Henba Mochi is a beloved traditional Japanese confection from Ise in Mie Prefecture, made by Henbaya Shoten, a shop founded in 1775 (the fourth year of the An’ei era). The shop originally operated as a teahouse beside the Miyagawa River along the pilgrimage route to Ise Jingu, serving rice cakes to visitors on their way to the sacred shrine.
More than two centuries ago, there was no bridge across the Miyagawa River. Travelers heading to Ise Jingu would dismount from their horses or palanquins at this point and continue their journey by ferry. After leaving their horses behind to cross the river, pilgrims could stop at a nearby teahouse to enjoy these rice cakes. The name Henba Mochi is said to derive from the Japanese expression *henba* (返馬), meaning to return a horse, reflecting this historic custom.
Henba Mochi has a distinctive round, flattened shape, with both sides lightly grilled until golden brown. Inside the soft, chewy rice cake is a filling of smooth red bean paste, known as koshian, made from finely strained azuki beans.
The lightly toasted surface gives the mochi a pleasant roasted aroma, while the smooth filling provides a gentle, refreshing sweetness. The contrast between the fragrant grilled exterior and the soft texture within makes this simple confection especially satisfying.
Henba Mochi has retained its traditional flavor over the centuries, offering visitors a taste of the food once enjoyed by pilgrims traveling to Ise Jingu. Its story connects a familiar Japanese sweet with the journeys and customs of travelers from a bygone era.
When exploring Ise, try Henba Mochi as a traditional local treat and imagine the pilgrims who once paused beside the Miyagawa River before continuing their sacred journey. It is a delicious way to experience the history and food culture of the Ise region.