It's been a while since I visited Yubari, and although I don't live around here, I decided to try a place called "Tanmyaku" since there aren't many options. The local sweets are often named after coal-related themes and have dark colors, so I wonder if this is following that trend? I tried one on the train ride back, and it reminded me of a Tokyo treat called "Riem" from Shatoreze, with a firm texture and sweet red bean paste embedded inside, resembling a coal vein perhaps. It felt a bit dry at first, but when I had it at home with a strong cup of coffee, it was quite enjoyable! By the way, although it's not a product from Yubari, there's a Castella cake from Takahashi that's one of my comfort foods. It also has a dry texture, but the tradition is to have it with milk, creating a perfect combination. If you get the chance, give it a try!

In June 2013, I visited a confectionery shop in Yubari, Hokkaido. It is now a quiet place, but it must have been bustling in the past. They have a unique sweet called "Charcoal Vein," which features red bean paste in the shape of a coal vein. It is a soft baked confection wrapped in aluminum foil, with a subtle sweetness and buttery flavor. The "Yubari Taiko" is a manju with a charcoal aroma, and the packaging shows a cheerful man floating on top. The sweetness is moderate, with a clear and refreshing red bean paste. The "Mochi-filled Dorayaki" has white mochi and red bean paste inside, with a moist skin and mild sweetness. The service was also appropriate. Overall, it was a delightful experience.