Hi, it’s Sachi!
When you think of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the most famous food has to be Umegae Mochi — a sweet rice cake loved all across Japan.
But did you know there’s a special version that even many locals don’t know about?
It’s the Yomogi (mugwort) Umegae Mochi, sold only on the 25th of each month!
(If you’re curious about the purple Umegae Mochi made with ancient rice that’s sold on the 17th, you can check out my article here 💜)
In this post, I’ll share everything about this special Yomogi Umegae Mochi —its origin, where to buy it, the price, and of course, what it tastes like!
💡 What is Umegae Mochi?
It’s a warm, grilled rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste — the most famous local sweet in Dazaifu.
If you want to know more about its history and the best shops to try, check out my Umegae Mochi Taste Test of 12 Shops 🍵
The Story Behind the Yomogi (Mugwort) Umegae Mochi
The 25th of each month is known as “Tenjin-sama Day” at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
It’s a special day that marks both the birthday and memorial day of Sugawara no Michizane, the deity enshrined at the shrine.
To celebrate this meaningful day, locals decided to make something special — the Yomogi (mugwort) Umegae Mochi, a version filled with the refreshing scent of spring herbs. 🌿
The gentle aroma of yomogi is said to represent nature and renewal, which Michizane himself cherished deeply.
Interestingly, even many people living in Fukuoka don’t know about this tradition,
making it a true hidden gem for visitors who happen to come on the 25th! ✨
Where Can You Buy the Yomogi Umegae Mochi?
You can find the Yomogi (mugwort) Umegae Mochi at any shop along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine — the same places that sell the regular version.
It’s available only on the 25th of each month, so if you happen to visit Dazaifu that day, you’ll enjoy a truly special experience.
Most shops also sell the regular Umegae Mochi, so it’s fun to try both and compare the flavors! 🌿
According to the shop staff, they usually prepare plenty of the yomogi ones, but they can still sell out by late afternoon.
If you don’t want to miss out, try to buy yours around noon or earlier.
I Tried It Myself!
So yes — I actually went on the 25th and bought some!
This time, I picked up the Yomogi Umegae Mochi from two well-known shops: Kikuchi and Yasutake. ✨
(When I stopped by around 9 a.m., Tenmaya wasn’t open yet!)
At the first bite, the fresh aroma of yomogi (mugwort) spreads gently in your mouth,
and it pairs perfectly with the sweet red bean filling.
As you can see in the photo, Kikuchi’s version has a stronger toasted surface — giving it a rich, nutty flavor.
Meanwhile, Yasuda’s mochi is softer and moister, with a milder sweetness that really brings out the herbal notes of yomogi.
Compared to the purple Umegae Mochi made with ancient rice, this one has a clearly distinct flavor and aroma you can immediately notice.
I might be biased because I love yomogi, but honestly, I think I prefer this version to the regular one!
I always wish they would sell it more often than just on the 25th.
The 17th Is for the Purple Umegae Mochi Made with Ancient Rice
Actually, there’s another special day when a different kind of Umegae Mochi is sold —
on the 17th of each month, known as “Kyuhaku Day.”
This day celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Kyushu National Museum,
which is located right next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
On this day, you can try the purple Umegae Mochi made with ancient rice,
a beautiful and popular version that looks just as good as it tastes! 💜
If you’d like to learn more, check out my detailed article here 👇
Conclusion
Every month on the 25th, a special version of Umegae Mochi made with yomogi (mugwort) is sold in Dazaifu to celebrate “Tenjin-sama Day.”
This day marks both the birthday and memorial day of Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
If you plan to visit Dazaifu, try to come on the 25th!
You’ll get the rare chance to taste and compare the refreshing Yomogi Umegae Mochi and the regular version — a delicious and truly unique experience you can enjoy only here in Dazaifu.
May your journey in Dazaifu be filled with happiness and good fortune — Sachi♪
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