From Sweets to Herbal Pills! 4 Highly Recommended Souvenirs from the World Heritage Site “Mount Koya”

Kongōbu-ji Temple on Mount Koya celebrated its 1200th anniversary in 2015. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts attention not only from within Japan but also from around the world. As the sacred center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi, Mount Koya is home to 19 historical structures surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
As Mount Koya developed, the temple town at its entrance also prospered from long ago. Along the approach road, long-established souvenir shops line the street, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. This time, we’ve gathered souvenirs that are uniquely associated with Mount Koya. Enjoying gourmet treats and shopping is one of the pleasures of visiting temples and shrines.

1. Yakimochi

When it comes to “Jōkishiya’s Yakimochi,” there isn’t a person in Wakayama Prefecture who hasn’t heard of this famous confection. Jōkishiya, founded over 300 years ago, is located at the western foot of Mount Koya. Though it is off the railway route, it is considered a must-have souvenir for visitors who come by car.
At first glance, it may seem like a common rice cake, but once you take a bite, it becomes addictively delicious. There are two types: white mochi and mugwort mochi, both easy to eat in a flash. The white mochi highlights the flavor of the ingredients, while the mugwort mochi fills your mouth with the aroma of mugwort. It is recommended to enjoy the freshly grilled ones at the storefront and purchase the frozen ones to take home. Frozen yakimochi lasts for one month, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Mount Koya even after returning home.

2. Sasamaki Anpu

Sasamaki Anpu is a traditional Japanese sweet made using raw wheat gluten, and it is a well-known Mount Koya souvenir. Originally, anpu referred to a sweet bean paste wrapped in raw gluten. The long-established shop Fuzan added its own arrangement by kneading mugwort into the gluten. This creation, Sasamaki Anpu, has now become one of Mount Koya’s classic souvenirs.
Each piece is individually wrapped in Kuma bamboo leaves harvested between June and August when they are at their softest, so when you unwrap it, the fresh scent of bamboo leaves gently spreads. The chewy raw gluten pairs perfectly with the mildly sweet bean paste! Fuzan has two shops on Mount Koya, both conveniently located near the Nankai Rinkan Bus stops. Sasamaki Anpu is also a beloved snack in the temple lodgings on Mount Koya. Be sure to choose it as a Mount Koya souvenir.

3. Sesame Tofu

If you visit Mount Koya, the famous sesame tofu is a must-buy souvenir. Sesame and tofu are both staples of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Sesame tofu, created from these ingredients, embodies the spiritual essence of Mount Koya.
Kakuhama Gomadōfu Sohonpo, located in the temple town at the entrance of Mount Koya, is a long-established shop specializing in sesame tofu. Even today, their sesame tofu is offered twice daily—morning and evening—as shōjingū (offering) to Kobo Daishi. Made carefully using selected sesame, Yoshino kudzu starch, and pure spring water from the foothills of Mount Koya, their sesame tofu has a thick, rich texture with deep sesame flavor filling the mouth.
Their freshly made “Nama Gomadōfu,” available only at the store, is even richer and more fragrant, with a dense and satisfying texture. However, since its shelf life is just one day, it may not be ideal as a souvenir. They also sell regular sesame tofu that keeps longer, so choose the one that suits your needs.

4. Darani-suke

The iconic Mount Koya digestive medicine Darani-suke has been cherished as a universal remedy since the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. It is astonishing that its manufacturing method has been handed down unchanged for roughly 1,200 years since Kobo Daishi founded Mount Koya!
Its intense smell, fitting for its solemn name, comes from several medicinal herbs such as ōbaku (amur cork tree), ryūtan (gentian), and aoki, all of which are known in traditional Chinese medicine to be effective for digestive issues. Its effectiveness is undeniable—truly a case of “bitter medicine works best.” Though striking in its impact, Darani-suke is extremely useful to have on hand, making it a highly recommended Mount Koya souvenir.

◎ Summary

We introduced several souvenir items from Mount Koya, a globally renowned tourist destination. From traditional Japanese sweets typical of a temple town, to sesame tofu developed from Buddhist cuisine, and even the rare medicinal Darani-suke, Mount Koya offers a wide variety of unique souvenirs.
Since many of the items are traditional foods, few of them keep for long, but that makes them all the more special as souvenirs. No matter who you give them to, they will surely be delighted.

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From Sweets to Herbal Pills! 4 Highly Recommended Souvenirs from the World Heritage Site “Mount Koya”