Japanese Mochi Pounding & Tasting Experience in Shinjuku
Experience a longstanding Japanese tradition right by Shinjuku Station. Pound mochi until warm and smooth using traditional tools in this immersive experience for all ages.
Highlights
Learn the history of mochi pounding and the importance of this tradition in Japanese culture
Pound mochi the old-fashioned way with a wooden mallet and mortar
Eat freshly pounded mochi with toppings like kinako flour and red bean paste
Convenient location in central Shinjuku, only a few minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station
10 meals
Experience Details
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
Inclusions
Mochi pounding experience fee
Mochi tasting and toppings (kinako flour, anko, etc.)
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the venue
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Anshin Oyado Premier Shinjuku Hotel Address: 4−2−10 Shinchika Building, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Remarks
Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the experience start time.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please specify so at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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10 meals
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