A Nara Specialty with Many Variations
In Nara and other parts of the Kansai region, dorayaki-style sweets are often called Mikasa, Mikasa-yaki, Mikasa manju, or Mikasa-yama. One story behind the popularity of the name is that a long-established Japanese confectionery shop created an enormous dorayaki measuring approximately 16 centimeters in diameter and weighing around 500 grams, naming it after Mount Mikasa, a symbol of Nara.
Many traditional sweet shops around Nara Station sell Mikasa, and each has its own approach to the recipe. The pancakes may differ in softness, flavor, and texture, while the fillings range from smooth red bean paste to chunky azuki beans and versions containing chestnuts. Alongside regular-sized sweets, some shops offer oversized Mikasa nearly 20 centimeters across, making them especially appealing to visitors looking for a memorable local treat.
Whether you choose a classic, a chestnut-filled variation, or a giant version to share, Mikasa is a delicious way to experience Nara’s traditional confectionery culture.