is a Japanese dumpling made from a buckwheat dough wrapped around a stuffing of Japanese vegetables, fruit, or anko bean paste and then roasted on an iron pan. The bun is then either steamed or broiled and eaten hot. Oyaki originated in Nagano, which is famous for the dish.
Oyaki are not to be confused with Imagawayaki which is made from a light batter and is eaten as a dessert, though you can find many stores selling Imagawayaki as oyaki.
History
Oyaki originated in northern Nagano prefecture and Azumi Basin,『長野県風土記』「信州の味」 as one of the alternatives for rice as most of the prefecture is not suitable for growing them. It later spread across the prefecture and shops that specialize in oyaki grew from the 1980s.
See also List of buckwheat dishes References
External links My Home Town and Local Food English language web page describing how oyaki are made at Oyaki Village in Ogawa Village, Nagano Prefecture. Oyaki Village website