Dazaifu food crawl : Strolling the Historic Approach with Gourmet Treats & Sweet Delights

The approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture is dotted with numerous gourmet and dessert shops, creating a treasure trove of food that blends long-standing tradition with delicious flavors. From the iconic warmth of freshly grilled Umegae mochi to elegant seasonal wagashi and savory mentaiko creations, every stop offers not just a taste, but a story. We invite you on a gourmet stroll unique to Dazaifu, where each bite reveals the town’s history and the passion of its local artisans.

---

Sakadoya

(Umegae mochi)

One treat you should definitely try when visiting Dazaifu is “Umegae mochi.” Sakadoya has been perfecting this golden-crisp specialty for over 50 years. Each piece begins with plump, high-quality azuki beans, carefully simmered to bring out a deep, natural sweetness. The smooth bean paste is then wrapped in tender mochi dough and pressed on a hot iron plate engraved with a plum blossom design, creating a fragrant, slightly smoky aroma. The result is a delicate balance of textures—the crisp outer layer giving way to a chewy interior and a rich, mellow filling that lingers on the palate.

Address : 3-2-40 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

---

Fukuya

“Fukuya” is a beloved destination for mentaiko (spicy cod roe) enthusiasts, offering both premium souvenirs and dishes that showcase Hakata’s iconic flavor. The highlight is the “Mentaiko Ochazuke” Pouring the broth over releases a savory aroma and blends the mentaiko’s briny richness with the gentle warmth of the soup, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying taste of Hakata. In addition to selling mentaiko, the shop offers a wide selection of mentaiko-related products and sweets, and the eat-in corner you can enjoy more luxurious such as mentaiko chazuke (rice with mentaiko and tea).

Address : 3-2-47 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

---

Tenzan

At “Tenzan,” famous for its Onigawara monaka, In addition to traditional Japanese sweets, you can also enjoy new types of sweets with a modern twist. Each monaka is handcrafted with premium azuki bean paste, enveloped in crisp wafer shells. Tenzan Dazaifu Store There are many products on sale that are perfect for accompanying you on your stroll around Dazaifu, such as the winter-limited “Amaou Strawberry Daifuku Monaka” and store-limited Amaou strawberry dumplings and skewered warabi.

Address : 2-7-12 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

---

A culinary tour of Dazaifu is not just a light meal, but a journey to savor history, experience the skills of artisans, and feel the pride of the land. The aromatic warmth of freshly baked umegae mochi, the deep umami of mentaiko dishes, and the refined sweetness of delicate Japanese sweets—each has its own story. Walking along the approach to the shrine, your taste buds, senses, and heart will be satisfied, leaving you with unforgettable memories of delicious flavors. Please come and experience the charm of this tea house district with your own taste buds.