Shinshiro, Aichi, Japan｜丸山荘 鳳来寺山頂店

This kiosk/souvenir shop is a must-visit when you come to the top of Mt. Horaiji, really friendly service and tasty food. I recommend the ice cream and the goheimochi (the local grill rice on a stick with miso taste). The seating area is really cute too, look for the hidden little designs in the wood. There's some signs in English for the menu too and I happen to know that there's not much language barrier at this place.

Wonderful shop, in a wonderful location, run by wonderful humans. I don't usually go to souvenir shops. And, fortunately, I was not disappointed this time around. I actually plan on going back to buy at least one thing that I can think of. The fresh AmaZake was refreshing. And it was great to have it a such a convenient location, near the top of the mountain. I try to give my stars very intentionally--so if I see myself giving 5 stars, I think twice about it. But...I couldn't find an area that needs improvement. 🤣

This shop is located right next to the parking lot of Horaiji Toshogu Shrine. I was hungry after visiting the shrine, so I ordered Gohei Dango. I wasn't too sure about the difference from Gohei Mochi, but you can choose from four different sauce flavors here. The standard miso, sweet soy sauce that gives it a mitarashi flavor, healthy black ground sesame, and for an extra 100 yen you can get an anko flavor, but this time I tried the most popular miso sauce. The fragrant smell of freshly baked food definitely guarantees deliciousness, and the dumplings were also chewy and delicious. There are standard products such as soft serve ice cream and coffee, but the POP design is elaborate and eye-catching.