Iwato Mochi
A delightful confection from Ise, inspired by Japanese mythology

About Iwato Mochi

Iwato Mochi (岩戸餅, Iwato mochi) is a traditional Japanese sweet from Ise City in Mie Prefecture, created in tribute to the "Iwato Kagura," a dance performed by the goddess Ame-no-Uzume in Japanese mythology. This confection is crafted and sold by Iwatoya, a long-standing shop located in Oharaimachi, near Ise Jingu Shrine's Inner Shrine.

This delightful treat features soft mochi dough made with carefully selected glutinous rice, filled with smooth red bean paste crafted from premium Hokkaido-grown azuki beans, and coated with fragrant roasted soybean flour (kinako). Its refined and subtle sweetness, combined with its velvety texture, has won the hearts of many.

Iwato Mochi is not only delicious but also nutritious. The glutinous rice provides abundant carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy. The azuki beans offer dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, contributing to good health. Meanwhile, the kinako coating, derived from soybeans, is rich in protein and isoflavones, adding to its nutritional benefits.

Perfect as a souvenir from Ise Jingu Shrine, Iwato Mochi also makes an excellent pairing with Japanese tea during a casual tea break or as a thoughtful gift. It's particularly enjoyable with green teas like sencha and hojicha. Thanks to its delicate sweetness, it also serves as a lovely dessert after a meal.

With its roots in Ise's rich history and culture, Iwato Mochi offers a taste steeped in tradition and mythology. If you visit Ise, be sure to try this exquisite Japanese sweet and savor a piece of the story it carries.

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