A Taste of Hokkaido’s History: Discovering Usagiya’s Nostalgic Cinnamon Donut

The Sweet Secret of Yubari, Hokkaido
When one thinks of Japanese sweets, the mind often conjures images of delicate wagashi or trendy Tokyo cafes. However, a true culinary gem lies tucked away in the historic city of Yubari, Hokkaido, at a shop called Usagiya Kashiho (うさぎや菓子舗). This isn’t the famous Usagiya of Ueno, Tokyo, known for its dorayaki; this is a local institution, founded in 1931, that has perfected a simple, heartwarming treat: the Cinnamon Donut (シナモンドーナツ).

For the Umamilist, this donut is a must-try, offering a perfect blend of Japanese tradition and comforting Western-style confectionery.

More Than Just a Donut: A Deep Dive into the Flavor

Usagiya’s Cinnamon Donut is an experience in subtle, layered flavors and textures. It is an an-donut, meaning it is a fried dough confection filled with sweet bean paste.

Size & Shape

Small, bite-sized, perfectly round. Designed for easy, guilt-free snacking.

Nostalgia: The small, hand-held size evokes a sense of comforting, old-fashioned treats.

The Dough

A soft, moist, and light dough that is freshly fried. It avoids the heavy, oily texture of many traditional donuts.

Texture: The light, non-greasy texture provides a clean canvas for the filling and coating.

The Filling

Generously filled with smooth, strained sweet bean paste (koshi-an). The sweetness is described as “exquisitely not too sweet” (絶妙に甘すぎず).

Umami Balance: The koshi-an provides a deep, earthy sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the outer coating.

The Coating

A generous dusting of granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Aroma & Spice: The bright, warm spice of the cinnamon sugar cuts through the richness of the fried dough and the sweetness of the bean paste.

The magic of this donut lies in its balance. The warm, aromatic cinnamon sugar on the outside provides a delightful crunch and a burst of spice, which then gives way to the soft, fluffy dough and the smooth, mellow sweetness of the koshi-an filling. It’s a flavor profile that is both familiar and uniquely Japanese.

A Taste of Yubari’s Heritage

Usagiya Kashiho is a testament to the enduring spirit of Yubari, a city historically famous for its coal mining industry. The shop’s longevity, dating back to the early Showa era, speaks to the quality and timeless appeal of its signature product.

While the shop itself is located in Yubari, the donuts have gained a reputation across Hokkaido and are often found at souvenir shops in New Chitose Airport (CTS), making them an accessible and perfect last-minute souvenir.

Umamilist Verdict:

“Usagiya’s Cinnamon Donut is a masterclass in simplicity. It’s a nostalgic, comforting treat that beautifully marries the deep, earthy sweetness of koshi-an with the bright warmth of cinnamon. A true taste of Hokkaido’s sweet heritage.”

Next time you find yourself in Hokkaido, or passing through New Chitose Airport or local supermarkets or deparmentstores, keep an eye out for the small, round, cinnamon-dusted treasures from Usagiya Kashiho. They are a delicious piece of Japanese history, waiting to be discovered.