【Family Friendly】Traditional Mochi Pounding Experience

About this tour

Spend an hour learning to pound mochi the traditional Japanese way, using mortar and mallet to shape glutinous rice dough. This hands-on experience welcomes families with children, guided by patient instructors through the technique and cultural roots of the craft. Taste your freshly pounded mochi plain or dressed with kinako, red bean paste, nori, or sweet soy sauce.

Highlights

• Pound mochi with authentic tools and traditional method
• Learn the cultural heritage behind this Japanese staple
• Taste freshly made mochi with multiple toppings
• Family-friendly with patient, experienced instruction
• Costume provided for the experience
• Prams and wheelchairs accommodated on-site

What to expect

You'll arrive and be fitted with a traditional costume, then work alongside an instructor who'll walk you through the mochi-pounding technique step by step. The process involves using a heavy mallet to strike the glutinous rice in a mortar until it transforms into a smooth, elastic dough. Children and adults take turns or work together depending on ages and ability. Once you've finished pounding, move straight to tasting—your mochi will be warm and you'll sample it with several flavour options: sweet soybean powder, red bean soup, seaweed, or soy glaze. The whole session takes about an hour.

Good to know

Prams and wheelchairs are accessible. Specialised infant seats available. Young children and elderly guests should eat mochi in small pieces due to choking risk. Those with spinal injuries should avoid participation. Public transport nearby if you need it.