In 2016, G7 summit took place in Ise-Shima in Mie prefecture. Japanese prime minister, Abe Shinzou mentioned that he decided to hold summit there because he wanted other countries leaders to feel Japanese spirit. Ise-Shima has glorious history and beautiful nature and it is the best place for foreigners to get to know Japanese tradition.

Akafuku is one of the most popular sweet that most of people who visit Ise shrine eat. This is kind of mochi(rice cake) with anko(red beans paste) on it. This is also known as popular souvenir.

However, what I really want you to eat when you have a chance to visit Mie prefecture is “ Naga-mochi”. This is also one of Japanese mochi(rice cake). But what it sets apart from others is that it was completely covered with anko(red beans pastes), was flatten and a little bit roasted. The roasted surface is crisp and you can’t get enough of it!! If you roast them more on the oven, it would be better.

Naga-mochi reminds me of my father. He would often go on a business trip to Mie prefecture and always bring them back home. I used to go to the station with my mother and siblings to pick my father up. We lived in the country, small town, so when the bullet train arrived at the desolate station, it became full of businessmen. As trying to figure out where my father was, jolting other people away, we managed to make our way to my father just for the souvenir he bought for us lol. I can remember vividly how excited we were to open his souvenir and enjoy them together, wondering “ What time will my father come back?” or “ What is his souvenir this time? “

Ise shrine is one of the best Japanese shrines, composed of a large number of Shinto shrines centered on two main shrines, Naiku and Geku. It is usually called “ Ise Ghingu” but formal it is “ Ghingu”. Ever since Edo period, people seek to visit this place at least once in their life. If you have opportunity to visit this place, try those different Mochi, “Akafuku” and “Naga-mochi”. I’m pretty sure you will like both. Those sweet doesn’t last long, so make sure you eat them before expiration dates.

Nagamochi Sasaiya
ADDRESS：5-13, Kitamachi, Yokkaichi-shi, Mie
TEL：059-351-8800
URL：http://www.nagamochi.co.jp/
WRITER：Miki