Very little has changed at Ichiwa (一和) since it started business 1000 years ago.
Once pounded by hand using 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

Right up to the end of WWII the store ran an honor system, with guests paying what they could for a plate of aburi-mochi (あぶり餅). Nowadays it costs 500 yen for 11 skewers of mochi and a pot of tea.
And it is worth every penny🙌🍡✨

#Kyoto #京都 #あぶり餅 #一和 #一文字屋和輔

Very little has changed at Ichiwa (一和) since it started business 1000 years ago.
Once pounded by hand using 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

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. In the Edo period, when rice became more affordable, Kazariya was opened (by Ichiwa) as a more general rest stop.

#あぶり餅 #一文字屋和輔

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 #aburimochi #あぶり餅