Machiya Seisuian

Mochi Shabu: Colorful Rice Cakes Inspired by a Twelve-Layer Kimono

The restaurant’s signature dish, mochi shabu, is a creative take on the Japanese hot-pot tradition of shabu-shabu. Instead of thin slices of meat, diners cook delicate, colorful pieces of mochi—soft Japanese rice cakes—in a pot of savory bonito broth.

The rice cakes are arranged in a range of vivid colors inspired by the layered elegance of a traditional jūnihitoe, the elaborate twelve-layer ceremonial kimono once worn by Japanese court ladies. Their beautiful appearance makes the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

As the thin rice cakes are briefly dipped into the hot broth, they develop a soft, chewy texture that blends wonderfully with the rich umami flavor of the bonito stock. This unusual combination offers a fresh and memorable way to experience mochi, a traditional Japanese food with deep cultural roots.

Experience Taisho-Era Charm Alongside Local Cuisine

Machiya Seisuian brings together traditional architecture and a distinctive regional food experience. The historic townhouse creates a sense of nostalgia, while the colorful mochi shabu offers something visitors are unlikely to encounter at an ordinary restaurant.

For travelers exploring Kurayoshi and the surrounding Misasa area, a meal here is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy both the atmosphere of a historic Japanese townhouse and a specialty that makes this restaurant unique. It is an appealing stop for anyone interested in local cuisine, traditional culture, and memorable dining experiences in Tottori Prefecture.