Japanese Mochi Pounding & Tasting Experience in Shinjuku

Mochi is consumed year-round, but it holds special significance in Japanese New Year celebrations as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and good health. Hence, one of Japan’s most energetic New Year traditions is pounding mochi (mochi tsuki). In this experience, you’ll try your hand at mochi pounding with cultural experts and enjoy eating a wide range of fresh mochi. Once your hosts warmly greet you, you’ll learn the history of mochi pounding and its significance in Japanese culture in a short, informative overview. After watching a mochi pounding demonstration and learning tips and tricks from experienced staff, it’s time to fire up your muscles and get to work. Using just a wooden mallet (kine) and mortar (usu), you’ll pound warm glutinous rice over and over while another person rotates the mortar, ensuring no grain of rice is left untouched. When your rice is perfectly pounded into warm, smooth mochi, you will be able to taste various rice cakes. Experience flow: - Overview of the history of mochi pounding (mochi-tsuki) - Watch a mochi pounding demonstration by experienced staff and learn fundamentals and techniques - Pound the mochi - Try several variations of mochi from your freshly pounded mochi