Chie no Mochi (Wisdom Rice Cake) 🍡

What Is Amanohashidate’s Famous “Chie no Mochi”? 🍡

A Sweet Said to Bring You the Wisdom of Monju!

When traveling, it’s only natural to want to taste the local specialties — and here in Amanohashidate, one treat you absolutely shouldn’t miss is the famous “Chie no Mochi.”

Sold at the four traditional teahouses in front of Chion-ji Temple — Yoshino Chaya, Hiko-bē Chaya, Kan-shichi Chaya, and Chitose Chaya — this local delicacy has been beloved for centuries.

The name “Chie no Mochi” literally means “Mochi of Wisdom.”
It comes from the Japanese proverb “San’nin yoreba Monju no chie” (“Three heads are better than one”), which refers to Monju Bosatsu, the Buddhist deity of wisdom enshrined at Chion-ji Temple.

It’s said that eating this mochi will bless you with the wisdom of Monju himself — a sweet way to invite good fortune and insight into your life while enjoying a piece of Amanohashidate’s history.

When you exit the main gate of Chion-ji Temple, the first shop you’ll see is Yoshino Chaya.
Their Chie no Mochi is known for its mild sweetness and refined flavor, allowing you to truly savor the natural taste of the mochi itself. It’s a local favorite!
They also serve creative dishes like the hearty Asari Croquette Burger, packed with clams, and even unique variations of the traditional Chie no Mochi — perfect for those who love to try new flavors.

Next to it is Hiko-bē Chaya, easily recognized by the large traditional doll standing at the entrance.
Here, the Chie no Mochi features a slightly darker red bean paste and an exceptionally soft, chewy texture.
In summer, don’t miss their popular “Chie Ice” — shaved ice topped with matcha syrup and two pieces of Chie no Mochi hidden inside — a refreshing treat after sightseeing around Amanohashidate! 🍧

The third teahouse, Kan-shichi Chaya, has a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere with an irori (traditional Japanese hearth) inside.
Their version of Chie no Mochi has a lighter-colored, silky-smooth, gently sweet bean paste.
They also offer unique seasonal sweets like Jūtarō Mochi, dusted with kinako (soybean powder), and Chie no Shizuku, a refreshing chilled dessert available only during certain times of the year.

Finally, the last of the four teahouses is Chitose Chaya.
Their Chie no Mochi has the darkest bean paste of all four — rich and full-bodied, preserving the classic, old-fashioned flavor of azuki beans.
Made with 100% locally grown glutinous rice, it embodies traditional craftsmanship and regional pride.
You can also enjoy their handmade soba noodles, crafted by skilled artisans using 80% locally sourced Ine-Tsutsukawa buckwheat for an authentic taste of the area. 🍜

Each teahouse has its own personality, making it worth visiting all four — and who knows, with each bite of Chie no Mochi, you might just gain a little more “wisdom of Monju” along the way! ✨

Each of the four teahouses offers its own unique take on Chie no Mochi — the sweetness of the bean paste and the softness of the mochi vary from shop to shop. 🍡✨

So, which Chie no Mochi will be your favorite?
When you visit Chion-ji Temple, why not try a taste comparison tour — sampling the carefully crafted flavors from each teahouse and discovering the one that wins your heart (and wisdom)! 💭💕