Japanese sweet
Imagawayaki (Red Bean Pancake, 今川焼き)
What It Tastes Like and Where to Try It in Himeji
Last checked: 2026-10
Our tasting notes
- Sweetness
- 3/5 · Medium
- Texture
- CrispyFluffy
- Bean paste (anko)
- Varies — depends on the filling you choose
- Keeps for
- Eat the same day
- Souvenir?
- Best eaten on the spot
Tasting notes, not shop-verified.
What is Imagawayaki?
A round, thick pancake filled with sweet bean paste, baked to order. In Himeji it is simply called 'Gozasoro', after the local shop that made it famous.
It is made mainly from wheat flour, sugar and azuki beans or white beans. You may also see it called “obanyaki”, “kaitenyaki”, “gozasoro” and “red bean wheel cake”.
What the name means
御座候
Gozasoro is an old, very polite way of saying 'here it is' or 'it is so'. The shop chose the name to express both a craftsman's pride ('this is the one I baked') and thanks to the customer.
Where to try Imagawayaki in Himeji
FAQ
Red or white filling?
Red (aka) is chunky azuki bean paste with a deeper, earthy sweetness. White (shiro) is made from white beans and tastes simpler and sweeter.
Where can I buy it in Himeji?
Gozasoro has a stall inside the JR Himeji Station ticket gates, so you can grab one right before your train.
Is it the same as taiyaki?
Similar batter and filling, but imagawayaki is round and thicker, while taiyaki is fish-shaped with crispier edges.
Diet and allergy notes
Ask the shop about ingredients. Recipes differ from shop to shop, and we have not confirmed vegan, halal or allergen details for this sweet. If you have dietary needs, ask the staff before you buy.