ネイティブが教える英会話のジェムスクール☆Teachers☆

The prefecture of Tokushima has a particular New Years treat called Taki no Yakimochi, which is loosely translated to Waterfall Grilled Mochi (glutenous rice cake). Mochi is a very popular Japanese treat that is eaten a variety of ways, but it is most especially popular
to eat mochi at New Years.

I had the pleasure recently of traveling to Tokushima where the special New Years treat of Taki no Yakimochi is a specialty of the region.
I went to a small shop near the main station and tried the treat. It is made from mochi (glutenous rice), special water from the Mt. Bizan area, and adzuki beans (sweet red bean paste supposedly from Hokkaido). The ingredients are shaped into a circle and imprinted with the symbol of a chrysanthemum flower (the symbol of the Japanese Emperor).

The mochi cakes are grilled on a small hibachi-style grill and then served in three flavors (plain, matcha or green tea, and goma or sesame seed). The cakes are paired with a light green tea and you can add a bit of soy sauce to balance out the flavor. I found it to be quite delightful and tasty! I highly recommend a visit to a local shop in Tokushima to try this treat if you can.