Okin Teahouse (おきん茶屋)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A historic teahouse along the Wakayama Kaido (now Route 42) that has been serving mochi to travelers since the Edo period. The signature "Okin Mochi" is a traditional-style treat—fragrant mugwort-filled mochi wrapped around subtle, lightly-sweetened red bean paste. Enjoy it with tea for a moment of respite. The shop is named after "Okin-san," the woman said to have once run the teahouse; it is so iconic that nearly everyone in the area knows it. Buy from the counter and eat it on the spot, or take a box home as a souvenir. A rest stop here, imagining the old travelers, adds a delightful accent to your satoyama gourmet drive.

Tips

Conveniently located along Route 42 for easy roadside stops. Okin Mochi is made using traditional methods with a short shelf life; when taking as a gift, buy only what can be eaten the same day or the next. The shop sells out quickly and can run out of stock in the late afternoon, making a morning visit perfect timing. The shop also offers meals and tea service inside, so you can relax even in bad weather.

Best time to visit

About 30 minutes. Morning hours have little risk of selling out and are perfect for a snack break

Access & map

4488-40 Niu, Taki Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture 〒519-2211