branch, a long-established confectionery store with a history of over 200 years
A long-established Japanese confectionery established in 1806. We make Japanese and Western-style confections using "Unjosui," a mild and smooth spring water from Wakasa, Hokkaido adzuki beans, and other carefully selected ingredients, as well as seasonal fruits.
Shihoju's "Dechi Yokan" is made with a traditional, robustly flavored bean paste. It is thick and filling, yet has a refreshing taste due to the absence of brown sugar. The fact that it is made with agar (agar-agar) makes it healthy for the body is also a great attraction.
| Address | 1-8 Unohama, Obama City, Fukui 917-0096, Japan |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-52-0599 |
| Business hours | 9:00-18:00 |
| Closed | No holidays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Shihoju Corporation |
On November 30 (Sat.) and December 1 (Sun.), 2024, the " Dechi Yokan Festival " will be held at the Obama City Machi no Eki.
Shihoju and 6-7 other confectionery stores that are members of the Obama City Confectionery Industry Association will display their prized Dechi Yokan in the same package. This is an event where visitors can purchase and compare the different flavors of Dechi Yokan.
Shihoju and 6-7 other confectionery stores that are members of the Obama City Confectionery Industry Association will display their prized Dechi Yokan in the same package. This is an event where visitors can purchase and compare the different flavors of Dechi Yokan.
KIYADEN "sweets shop" boasts of its sake manju and Decchi-yokan (sweet bean paste cake).
KIYADEN confectionery, a long-established confectionery that has been in business for more than 150 years since its establishment in 1868, sells everything from beautiful and delicate Japanese sweets such as nerikiri (fish paste) to Japanese and Western confections. The shop is especially proud of its sake manju and choko yokan (sweet bean curd).
Dechi Yokan" is made of white sugar, azuki beans, and agar, and has a refreshing taste that is easy to eat. The store displays vintage wooden molds of sweets that were used in the past.
| Address | 42 Obama Shirahige, Obama City, Fukui 917-0069 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-52-0565 |
| Business hours | 9:00-18:00 |
| Closed | Wednesdays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | KIYADEN Confectionery |
Iseya" offers wagashi made with famous Unjo-sui water
A long-established Japanese confectionery founded in 1830 with the motto "water is the starting point of confectionery making". The shop offers wagashi made with "Unjo-sui" water. Unjosui" is water pumped up from a well in Unjo Park in Obama City, and was selected as one of the 100 best waters of the Heisei era.
As traditional confections, we offer "Kuzu Manju" in summer and "Choukyo Yokan" in winter for a limited time only. The red bean paste made from Hokkaido azuki beans is mild and soft in color and taste, and its honest sweetness is popular among leftists. There is also an eat-in space inside the store, so why not take your time and enjoy the traditional confections?
| Address | 1-6 Ichiban-cho, Obama City, Fukui 917-0071 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-52-0766 |
| Business hours | 8:30-17:30 |
| Closed | Wednesdays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Iseya |
Offering seasonal sweets "Gokashidokoro Daijiro
Founded in 1905, this confectionery has been making seasonal sweets with carefully selected ingredients for four generations. In addition to its signature confection "Roppo-yaki," you can enjoy seasonal wagashi such as cherry blossom rice cakes in spring, kudzu manju in summer, and kuri rice cakes in fall.
Choujo-yokan is available only during the winter season. The flavorful Masa-azuki beans are cooked softly with less sugar to enhance their flavor.
| Address | 11-17 Ao, Takahama-cho, Oi-gun, Fukui 919-2384 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-72-0308 |
| Business hours | 7:30-18:00 |
| Closed | Wednesdays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Gokashidokoro Daijiro |
Tsuruga Station's first souvenir shop, Tsuruga Kawato
This souvenir shop was established in 1936. Initially, it opened in front of Tsuruga Station as a manufacturer of Tsuruga's famous confectionary "Mame Rakugan". After World War II, it was transformed into a souvenir shop, taking advantage of its location in front of the station. It sells everything from famous confections from all over Fukui Prefecture to "saba heshiko," a specialty of Wakasa, and locally brewed sake.
Mizuyokan" is available only during the winter season from November to February. Tsuruga Kawato's "mizuyokan" has a gentle brown sugar sweetness and smooth texture.
| Address | 4-5 Shirogane-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui 914-0054 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-22-4102 |
| Business hours | 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Closed irregularly Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Souvenir shop Tsuruga Kawato |
Offering a wide variety of Japanese and Western-style confections, "Shofukudo," a famous confectionery
Shofukudo, a famous confectionary store, produces and sells a wide variety of confectionaries from Japanese sweets such as "Hanijyu-mochi," a famous confectionary of Fukui, and "Mame Rakugan," a traditional confectionary of Tsuruga, to Western sweets such as "Kama-dashi Castella" and "Rare cheese roll cake" using mascarpone cheese produced in Hokkaido. The shop is characterized by its use of local products such as glutinous rice and eggs produced in Fukui Prefecture. The shop has received many awards for several confections, including the Minister of State for Special Missions Award for its "Kinako Haniwae Mochi.
Shofukudo's "Mizuyokan" was awarded the Grand Prize of Honor at the 23rd Confectionary Exposition, and is made with 100% domestic agar, without additives or coloring, using the same traditional manufacturing method. The light sweetness of the brown sugar and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the sweet bean paste are the secret of its popularity.
| Address | 2-21-31 Showa-machi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0812 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-22-4747 |
| Business hours | Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday 11:00-20:00 |
| Closed | Saturday - Sunday, Holidays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Shofukudo, a famous confectionary shop |
Taste Wakasa Choukkan and mizu-yokan!
Wakasa Choyokan or mizu-yokan, popular in Fukui Prefecture, is a confectionery characterized by its gentle sweetness and refreshing texture with plenty of moisture. They are a popular winter specialty and are sold at a variety of stores. The sweetness of the bean paste, the type of sugar, the mixture, and the firmness vary from store to store. Check the characteristics of each store and find your favorite Choujo-yokan or mizu-yokan.
Selected as the nation's first "Premium" Japanese Heritage Site! Enjoy a variety of cultures
In July 2024, Obama City and Wakasa Town, centered on the Saba Road, were selected by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as the first Japanese Heritage site in Japan to be designated as a Special Priority Support Area (Japanese Heritage Premium).
Blessed with a rich harvest from the sea and mountains, Wakasa has supported the food culture of the Imperial Court since ancient times, and for more than 1,500 years, the road that brought seafood from Wakasa to Kyoto has been called "Saba Kaido," or mackerel road, and has a history of traffic of various cultures. Along the Saba Kaido, which connects Wakasa and Kyoto, there are Kumagawa-juku, shrines, temples, buildings, festivals, and other cultural assets, so be sure to take the time to visit Tsuruga and Wakasa.
The information is current as of October 2024. Information is subject to change without notice.