Dazaifu Tenmangu is the largest shrine in Kyushu dedicated to the god of learning. Everywhere you go, from the approach to the shrine grounds, you’ll see the name “Umegae Mochi (梅ヶ枝餠 / 梅が枝餠).” It’s almost as if Dazaifu and Umegae Mochi are synonymous.
As I wandered around the shrine grounds, I started feeling a bit tired and craving something sweet. That’s when I decided to buy one from Furo Shogetsu Honten (不老松月本店). “Furo” (immortality) and “Shogetsu” (pine and moon) sound like a very auspicious combination!
Furo Shogetsu is a large shop where you can sit down for a meal. They offer set menus that include Umegae Mochi and drinks. If you only want Umegae Mochi, you can purchase it at the To-Go window.
Furo Shogetsu Honten is located deep within the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu. I found it on the way to Tenkai Inari Shrine. This area is less crowded, allowing me to enjoy a peaceful stroll while savoring my Umegae Mochi.
At the To-Go window, you can buy a single Umegae Mochi for 130 yen.
Here it is—Umegae Mochi! It was served slightly warm. You might assume from its name that it contains plums, but actually, it doesn’t. Inside the thin outer layer is a sweet, chunky red bean paste. The dough has a slightly dry texture on the outside, but when you bite into it, it’s surprisingly chewy. A unique sensation!
Since the dough is quite chewy, pulling it apart wasn’t the easiest task. But here’s what it looks like inside. Instead of smooth red bean paste, it’s more like mashed beans. It’s quite sweet—almost at my limit of sweetness for me! But since it’s small in size, it was just right. If it were any bigger, I might not have been able to finish it.
Dazaifu Tenmangu has a vast shrine complex, and if you walk all the way to Tenkai Inari Shrine, you’ll get quite exhausted. The sugar from the Umegae Mochi was a lifesaver!
Right in front of the shop is a plum tree grove—eating Umegae Mochi while admiring the plum blossoms is simply the best. By the way, the plum imprint on the mochi, which gives it its name, was barely visible.
About
Name Furo Shogetsu Honten (不老松月本店)
Open Daytime
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
URL Dazaifu Tenmangu’s official
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