Sabo Chincho-an (Hongu Branch)

A Japanese confectionary shop established in 1951 located in front of the torii gate of the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. The shop’s Kumano-mode-mochi rice cakes are often eaten by shrine visitors before worshipping at the shrine; simple in flavor, they consist of sweet an bean paste wrapped in mochi pounded rice and dusted with brown rice flour. The perfect place to take a break, Chincho-an also serves matcha green tea and mehari-zushi rice balls in pickled mustard leaves, a local dish, while still warm. Inside, the shop has a modern and quiet atmosphere with tables for customers.