Sunamochi Kasei and the cake

The sweet served with macha is called Saigoku Kaido Mochi. It is decorated with a picture of “Sunamochi Kasei,” a big festival held during the Edo Period (1603-1868). This festival was held to cheer (kasei) the work of removing sand that had accumulated at the end of rivers (sunamochi). Each town put their own twist on costumes and entertainment.