Awamochi-dokoro Sawaya

Awamochi, a millet mochi, is finished in front of you after you order. Whether you enjoy it in the shop or take it away can shape the experience. At Awamochi-dokoro Sawaya, opposite Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, it comes with smooth red bean paste or kinako, roasted soybean flour. Visitors describe the mochi as soft and slightly warm, with little bursts of texture from the millet as they chew. Some find the red bean paste restrained in sweetness, while others remember the kinako for its fragrance and coarser texture.

In the shop, you can choose a set combining the red bean paste and kinako versions. Some reports say that takeaway orders let you choose how many of each flavour to include, and some customers buy only the kinako version. However, several visitors say they were advised to eat takeaway awamochi on the day of purchase. One account also notes that the kinako changed in texture after absorbing moisture. For the freshest experience, enjoy it in the shop; if you take it away, eating it soon is likely best.

In warmer weather, Uji awamochi shaved ice, topped with the shop’s signature red bean paste awamochi, is another choice. You can savour the millet mochi on its own or pair it with Uji-style shaved ice for a cool treat. It makes a seasonal stop before or after visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.