Try “Yomogi Mochi” in Shiga — A Taste of Traditional Japanese Sweets

When you think of Japanese sweets, wagashi probably comes to mind. And in Shiga, my hometown, you’ll find plenty of delicious wagashi worth trying. One of my personal favorites is yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cake), and there’s a charming shop called Sankurou just a 3-minute walk from Keihan Sakamoto-hieizan-guchi Station that specializes in it.

What makes their yomogi mochi so special? The rich herbal aroma and deep flavor of the yomogi (mugwort) — you can really taste the plant itself. Yomogi has long been used as a traditional Japanese herb, even in medicine. When I was a child, I remember collecting wild mugwort with my family, and my grandmother or mother would mix it into mochi dough to make homemade yomogi mochi.

Back then, I didn’t love the slight bitterness… but now, I find it delicious — especially paired with the sweet red bean paste inside. The contrast is perfect.

At Sankurou, the mochi is incredibly soft, and the aroma of the mugwort is wonderfully fragrant. I recommend enjoying it with a cup of matcha — the slight sweetness of the filling enhances the tea, and vice versa.

They even have a fun option where you can grill your own mochi at the table — definitely worth trying!

（by instagram of Sankurou)

The shop interior has a traditional, peaceful atmosphere with tatami mats and a view of the garden. It’s a perfect spot to relax after visiting nearby attractions like Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine.