Morihachi’s “Hodatsu”

Hodatsu is a signature Japanese confection from Morihachi, an official confectioner to the Kaga Domain, combining Kanazawa-style elegance with a refined flavor. Named after Mount Hodatsu, the highest peak on the Noto Peninsula, its distinctive half-moon shape evokes the mountain’s gentle contours.

A proprietary moist, chewy cake wraps carefully cooked chunky red bean paste made with Hokkaido-grown azuki beans, while a small piece of Kanazawa gold leaf adorns the surface. With each bite, the rich flavor and gentle sweetness of the azuki beans blend with the springy texture of the cake, offering a refined taste distinct from typical dorayaki.

The design also reflects the history of Mount Hodatsu, once home to a thriving gold mine controlled by the Kaga Domain, and embodies the refinement of Kanazawa culture. Seasonal varieties filled with cherry blossom paste or Noto chestnut paste are also available, offering flavors that reflect the changing seasons. With its elegant appearance and refined taste, Hodatsu is a popular Kanazawa souvenir and gift.