🌸 Enjoy "Umegae Mochi", a special product of Dazaifu Tenmangu, at a luxurious Japanese confectionery shop. It also makes a great souvenir!

When visiting Dazaifu, everyone is sure to try Umegae Mochi, a confection said to have been offered to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning at Tenmangu Shrine in ancient tales. With dozens of shops selling it along the approach to the shrine, I was attracted to this trendy and upscale-looking store when facing a choice dilemma.

Although the store has a subtle luxurious feel, the price of Umegae Mochi is the same as at other stores, 150 yen. Despite the name containing "ume" (plum), there are no plums used in the ingredients 😂. Made with Japanese glutinous rice and red bean paste from Hokkaido, it's freshly grilled with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, exuding a nostalgic flavor that's enjoyable every day!

This shop also uniquely offers a refreshing "Plum Cider", made with plum syrup created by students from Fukuoka Agricultural High School using plums from Dazaifu. The weather was quite hot that day, and about half the people chose to buy it.

They also offer a six-piece souvenir package, perfect for taking home to share if you're leaving the country on the same day! Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience it this time, but on the 17th and 25th of each month, they have special one-day limited flavors, with different packaging and shopping bags. Don't miss it if you happen to visit on those dates!