Gohei-mochi is a local dish that is passed down in the mountainous areas of the Chubu region.

Nowadays, it is a common item to see in supermarkets, service areas, roadside stations, etc. However, there is a wide variety of types, and differences can be seen depending on the region.

So, this time we will introduce you to Nagano Prefecture's Gohei mochi in detail, including its interesting features, history, shape and taste. The more you learn about it, the deeper the appeal of Gohei mochi becomes, so be sure to check it out!

What is Nagano's specialty "Gohei-mochi"?

Gohei mochi is made by skewering half-ground non-glutinous rice, dipping it in miso or soy sauce and grilling it. In Nagano Prefecture, it is eaten mainly in the Kiso and Minami Shinshu regions.

The Nakasendo, one of the five main roads in the Edo period, separates the two, with the dumpling-shaped mochi in the north and the waraji-shaped mochi in the south. If broken down into smaller categories, it is said that there are about 10 different types. Gohei mochi is eaten as a simple snack these days, but in the past, rice was a valuable food for special occasions.

In addition, miso and soy sauce-based rich sauces can also contain sesame, Japanese pepper, yuzu, etc. "Walnut miso," a specialty of Shinshu, can also be said to be one of the flavors that represent this region.

The origin and history of Gohei-mochi

The exact origins of gohei mochi are still unclear, but it is said that it was already being eaten in the mid-Edo period.

There are also several theories about the origin of the name, including one that says it was made to resemble a gohei (a sacred wand) used in Shinto rituals, another that says that a man named Gohei (or Gobei) mashed rice and ate it with miso, and another that it was made by woodcutters and hunters as a prayer for safety on the eve of work in the mountains.

How to make Gohei mochi

Gohei mochi is made with a sweet and spicy sauce and mashed rice. The cooked rice is mashed while still hot with a pestle and rolled into flat balls. Once cooled, two of the rice balls are skewered and grilled over charcoal or in a frying pan until golden brown.

Next, make the sauce. Put ground sesame seeds, walnuts, miso, sugar, sake, etc. into a pot and simmer over medium to low heat. Once it thickens, coat the rice balls in the sauce and grill them again over charcoal to finish.

The combination of the mellow, rich miso sauce and slightly sweet, chewy rice is so delicious that you'll finish it in no time.

The taste and shape of Gohei mochi

In Nagano Prefecture, there are many different types of gohei mochi depending on the region. Here we will introduce some of them.

Dumpling Shape

It is made by mashing rice into a flat ball and skewering two of them on a skewer. It is said to have spread to various regions because it is easy to eat and make. It is often seen in areas north of the Nakasendo road.

Straw Sandals

It is made by mashing rice into balls and sticking them on a skewer (board). It is often seen in areas south of the Nakasendo.

Heisokugata (sacred offering type)

This is a distinctive "Gohei mochi" that can be seen at roadside stations in Anan Town. Non-glutinous rice is pounded with a pestle, attached to a skewer, stretched, and then shaped by hand into a wave-like shape. This is said to represent the "shide" part of a gohei.

As for flavor, soy sauce and miso are the most popular. Soy sauce sauce is mainly used for the dumpling-shaped gohei mochi, while miso sauce is often used for the waraji-shaped ones. It is believed that soy sauce sauce spread along the Nakasendo road, and miso sauce spread along the Ina Kaido road.

It is believed that these cultures spread through people's interactions and traffic on the roads, so it is interesting to learn about their historical background.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Nagano

From here, we will introduce tourist spots in the Kiso and Minami Shinshu regions of Nagano Prefecture.

Hirugami Hot Springs

Hirugami Onsen, the largest hot spring resort in southern Shinshu, is located in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, and is known as "the place where the stars look the brightest."

It boasts one of the highest alkaline levels in Japan, and is also famous as a "beauty bath." In addition to staying overnight or taking a day trip to the hot springs, gohei mochi and hot spring manju are also great snacks to try while walking around.

The Hirugami Onsen Morning Market is held every morning and offers a wide variety of freshly picked local vegetables and fruits, processed foods such as jams and pickles, and traditional crafts, making it a great way to spend a wonderful morning just by strolling around.

Senjojiki Cirque

It is a semicircular cirque formation that is said to have been formed during the ice age 20,000 years ago. It got its name from the fact that it is said to be as large as 1,000 tatami mats.

People from all over the country visit the area to see the dynamic and magnificent scenery that spreads out just below the alpine belt at an altitude of over 2,500 meters. You'll be sure to be struck by the contrast between the snowy landscape and the blue sky in winter, and the pretty alpine plants in summer, scenery that is rarely seen in the lower world.

Fukushima Post Town

Fukushima-juku is the 37th checkpoint on the Nakasendo road and is located in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture. When you see the townscape filled with atmosphere reminiscent of the late Edo period, you'll want to take a photo.

Recommended sightseeing spots include Kozenji Temple, one of the three great temples of Kiso, and Yamamura Daikan Yashiki, the residence of the Yamamura clan, who served as the keeper of the Fukushima checkpoint. Why not spend some relaxing time at a restaurant renovated from an old house?

Access to Nagano Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Nagano Prefecture.

To travel from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Nagano (Minamishinshu region), we recommend taking the express bus. You can travel from Shinjuku Station to Iida Station without changing trains, and arrive in about 4 hours.

The easiest way to get from Osaka to the Minami-Shinshu region (Ina Bus Terminal) is to use the express bus. It has the advantage of being cheaper than other modes of transport, and takes about 5 hours and 40 minutes to get there. Please use this as a reference when traveling.

Location of Nagano Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced the local gourmet food of Nagano Prefecture, "Gohei-mochi."

Gohei mochi, with its irresistible sweet sauce and chewy texture, is perfect as a quick snack. Another great thing about it is that you can enjoy the different shapes and flavors depending on the region. Be sure to give it a try!

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