Miidera Chikara-mochi Main Shop

This 150-year old veteran wagashi shop sits just steps from the Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. Well known today, it first made its mark with the famed Miidera Chikara-mochi. Each starts with a bite-sized piece of mochi that’s coated in the house-special white honey and finished with a dusting of green soybean kinako powder. This same formula has been passed down for decades, insuring the same flavor is still available today. The treat is named after the legend where Japanese warrior monk Benkei drags the sonorous bell of Miidera (Onjo-ji) temple up to Mt. Hiei.

Buy the exact amount you need by choosing between small batches of 3, 5 and 6, and select just the right gift wrap depending on if you’re buying for a friend or for yourself. Just remember to enjoy them as soon as possible as they’re made without any extra additives or preservatives. At this main store you can even eat inside, meaning you can enjoy the handmade taste of wagashi at their freshest. For drinks there’s a selection of green tea, matcha and coffee for you to indulge a little in this cozy time away.

There’s even Chikara-mochi Soft Serve ice cream to try. In the summer especially, try this treat of cornflakes topped with Miidera Chikara-mochi Soft Cream for a taste like none other. The soft serve flavors come in vanilla, matcha, green tea, black sesame and others depending on the season. No matter what, it’s bound to be a perfecting pairing with the Miidera Chikara-Mochi.

This famous shop is also home to a gift shop, relaxing break space and more. If you’re ever visiting the Otsu Area be sure to swing by.