Benkei-no-Chikaramochi, the sweet rice-cake of Benkei who is known as a strong Buddhist monk, is the specialty of Miidera Buddhist Temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

Miidera Buddhist Temple and nearby Enryakuji Buddhist Temple came into conflict with each other over the originator of the Tendai sect Buddhism in the first half of the 13^th century.  Benkei, a strong and combative Buddhist monk of Enryakuji Temple, commanded many monk soldiers to attack Miidera and burnt down most buildings of it.

Having to do with this legend, a merchant who sold sweet rice-cake to the visitors appeared in the grounds of the temple advertising that you would be strong like Benkei with this sweet rice cake.  Since then, in the 17^th century, the sweet rice-cake has become the well-known specialty of the temple.  The rice-cake was sold at an arbor named *Ema-do as shown in the second photo in the second half of the 19^th century. 

*Ema-do is a small hall to display many votive wooden tablets painted with a picture of a horse, presented as a prayer.

However, it is sold at a teahouse as shown in the third photo now.  The Ema-do was designated as an important cultural asset recently.    

I tried this rice-cake with a cup of green tea at the teahouse.  It was good, but I’ve not felt to be strong like Benkei yet.

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