Oshiro-no-kuchi-mochi is a bite-sized mochi confection made by wrapping chunky sweet red bean paste (tsubuan) in soft mochi dough (gyuhi) and dusting it with roasted soybean flour (kinako). It has been made for over 400 years by the long-established confectionery Honke Kikuya in Yamatokoriyama City. According to tradition, Honke Kikuya's history began in 1585, when its founder, Kikuya Jihei, accompanied Toyotomi Hidenaga — the younger brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi — into the castle town of Koriyama and opened a shop there. When Hidenaga wished to entertain his brother Hideyoshi at a tea ceremony, he asked Jihei to create an unusual confection, and this mochi sweet is said to have been born from that request. Hideyoshi reportedly loved it so much that he named it 'Uguisu Mochi' (nightingale mochi). Later, because the shop stood in a prime spot at the entrance to the castle town leading to Koriyama Castle, it came to be affectionately known as 'Oshiro-no-kuchi-mochi' (literally, 'mochi at the castle entrance'). The confection is characterized by its pale greenish kinako, reminiscent of a nightingale's plumage, combined with soft gyuhi and elegantly sweet tsubuan, and it is considered one of the originators of uguisu mochi. It is enjoyed both as a souvenir when visiting Yamatokoriyama and for local celebratory occasions.
Origin
In 1585, when Toyotomi Hidenaga, the younger brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, entered Koriyama Castle as its lord, his retainer Kikuya Jihei accompanied him and opened a shop in the castle town — the beginning of Honke Kikuya. When Hidenaga sought to entertain his brother Hideyoshi at a tea ceremony, he asked Jihei to create an unusual confection, and this mochi sweet is said to have been born from that request.
History
Hideyoshi is said to have loved this mochi confection so much that he named it 'Uguisu Mochi.' In later years, because Kikuya's shop stood in the castle town near the entrance to Koriyama Castle, locals came to call it 'Oshiro-no-kuchi-mochi,' and even now, over 400 years later, it remains Honke Kikuya's signature confection.
Features
This bite-sized mochi confection wraps chunky sweet red bean paste in soft gyuhi dough, then dusts it with pale greenish kinako reminiscent of a nightingale's feathers. The soft texture of the gyuhi, the elegant sweetness of the tsubuan, and the fragrant aroma of the kinako come together in harmony. As a fresh confection that does not keep well, it is prized as a treat best enjoyed the same day it is made.
Famous Shops
本家菊屋
奈良県大和郡山市柳1-11
Founded in 1585, said to be the oldest confectionery in Nara Prefecture. Oshiro-no-kuchi-mochi is available from around 70 yen per piece, or about 1,820 yen (tax included) for a box of six.
View details →FAQ
Q. Are Oshiro-no-kuchi-mochi and Uguisu Mochi the same confection?
A. Yes, they refer to the same confection. 'Uguisu Mochi' was the name given by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and it later also became known as 'Oshiro-no-kuchi-mochi' because it was sold near the castle entrance. Today both names are used interchangeably.