Soft Mochi and Steamed Delicacies from a Bamboo Steamer

Mochitsu Motaretsu Jingu

Name: Mochitsu Motaretsu Jingu
Address: 1F-3 Benten Building, 3-7-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi, 456-0031, JP
Telephone: +81-52-228-1199
Price range: From 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen (Takeout: From 500 yen to 1,000 yen)

もちつもたれつ神宮店

A Mochi Cafe Worth Visiting Alongside Atsuta Jingu

More than simply a place for a meal, this restaurant offers a leisurely experience shaped by a traditional Japanese atmosphere. After visiting Atsuta Jingu and exploring the surrounding area, it makes a fitting final stop for signature mochi ( rice cake) and Japanese sweets while lingering over the memories of the day.

Soft Mochi and Steamed Delicacies from a Bamboo Steamer

Located approximately a 2-minute walk from Meitetsu Jingu-mae Station, "Mochitsu Motaretsu Jingu" is a welcoming cafe for sweets or lunch after walking around Atsuta Jingu. The menu features various kinds of freshly pounded mochi (rice cake), seasonal Japanese sweets, and set meals such as bamboo-steamed dishes, along with tea for a relaxing break. The interior is a gentle, inviting space filled with the warmth of wood and soft lighting filtered through Japanese washi paper.

Chewy and fluffy, signature okowa with even the rising steam adding a touch of indulgence

Bamboo-steamed "Mikawa Chicken Marinated in Shio Koji"

Bamboo-steamed "Today's White Fish"

Seiro-steamed "Mikawa Pork"

"Okowa Bamboo-Steamed Set Meal" Wrapped in Cedar Fragrance

The "Okowa Bamboo-Steamed Set Meal" comes with a choice of three main ingredients: savory "Mikawa Chicken Marinated in Shio Koji," plump "Today's White Fish," or juicy "Mikawa Pork." All three are well liked, but the standout is the "Mikawa Chicken Marinated in Shio Koji." "Okumikawa Chicken," a specialty of Aichi Prefecture, is slowly marinated in shio koji and then quickly steamed in a seiro basket. Wrapped in steam, the chicken carries a gentle shio koji aroma and has a moist, tender texture, with umami spreading with each bite. Served with seasonal vegetables steamed alongside it, the dish brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients and offers a soothing, satisfying meal. It is well suited to days when something light yet substantial is in order. The accompanying house-made ponzu sauce is made with seasonal fruit, adding a refreshing aroma that further highlights the ingredients. The set also includes chewy okowa rice, a small serving of ozoni, two side dishes, pickles, and a mini mochi after the meal, making for a generous and satisfying combination.

"Mini Mochi" with Six Varieties to Choose From

The mini mochi served with the set meal is traditional mochi made only from glutinous rice and water. Because it is sensitive to temperature changes, this type of mochi can be difficult for restaurants to serve, but the shop prepares it without any chemical enzymes in order to present it at its most flavorful. Remarkably soft and chewy yet easy to bite through, it has a distinctive texture that suits a wide range of ages, from young children to older guests.
Ponzu Sauce

The house-made ponzu sauce has a clean, refreshing flavor that complements the natural taste of the ingredients. Fresh seasonal citrus is squeezed in-house, with yuzu used in winter and sudachi in summer. Its gentle aroma and pleasant acidity enhance the umami of the meat and seasonal local vegetables.

Compare freshly pounded mochi in a selection of personal favorites

Kinako (soybean flour)

Cream cheese

Inari sushi

Miso

"Three Mini Mochi Set" with a Drink

Freshly pounded mochi made with only glutinous rice and water offers a soft yet pleasantly firm texture with each bite. Stretchy and chewy, it has the distinctive softness of mochi. Three flavors can be selected from nine options: tsubuan, koshian, shiroan, kinako, mitarashi, miso, inari, matcha, and cream cheese. A logo-stamped monaka is also included, adding a crisp texture between bites or when paired with the mochi. Recommended combinations include classic kinako, the shop's signature inari, and cream cheese, the most popular choice among women.

Must-try signature dish

"Inari Mochi"

"Inari Mochi" features warm mochi tucked inside sweet, juicy fried tofu pockets filled with dashi. The mochi is pounded to a texture suited to the broth, allowing it to blend with the richly seasoned tofu for a simple yet satisfying bite. It is well suited to eating in the restaurant or taking home as a souvenir.
"Mochi Ten"

"Mochi Ten" is freshly pounded mochi fried in tempura batter, offering a contrast between the crisp coating and soft, stretchy mochi inside. Matcha salt brings out the natural sweetness of the mochi, while its clean bite is another distinctive feature. Since it is intended to be eaten freshly made, it is served in the restaurant and is also recommended for "eating on the go right away" when ordered for takeout, allowing the hot, freshly prepared texture to come through at its best.

Restaurant highlights

The logo's "warm bonds" connect people, hearts, and mochi

The Story Behind the Logo Design

The restaurant's logo features an endearing illustration of a rabbit and mochi. Their close placement expresses the meaning behind the restaurant's name: "the warmth of supporting and connecting with one another." Hoping to convey a sense of warmth and comfort at any time, the illustration also appears on takeout packaging and chopstick sleeves. "Mochitsu Motaretsu Jingu," which was established with the support of many people, now prepares its distinctive flavors each day with the aim of supporting others in turn and becoming a welcoming presence in the local community.
Carefully selected tableware that highlights the mochi

Tablewares

Dishes are served on beautiful tableware selected from across Japan, including Imari and Arita ware from Saga Prefecture. The vivid colors and distinctive textures created by skilled artisans add further elegance to the presentation, making each dish visually appealing as well as flavorful.

Interior

A space for briefly stepping away from everyday life and taking a breather

Chairs intentionally mismatched in color

Calm counter seating suited to solo diners

Real trees arranged throughout the space

An open yet surprisingly calm, sophisticated hideaway

The modern, open interior is accented throughout with indoor greenery, while the natural warmth of wood creates a comfortable atmosphere. Mismatched chairs add a subtle playful touch, giving the space the feel of a sophisticated hideaway. The interior has a distinctive sense of calm, offering a peaceful setting for a relaxed visit.

Counter Seating with a Close View of the Cooking

"AKARI," the Japaese washi paper lighting created by internationally known sculptor Isamu Noguchi, softly illuminates the interior. The round lights seem to float like moons, creating a dreamlike Japanese atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow filtering through the washi paper enhances the food and envelops the space in a calm mood that encourages conversation.
A Welcoming Interior Beyond the Wooden Door

One of the distinctive features of "Cafe Hidamari" is the chance to relax while watching Echizen Railway trains pass by. Large windows frame views of the surrounding countryside like a picture. Many visitors are drawn to the windows, where smoothies and lunch can be savored at a leisurely pace while taking in the calming scenery.

A message from the owner

The name "Mochitsu Motaretsu Jingu" reflects its focus on freshly pounded "mochi" and house-made "tare" sauces. This "mochi cafe," known for its mochi served with ponzu sauce and other signature sauces, offers a soothing, welcoming space. The highly popular "Okowa Bamboo-Steamed Set Meal," available throughout the day, comes with a choice of main ingredient, while limited mochi dishes and Japanese sweets are offered after 2:00 P.M.

From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

Beyond the entrance curtain, the cafe opens into a spacious, relaxing interior. Over delicious meals and charming Japanese sweets, conversation flows easily, making it tempting to linger. The "Mochiten" offers a unique texture unlike anything experienced before, with a crisp exterior and chewy center that comes from being served fresh. This is a dish highly recommended when visiting Atsuta Jingu.