One of Fukuoka’s local claims to fame is ‘umegaemochi’. It’s thought that umegaemochi was first made by a local woman who offered it to the noble poet and great scholar Sugahara Michizane who is honoured at the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a place where all NILS students are sure to visit. It is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. Every year two million worshipers from all over Japan are welcomed by Dazaifu Tenmangu around the start of New Year. There will be many chances to learn about Japan’s shrines during your studies.
Umegaemochi is a roasted rice cake; small red beans covered in a thin rice cake crust and has the shape of a Japanese plum flower baked on it. It’s often enjoyed with Japanese tea.
It’s best when it’s fresh out of the oven and is nice to bite into. It has a sweet smell. You should try umegaemochi in Dazaifu close to the school. Though even if you just buy it at the airport or out shopping, it will be good!
Would you like to go to Tenmangu after class or on the weekend to the home of umegaemochi to try it? It only takes 20 to 30 minutes to get there. Please ask your teacher for more information.
