In 1637, when rice had become more affordable, Kazariya was opened (by Ichiwa) as a more general rest stop.

Thanks to the shrine's connections to the 'god of pestilence', pilgrims would consume the aburi-mochi as a form of protection from sickness and general misfortune.

#Japan #Kazariya #かざりや #aburimochi #Imamiyajinja #今宮神社

Ichimonjiya Wasuke (一文字屋和輔), affectionately known as 'Ichiwa' (一和), is by far the older of the two chaya.

It was established shortly after the founding of Imamiya-jinja, and for over one thousand years has been catering to the shrine gods and visiting pilgrims.

#Kyoto #IchimonjiyaWasuke #一文字屋和輔 #aburimochi #traditionalsweets #mochi #Imamiyajinja

Aburi-mochi (あぶり餅) are single-bite rice cakes, skewered on slivers of bamboo.
Dusted with kinako, they are baked over a charcoal fire and served with a slathering of white miso sauce.

Each helping has 11 pieces, a number considered auspicious as it is not divisible.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #aburimochi #あぶり餅 #Imamiyajinja

Very little has changed at Ichiwa (一和) since it started business 1000 years ago.

Once pounded by hand using water drawn from a spring in the store's cellar, the mochi is now made by machine with tap water (for health reasons the shop can no longer use its private well).

#あぶり餅 #今宮神社 #Kyoto #京都 #aburimochi #Imamiyajinja

On the west approach to Imamiya-jinja (今宮神社) you will find two teahouses (茶屋 'chaya'), both serving aburi-mochi.

Ichiwa (一和), to the right, is by far the older establishment, appearing in the year 1000.
To the left is the newcomer, Kazariya (かざりや), founded in 1637.

Both stores have historically played slightly different roles.
For a long time Ichiwa provided mochi specifically for the gods of Imamiya-jinja and for its pilgrims.

#Kyoto #京都 #Imamiyajinja #今宮神社 #mochi #aburimochi #あぶり餅

Aburi-mochi (あぶり餅) are single-bite rice cakes, skewered on slivers of bamboo.

Dusted with kinako (roasted soy flour), they are baked over a charcoal fire and served with a slathering of white miso sauce.

Each helping has 11 pieces, a number considered auspicious as it is not divisible.

#Kyoto #京都 #Imamiyajinja #今宮神社 #IchimonjiyaWasuke #一文字屋和輔 #mochi #aburimochi #あぶり餅