Taikō Shusse Mochi

　Alongside Henba Mochi, Taikō Shusse Mochi is a popular sweet for pilgrims visiting Ise. Whilst it closely resembles Henba Mochi, Taikō Shusse Mochi is filled with coarse red bean paste and made from glutinous rice, giving it a firm texture. It has a wonderfully chewy texture and is personally my favourite type of mochi in Ise.

　The main shop is situated near the entrance to the Inner Shrine, with a bus stop right in front. As you can enjoy them fresh on the spot, I recommend popping in on your way back from your pilgrimage. 

　The shop has a long history, having been founded in 1565. It is said that the name was chosen to commemorate the story of the young Taikō Hideyoshi, the second “Great Unifier” of Japan, who, whilst visiting Ise on a pilgrimage, praised the local grilled mochi to the skies, and to draw inspiration from his own rise from the son of a farmer to the ruler of the land.