A tradition which has been carried on since the olden days, mochi-tsuki, or mochi-pounding, is an indispensable element of Japanese holidays. Due to it’s similar pronunciation to the Japanese word for have or hold, mochi symbolizes long-life, good fortune, and good health. While this quintessential Japanese food is enjoyed year round, around the new year whole communities strengthen their bonds through the satisfyingly physical work of creating mochi the old-fashioned way: by pounding steaming sweeter-then-average mochi rice into a chewy dough using a traditional wooden mallet and stone mortar. 

Whether you plan to come to Japan around the New Year or not, mochi-making should be on your list of activities to try! This experience is a mochi-making experience using a traditional mallet and mortar to pound the mochi rice. We will make arrangements for you to watch a master at work before wielding the mallet yourself. Afterwards, you will enjoy the mochi in a traditional seasonal local recipe!