Ubagamochi from the Kusatsu Post Town
Ubagamochi are tiny pieces of mochi made with Kusatsu rice, wrapped outside in smooth koshi-an and topped with a small white nerikiri made from white bean paste and yam. Unlike daifuku, the...
At a glance
| Name | Ubagamochi from the Kusatsu Post Town (Ubagamochi) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Shiga |
| Region | Kansai |
| Type | branded Kusatsu anko-covered mochi |
What is it?
Ubagamochi are tiny pieces of mochi made with Kusatsu rice, wrapped outside in smooth koshi-an and topped with a small white nerikiri made from white bean paste and yam. Unlike daifuku, the bean paste surrounds the mochi.
Their finger-sized form and white crest are distinctive. The sweet belongs to Kusatsu's history as the post town where the Tokaido and Nakasendo routes met.
History and local context
The maker tells a Sengoku-period story in which a nurse named Fukui Tono sold mochi to support her young lord. Claims of more than 400 years, an offering to Tokugawa Ieyasu and appearances in travel art are part of the house tradition and should not all be treated as independently proven events.
The current official recipe description names Shiga Habutae glutinous rice from Kusatsu, Hokkaido azuki koshi-an and a white-bean-and-yam nerikiri. Ingredients, pack sizes and shelf life must be checked on the current package.
How to enjoy it
Eat one whole to feel the smooth bean paste, soft mochi and firmer white topping in sequence. Sencha or hojicha keeps the restrained sweetness clear.
This is soft mochi, so children and older diners should take small bites and chew carefully. Check the short use-by period before carrying it far from Kusatsu.
This is a branded commercial confection; compare the maker and authorized seller when purchasing.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ubagamochi from the Kusatsu Post Town from?
It is associated with Shiga, in the Kansai region of Japan.
What kind of food is Ubagamochi from the Kusatsu Post Town?
This guide classifies it as branded kusatsu anko-covered mochi. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Ubagamochi from the Kusatsu Post Town online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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