Gohei-mochi (JDT Recommends)

Gohei-Mochi is a skewered, grilled rice-cake famous in the Gifu Prefecture. Gohei-mochi can be served in a variety of ways, from long, rounded pieces to thinner, flat ovals. As long as they're skewed and grilled, it's can be considered Gohei-mochi. Rather than use rice meant for mochi, Gohei-mochi is made with regular rice pounded and placed on a skewer, marinated/seasoned with sauce, and then grilled over an open flame.

The mochi first began as a quick meal for workers to enjoy with sake and miso, often eaten in hopes for a good harvest. The simple recipe has grown over time and is now a staple at shrines and festivals in Gifu. Travelers can find freshly-cooked gohei-mochi at events in Gifu, like the Takayama Festival, sold at yatai and markets. This simple snack is very popular among kids and adults for it's rich flavors.

Grab gohei-mochi for you and your tour-guide while on Japan Deluxe Tour's fully-guided Takayama Hidden Villages & Takayama Festival Japan tours!