Local Guide
From the classic to the advanced. 5 recommended stores in Sendai where you can enjoy Zunda Mochi and other sweets.

Zunda Mochi" is a local delicacy that has long been enjoyed in Miyagi Prefecture and the Tohoku region of Japan. It is made by mashing edamame (soybeans), adding sugar and salt, and mixing it with soft rice cake. The simple yet nostalgic taste is appealing, and there is a wide lineup of Zunda mochi available, from the traditional taste of long-established shops to more evolved sweets with Zunda arranged in a different way. In this issue, we will introduce carefully selected sweet stores and souvenir stores in Sendai City where you can taste Zunda mochi (Zunda rice cakes) and Zunda sweets.

Zunda rice cake" is one of the three major specialties of Miyagi Prefecture, along with sasa-kamaboko (bamboo grass cake) and gyutan (beef tongue). Zunda" is a bright green red bean paste made by carefully removing the thin skin of boiled edamame beans, mashing them to the point where the texture remains, and adding sugar and a little salt. Zundamochi" is made by mixing a generous amount of this bean paste with freshly pounded white rice cake.

The history of Zunda is said to date back to the Warring States period. There are various theories as to the origin of the name, and the following theories have been passed down.

Zunda" is an onomatopoeic word that refers to the sound of pounding beans.
The process of pounding (crushing) the beans was called "Zuda," which became "Zunda" with an accent.
Masamune Date used the handle of a jintachi (sword) to crush edamame (green soybeans) and eat them in the camp.
The name "Jinta" came from the fact that "Jinta", a farmer of the Sendai clan, used to mix mashed edamame with rice cakes, and the name "Jinta Mochi", which became "Zunda Mochi" with an accent.

Although it is not known for sure, this way of eating Zunda-mochi spread throughout the Tohoku region, especially in areas that overlapped with the territory of feudal lord Masamune, and it is thought to be deeply related to the historical background.

The unique aroma of edamame, its rustic sweetness, and its grainy texture are in perfect harmony with the chewy rice cake. The beautiful contrast between green and white is also attractive, and today it is widely popular as a souvenir and sweet.

Using a unique blend of carefully selected edamame (green soybeans) for a luxurious zunda flavor

Zunda rice cake (with salted kelp)
Zunda rice cake (with salted kelp)" containing three rice cakes, 850 yen

Zunda Saryo, operated by Kasho Sanzen, known for its famous Sendai confectionary "Haginotsuki," is a specialty store of sweets using Zunda. At the Zunda Saryo store in Sendai Station, you can eat in as well as take out.
We recommend the Zunda Mochi (with salted kelp) set, which can be enjoyed with tea. Edamame beans with a strong and flavorful taste and aroma are carefully selected and uniquely blended by artisans to create a more refined taste of Zunda. The result is a deep flavor that can only be found here. The sticky and firm rice cake is made from Miyakogane rice produced in Miyagi Prefecture.

Zunda Shake," a new taste sensation, is also popular

Zunda Mochi
Zunda Mochi", "Zunda Roll Cake", "Zunda Shake", etc. are sold at the store.

The popular "Zunda Shake" is another specialty you must try when visiting Sendai. It is a new type of shake that blends vanilla-flavored shake with a special Zunda (a kind of sweet bean paste), giving it a grainy texture that is enjoyable. You can enjoy the aromatic taste of freshly made shakes at the store.
Also of note is the "Zunda An Butter Monaka" created in 2024. The rich flavor of the bean paste and the crispy, savory texture of the filling can be enjoyed in harmony.

Local Guide Comment
A wide variety of original products that make great souvenirs. Zunda Butafuku" (Zunda rice cake with butter and salt added) and "Zunda Shirayuki Cheese Cake" (cake made with rich cream cheese and filled with Zunda) are also recommended.
Zunda Saryo Sendai Station Zunda Lane Store
  • Address JR Sendai Station 3F, 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi MAP
  • Direction JR Sendai Station
  • Business Hours Shop 9:00-21:00, Coffee 10:00-18:30(L.O.18:00)
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 022-715-1081
  • Parking None

A sweet shop where you can enjoy Zunda rice cakes and other carefully selected Japanese sweets

Zunda rice cake
Zunda rice cake" 820 yen

This sweet cafe on a side street in the shopping arcade has a nostalgic atmosphere. The classic Zunda mochi is a chewy rice cake purchased from a specialty store, with homemade Zunda-an (sweet red bean paste) that is smooth to the touch. At the eat-in restaurant, you can enjoy it with pickled red shiitake mushrooms and tea as a chopstick rest.
In addition to Zunda mochi, the shop offers other sweets such as cream anmitsu, zenzai, and parfaits, as well as light meals such as udon and okowa. The shop is also particular about the red bean paste made from azuki beans grown in Tokachi, Hokkaido, and oshiruko is available in two types: tsubu-an (sweet red bean paste) and koshi-an (sweet red bean paste).

Enjoy a relaxing time in a quaint old-fashioned store.

Enjoy sweet and light meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Value-priced sets combining a light meal and a sweet treat are also popular.
Enjoy sweet and light meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Value-priced sets combining a light meal and a sweet treat are also popular.

The restaurant opened in 1976 in a renovated Japanese-style house originally built as a ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant). The stone pavement at the entrance and the garden that can be seen from the store windows give the store a Japanese atmosphere.
Anmitsu, which has remained popular since the establishment of the shop, is one of the most attractive features of the shop is its generous portions. Seasonal menus such as shaved ice and cold chuka (chilled Chinese noodles) available only in summer and hot udon noodles available only in winter are also popular. The shop is not only well known and loved by the locals, but is also popular among tourists.

Local Guide Comment
This is a popular store with a long line of customers. It is recommended to visit just before the store opens or in the evening to avoid the lunch time.
Hiko-ichi
  • Address 4-5-41 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 4 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
    12 minutes on foot from JR Sendai Station
    5 minutes on foot from Kotodai Koen Subway Station
  • Direction From JR Sendai Station, take the Sendai City Bus. 2 min. walk from "Shokojo-Kaisho-mae" bus stop.
  • Business Hours 11:00-18:00(L.O.17:30)
  • Closed Mon.
  • TEL 022-223-3618
  • Parking None

Enjoy handmade "Zunda Mochi" at a long-established store.

Sanshoku Mochi
Sanshoku Mochi" (three-color rice cake): 890 yen. From left: sesame rice cake, zunda rice cake, and walnut rice cake

Founded in 1877, this Japanese-style confectionery is known as the birthplace of Zunda Mochi (Zunda rice cake). The zunda bean paste used in the classic "Zunda Mochi" is handmade from the thin skin of edamame beans, which are removed by hand, and the beans are crushed in a mortar and pestle. The simple seasoning of only sugar and salt enhances the natural flavor of the edamame. The secret to the delicious taste is the mochi, which is made from Miyagi Prefecture's "Miyakogane" glutinous rice and pounded with a mallet to make it chewy. At the eat-in restaurant, the "Sanshoku Mochi" (three-color rice cake), in which customers can compare three different kinds of red bean paste (zunda, sesame, and walnut), is gaining popularity.

Be sure to check out the popular seasonal Japanese sweets!

In addition to
In addition to "Zunda Mochi," zenzai and other Japanese sweets from the showcase are also available in the store.

In addition to the popular Zunda Mochi, the store also sells other Japanese sweets such as o-hagi and daifuku. Seasonal seasonal items such as wagashi with chestnuts and sakura mochi (rice cake with cherry blossoms) are also available. In particular, the "Strawberry Milk Daifuku," sold from winter to spring, is a perfect match between the melt-in-your-mouth mild original bean paste, which is a combination of white bean paste and whipped cream, and the sweet and sour taste of large strawberries. Other popular items include "Sasa-no-shizuku," a water manju wrapped in bamboo grass, both of which are well-known items with a steady stream of repeat customers.

Local Guide Comment
Eat-in is often queued up with only about 3 seats, so we recommend that you visit with plenty of time to spare.
Murakamiya Mochiten
  • Address 2-38 Kitame-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 6 minutes drive from JR Sendai Station
    About 12 minutes on foot from JR Sendai Station
    Approx. 10 min. walk from Subway Gobashi Sta.
  • Business Hours 9:00-18:00 (eat-in by 17:00)
  • Regular holiday Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
  • TEL 022-222-6687
  • Parking None

Gokumi Zunda Mochi" made from the best quality secret beans

Gokumi Zunda Mochi (3 pieces): 750 yen
Gokumi Zunda Mochi (3 pieces): 750 yen

Founded in 1948. A long-established Japanese confectionery store whose signature product is Zunda mochi, made with carefully selected ingredients and using traditional methods. The zunda is made from 100% domestic edamame (soybeans) caught in Miyagi Prefecture. No additives are added, and only salt and sugar are used to produce the original sweetness of the beans. The glutinous rice is "Miyakogane," a brand of rice produced in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is pounded to bring out its soft and chewy texture. The "Gokumi Zunda Mochi" uses secret beans, which are said to be the finest variety available, to give the mochi a more mellow aroma and refined sweetness.

A Japanese sweets store loved by the local community where you can enjoy both sweet and savory dishes

Eat-in is also available. The
Eat-in is also available. The "Zunda Eating Comparison Set," available only in the store, is also popular at 500 yen.

The store also has an eat-in space for small groups. The "Zunda Eating Comparison Set" includes one each of the "Zunda Mochi" and "Gokumi Zunda Mochi.
In addition to the Zunda Mochi, seasonal products such as Sakura Mochi in spring and Strawberry Daifuku in winter are available in addition to standard products such as Anko Mochi and Walnut Mochi made from Hokkaido azuki beans. Also popular are "seasoned rice balls" made with "Miyakogane" rice, domestically produced shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and burdock root, and cooked in dashi soy sauce. This long-established shop has long been loved by local residents.

Local Guide Comment
Although it is a popular restaurant introduced by the media, it is possible to place orders by phone except during the one-week vacation period after the New Year's holiday and Obon holidays. However, during busy periods such as the end of the year, Obon and the equinoxes, reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
Endo Mochi Shop
  • Address 4-7-26 Miyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Sendai Station
    Approx. 2 min. walk from JR Toshogu Station
  • Direction Take Sendai City Bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Toshogu Station" and walk about 2 minutes.
  • Business Hours 8:30-18:00
  • Closed Thursdays
  • TEL 022-223-9512
  • Parking None

Tantalize your taste buds with the evolution of Zunda sweets!

Zunda Catalana
Zunda Catalana" 400 yen (eat-in)

Monaka and other Japanese sweets are also popular. The signature item on the menu is the Zunda Catalana. The light texture of the monaka is combined with the aromatic secret ingredient zunda from Miyagi Prefecture, zunda paste kneaded into the catalana, and chewy shiratama (white bean curd) all in one dish. Since the ingredients are sandwiched between the monaka and served after the order is placed, you can enjoy the crunchy texture of the monaka and the mashed Zunda beans. The shiratama, which are made in the store every morning and served freshly boiled after ordering, are also exquisite. Zunda Shiratama" and "Zunda Shiratama Anmitsu" are also highly recommended.

Enjoy both take-out and eat-in

The cafe space on the second floor is located at the top of the stairs.
The cafe space on the second floor is located at the top of the stairs.

Originally, the store sold sweets made with nanaka as a takeout specialty, but moved to its current location in the fall of 2020. Since then, the store has been available not only for takeout but also to be enjoyed in the store.
Zunda Catalana" and other monaka can be purchased at the counter on the first floor of the store, and on the second floor there is a café space decorated with works by Sendai-based artists and illustrators, where you can enjoy Japanese sweets and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Local Guide Comment
A wide variety of Zunda sweets are available, including "Zunda Shiratama" (Zunda white bean curd), which gives a feeling of traditional warmth, and "Zunda Shiratama Shaved Ice", which is available only in summer. Other Japanese sweets using green tea, black sesame, red bean paste, and buckwheat seeds are also recommended.
Suzuya Sweet Shop
  • Address 2-3-37 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 4 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
    10 minutes walk from JR Sendai Station
    2 minutes walk from Subway Aobadori Ichibancho Station
  • Direction 2 minutes walk from Aobadori Ichibancho Station on the Sendai City Bus from JR Sendai Station.
  • Business Hours 12:00-18:30 (L.O. 18:00) *Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00
  • Regular holiday Closed on weekends and holidays (to be announced on official Instagram)
  • Parking None

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.