Akafuku Mochi — Ise, Mie’s Specialty with a 300-Year History
When visiting Mie Prefecture, Akafuku mochi is one souvenir you shouldn’t miss.
Beloved by visitors to Ise Jingu, it is a long-established wagashi with over 300 years of history.
The perfect combination of soft rice cake and smooth strained red bean paste offers a simple yet deeply satisfying taste.
In this article, we’ll introduce in detail the features and history of Akafuku mochi, the best ways to eat it, and where to buy it!
What is Akafuku Mochi? — A Delicious Wagashi from Ise
1. Characteristics of Akafuku Mochi
Akafuku mochi is a wagashi made of soft mochi from glutinous rice wrapped generously in smooth strained red bean paste.
It’s not overly sweet, has a smooth texture, and goes perfectly with tea.
Because of its deliciousness, it has long been loved as a classic souvenir for visitors to Ise Jingu.
Details Shape: crescent-shaped mochi wrapped in strained red bean paste Taste elegant sweetness and smooth texture Ingredients glutinous rice, strained red bean paste Shelf life 2 days including the production date. Available at stores in Mie Prefecture, Nagoya, Kansai, and elsewhere.
2. Origin of the Name
The name “Akafuku mochi” comes from the phrase “Sekishin Keifuku” (赤心慶福).
This means “rejoicing in good fortune with sincere heart”, conveying the wish for visitors’ happiness.
The History of Akafuku Mochi and Its Connection to Ise Jingu
1. Founded in 1707 (Edo period)
Akafuku mochi was born in 1707 (Hōei 4) at the Akafuku main store.
During the Edo period, pilgrimages to Ise Jingu—known as “O-Ise Mairi”—became extremely popular, attracting many visitors.
Akafuku mochi was offered to those pilgrims and quickly became famous as a specialty of Ise.
2. The relationship between Ise Jingu and Akafuku Mochi
Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s foremost shrines, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami.
There is a custom of eating something sweet after visiting, and Akafuku mochi was ideal for replenishing energy after a pilgrimage.
Best Ways to Enjoy Akafuku Mochi and Seasonal Limited Items
1. Delicious ways to eat Akafuku Mochi
Akafuku mochi is delicious as is, but here are some ways to enjoy it even more!
① Chill and eat (recommended in summer)
- If you chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a refreshingly cool texture.
- In summer, briefly chilling it in ice water is also recommended!
② Grill and eat (recommended in winter)
- If you lightly toast Akafuku mochi, it adds a toasty aroma and creates a different flavor experience.
- The outside becomes crispy while the inside stays chewy — a superb sweet!
2. Seasonal limited “Akafuku” series
Akafuku also offers special seasonal items.
- “Akafuku Kori” (summer only): a popular shaved-ice dessert with Akafuku mochi inside.
- “Tsuitachi Mochi” (sold on the 1st of every month): a rice cake confection with a different flavor each month.
- “Akafuku Zenzai” (winter only): warm sweet red bean soup with Akafuku mochi added.
Where to Buy Akafuku Mochi and Recommended Shops
1. Akafuku Main Store (Ise City)
- Location: 26 Ujinakanokiri-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
- Access: just a short walk from Ise Jingu (Naiku)
- Recommended: freshly made Akafuku mochi available only at the main store
2. Akafuku Chaya (Nagoya Station / JR Nagoya Takashimaya)
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station
- Recommended: freshly made Akafuku mochi & tea sets
3. Akafuku Shop at Ise City Station
- Access: inside Kintetsu Ise City Station
- Recommended: buy souvenirs before boarding the shinkansen or limited express!
Practical Information for Travelers
1. Shelf life and storage
The shelf life of Akafuku mochi is 2 days.
After purchase, store at room temperature and eat as soon as possible.
2. Where can you buy Akafuku mochi?
Besides Ise City, you can also buy it at some department stores and stations in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo.
However, it often sells out, so buy early if you can!
3. Pairing Akafuku mochi with tea
Akafuku mochi pairs excellently with green tea or hojicha.
Because it’s moderately sweet, it’s even better when eaten with a slightly bitter tea.
Summary and FAQ
Summary
- Akafuku mochi is a 300+-year-old specialty wagashi from Ise!
- The chewy mochi and smooth strained red bean paste create a perfect balance.
- A classic souvenir for visitors to Ise Jingu.
- Don’t miss seasonal items like “Akafuku Kori” and “Akafuku Zenzai”!
- Available at department stores and stations in Mie, Tokai, and Kansai, but can sell out.
FAQ
Q: Where can I buy Akafuku mochi?
A: It can be purchased around Ise Jingu, at Nagoya Station, and at some department stores in Osaka.
Q: How much does Akafuku mochi cost?
A: An 8-piece box is around ¥900, and a 12-piece box is around ¥1,300.
Q: Can I take Akafuku mochi overseas?
A: Because the shelf life is short, taking it overseas is difficult.
Finally
If you visit Ise, be sure to try freshly made Akafuku mochi at the main store!
The soft mochi and smooth red bean paste have an elegant sweetness that reflects Japanese tradition.
When visiting Ise Jingu, consider Akafuku mochi as a souvenir!
