Hi, it’s Sachi!
When you think of Dazaifu, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Umegae Mochi — sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste.
As you stroll along the shrine’s approach, the smell of freshly grilled mochi drifts from every shop, and they all look so tempting!
But with so many places to choose from, visitors often wonder, “Which one should I try?”
So, I decided to taste and compare several shops myself — and honestly, you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
Still, there are three spots that stood out to me as absolute must-tries.
They’re my personal favorites, but I’m confident you’ll love them too!
Best Umegae Mochi in Dazaifu: Top 3 Must-Try Sweet Shops for Visitors
① Tenmanya（天満屋） – The Most Fragrant and Crispy One
The moment I took a bite of the freshly grilled mochi from Tenmanya, I was amazed by its toasty aroma — just like a perfectly roasted rice cake!
The skin is nicely crisped, balancing beautifully with the smooth, sweet red bean filling.
If you love that light crunch and roasted flavor, this is the one for you.
② Kikuchi （きくち）– The Classic Flavor Everyone Loves
Located in the middle of Dazaifu’s main street, Kikuchi is a long-time favorite among locals.
Everything about it feels just right — the thickness of the skin, the sweetness of the filling, and the gentle texture.
If it’s your first time trying Umegae Mochi, you can’t go wrong with this classic.
③ Oishi Chaya （お石茶屋）– Enjoy the Taste and the Moment
Tucked behind Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Oishi Chaya offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Here, you can sit down on tatami mats or outdoor seats and enjoy freshly made mochi with matcha tea.
Eating it slowly in such a calm, scenic place somehow makes it taste even better ✨
Maybe it’s the atmosphere — but for me, this one left the strongest impression!
👉 I’ve written a separate article all about Oishi Chaya — check it out [here].
[Bonus] Kasanoya （かさのや）– For Those Who Want to Try the Famous One
Kasanoya is probably the most famous Umegae Mochi shop, often featured on Japanese TV and magazines.
There’s usually a line, but the wait is worth it — crispy on the outside, fluffy inside.
If you want to start with the most iconic shop, this is the perfect choice.
Summary
After trying several shops, I realized something simple — Umegae Mochi tastes great no matter where you eat it!
Each shop has its own character, but honestly, the differences aren’t huge.
What really matters is that freshly grilled aroma and the gentle sweetness of the red bean paste — that’s always delicious!
Some shops with long lines might just be good at advertising… or maybe people are lining up because everyone else is.
In fact, even the quieter, less crowded shops often have amazing mochi that deserves more attention.
So, my advice is: trust your instinct and try the one that catches your eye.
As you stroll down Dazaifu’s main street, find your favorite Umegae Mochi! 😊
By the way, I actually tried 12 different shops over two days, and wrote a full comparison with prices and tasting tips — check it out below! 👇
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