Sasago-mochi rice cakes were sold under the name of Toge-no-Chikara-Mochi at the foot of a cedar tree in Yatate at Sasago Pass, the most dangerous spot along the old Koshu-kaido Road. With the opening of the Japan National Railways Chuo Line in 1903, the Sasago Pass fell out of use. However, after obtaining permission from the Japan National Railways to sell on trains passing through the Sasago Tunnel (Japan’s longest tunnel at 4,656 m), the rice cakes were renamed Sasago Mochi and sales began in 1905.
At present, Sasago Mochi are no longer sold on the limited express trains, but are available at Midoriya Honten along the old Koshu-kaido Road and Sasaichi Sake Brewery. In addition to Sasago Mochi, Kura Sake Manju (steamed sake cake) made with sake lees from Sasaichi Sake Brewery, are also available.
Please enjoy these sweets along with your memories of the path to the Sasago Pass and the Japanese National Railways.