Igamochi no Sato Sanbe (いがもちの里さんべ)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This long-established shop in the hot spring town makes and sells Zao Onsen's famous mochi confection, inaka-mochi (稲花餅, also read igamochi). Inaka-mochi wraps smooth strained red bean paste in soft mochi, topped with a few yellow grains of rice shaped like rice flowers, and arranged on bamboo leaves — a sweet unique to Zao Onsen. Because it doesn't keep well, it has been loved since the days of hot-spring cure visitors as a treat you can only enjoy on the spot. The shop has a café space where you can enjoy freshly made inaka-mochi with tea, along with light meals. Its gentle sweetness and chewy texture make it easy for small children to eat too, making it a great stop for a midday break after a morning of walking. This simple treat, with its faint aroma of bamboo leaves, is sure to become a memorable taste of Zao.

Tips

It's close to the center of Zao Onsen and within walking distance from the bus terminal. The freshly made inaka-mochi is popular and can sell out in the afternoon, so it's best to stop by early. Since the sweets don't keep well, if buying some as a souvenir, only get as much as can be eaten that same day.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. Visit in the earlier part of the day as a midday break, before they sell out

Access & map

〒990-2301 1221-2 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture