Unique Rice Balls from Yamanashi! Local Onigiri You Can Only Find Here

日Have you ever visited Japan and wanted to enjoy authentic washoku (Japanese cuisine)? At the heart of Japanese food culture is, of course, rice—and one of the most beloved ways to enjoy it is in the form of onigiri (rice balls).

Onigiri are popular because they’re easy to eat, nutritious, and delicious. Not only are they available everywhere at convenience stores, but many travelers also visit specialty onigiri shops to experience freshly made rice balls.

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the tastiest onigiri you can find in Yamanashi Prefecture, one of Japan’s most famous travel destinations. Some of these rice balls are exclusive to Yamanashi, so be sure to add them to your food adventure!

Hyakumanben Onigiri

The Hyakumanben Onigiri is a traditional rice ball made with prayers for warding off evil, good health, and safe childbirth.

In the past, people would place a small stone—sterilized in boiling water—inside the rice ball. This practice came from the belief that pregnant women who ate an onigiri with a stone inside would experience an easy delivery.

Today, the custom has evolved. Instead of stones, the rice is mixed with boiled adzuki beans or chestnuts and shaped into a round onigiri with just the right touch of salt. The combination of chestnuts and beans—both in season during autumn—creates a flavor that reflects the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.

You can find Hyakumanben Onigiri at specialty rice ball shops in Yamanashi between September and November, but if you have the ingredients, it’s also something you can try making at home.

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Amanatto Sekihan Onigiri

One of Yamanashi’s most beloved local rice balls is the Amanatto Sekihan Onigiri, known for its sweet-and-salty flavor.

Amanatto refers to beans that have been simmered in sugar, coated again with sugar, and then dried. It’s completely different from natto, the fermented soybeans that many visitors associate with Japan.

In this dish, only the beans are sweet—the rice itself is not. When sprinkled with goma-shio (sesame salt), the combination of sweetness and saltiness creates a unique balance that locals can’t get enough of.

Though it is said to have originated from Hokkaido and Aomori, it has become a regional staple in Yamanashi. Today, it’s so popular that you can even find it sold at convenience stores in Hokkaido and Yamanashi.

Maze Gohan Onigiri

The Maze Gohan Onigiri is inspired by takikomi gohan (seasoned mixed rice), a comforting homemade dish that is cherished in Yamanashi households.

This rice ball is packed with six flavorful ingredients: chicken, carrot, burdock root, chikuwa (fish cake), shiitake mushrooms, and inarikawa (sweet-simmered fried tofu skin). With its slightly sweet and rich seasoning, it’s easy to enjoy and perfect for when you want a quick bite. You can conveniently find it at 7-Eleven stores in Yamanashi Prefecture.

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Yamanashi is also famous for other types of takikomi gohan, such as Sanma Meshi and Ninjin Meshi, which are recognized as traditional local dishes.

 What is Sanma Meshi?

Although Yamanashi is a landlocked prefecture, fresh Pacific saury (sanma) becomes widely available in autumn. Sanma Meshi is a dish made by cooking seasonal saury together with freshly harvested rice. Thanks to its simple cooking method and delicious results, it remains a staple in many households even today.

 What is Ninjin Meshi?

In Ichikawamisato Town, the local specialty is the Otsuka carrot, known for being high in dietary fiber and nutrition. Ninjin Meshi is a mixed rice dish made using this flavorful carrot. Traditionally served at local festivals and community gatherings, it continues to be a well-loved dish that showcases the region’s agricultural pride.
👉 You can learn more about Ichikawamisato Town’s Otsuka carrot here!

Summary

In this article, we introduced some of the delicious local onigiri you can enjoy in Yamanashi Prefecture.

With onigiri in hand, you can easily plan a casual picnic while taking in the views of Mt. Fuji or the Fuji Five Lakes—a simple yet unforgettable experience.

On JAPANOPIA FUJI +, we also feature specialty onigiri shops and even restaurants dedicated to clay pot rice, which makes Japanese rice taste even better. Be sure to check them out for more food inspiration!

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