Umegae Mochi: The Sweet Delight of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

A visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is incomplete without tasting their famous Umegae mochi, a round, chewy rice cake filled with a sweet red bean paste. It is imprinted with plum blossom petals and cooked until it’s a little crispy and golden brown. Fresh batches of these are sold in shops that lined up the pathway which leads to the shrine. Its sweet, chewy taste was addictive that I wanted to bring some home for friends and relatives during our visit at Dazaifu in March 2023. But its short shelf-life means it’s best enjoyed while going around Dazaifu or as a snack when you return to your accommodation after the tour. I recommend pairing this with coffee, tea, or matcha.