Walk the Mochi Kaido road like a traveler of old for a taste of Mie’s confectionery culture Part 2
The rice cakes known as “mochi” are one of the most prized delicacies in the food culture of Mie Prefecture, where various kinds of traditional mochi sweets are found. The roots of the rice cake’s popularity in Mie likely originated from being served to hungry pilgrims who had traveled long distances to Ise Jingu.
In Part 1, we introduced mochi from Kuwana and Yokkaichi in northern part of Mie Prefecture. This time, in Part 2, let’s continue our journey one step closer to Ise Jingu with a look at famous mochi sweets from the area around Ise City!
They keep for about one week in winter, so they are suitable as a nice souvenir*. Iwatoya has two stores, the main one and a branch across the street in Oharai-machi, easily found by the Otafuku sign.
* In summer (early July to mid-September): keeps for 5 days from date of manufacture
* In summer (early July to mid-September): keeps for 5 days from date of manufacture
Taiko Shusse mochi
Taiko Shusse mochi is a famous confection served at the Taiko Mochi Main Store, just a 1-minute walk from Ujibashi Bridge, the entrance to Naiku of Ise Jingu. In legend, this mochi was a favorite of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the leader who successfully unified Japan in the late 16th century. Thus, it was named Taiko Shusse Mochi, “Taiko” being one of Hideyoshi’s last titles and “Shusse” meaning advancement to honor his rise from farmer to national leader. The elegantly sweet bean paste is wrapped in mochi and carefully baked under expert supervision. Enjoy the atmosphere of the old-fashioned teahouse at the main store.
https://taikou-mochi.com/
https://taikou-mochi.com/
Kamiyo mochi
Our last stop on the Mochi Kaido is Senokuniya in front of Ujibashi Bridge. Senokuniya’s specialty, Kamiyo mochi, has red bean paste tucked inside mochi made with the herb yomogi, which gives it a distinctly refreshing fragrance. It is believed that the goddess Amaterasu liked yomogi, and yomogi is supposed to bring health benefits. For the pilgrims of old who finally arrived at Ise Jingu, this aroma and mild sweetness must have seemed like a gift from the deities.
Senokuniya is an ideal place to stop by after visiting Ise Jingu since the spacious store contains a souvenir shop and a restaurant as well. At just about a 2-minute walk away, the Sabo Tasukean teahouse is a serene spot to relax with a set that comes with Kamiyo mochi, and your choice of matcha green tea or coffee.
https://www.senokuniya.co.jp/
https://www.senokuniya.co.jp/
Well, was your visit to Ise Jingu a success? This our long Oise mairi journey along the Mochi Kaido to an end. By the time you get home, you will have a lot of sweet memories and mochi souvenirs.