In the Meiji period, people of a town of hot spring were trying to make a new confectionery to be sold as a specialty, and the people gained some hints from Usukawa-manju (steamed yeast bun with filling with thin skin).
また、明治時代、温泉地の名物となる菓子商品を開発する際に、薄皮饅頭が注目された。