Pound & Taste Japan’s Festive Spirit | Hands-On Rice Cake Making in Nagoya’s Historic Shopping Street
Tour Duration
Tour Duration
2
Hours
Starting From
Starting From
26,000
JPY/person
Size
Size
2-20
Person
Highlights
  • Experience traditional Japanese rice cake making using a wooden mallet and mortar
  • Work together in unison, feeling the festive rhythm of this time-honored celebration
  • Enjoy freshly made mochi served in two distinct Japanese flavors at a historic café
  • Savor a warm, authentic moment of cultural connection in a nostalgic neighborhood

Celebrate the heart of Japanese tradition with a hands-on rice cake making (mochi pounding) experience in Nagoya’s charming Endoji Shopping Street. This cherished custom, often seen during the New Year season, brings people together in a lively display of teamwork and rhythm.

Under the guidance of friendly hosts, you’ll pound steamed rice in a large wooden mortar, working in unison and calling out together—just as it’s been done for generations. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, energy, and the warm spirit of community.

Once the rice transforms into smooth, stretchy mochi, you’ll head into NAGONOYA, a long-established café brimming with retro charm. There, you’ll taste your freshly made mochi in two distinct Japanese flavors, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s culinary traditions. Your experience is completed with a refreshing drink as you relax and take in the nostalgic surroundings.

This short but memorable experience is more than just food—it’s a celebration of togetherness, tradition, and Japan’s welcoming hospitality.

Itinerary

3:00 PM – Meet at NAGONOYA Café, Endoji Shopping Street

Gather at a historic café in one of Nagoya’s most atmospheric covered shopping streets. Your guide will introduce the history and meaning of rice cake making in Japan.

Rice Cake Pounding Experience
Step just outside the café and take part in pounding freshly steamed rice in a traditional mortar, working in sync with the group and sharing rhythmic calls that keep the motion flowing. This is a moment of unity and celebration.

Fresh Mochi Tasting at NAGONOYA
Return indoors and enjoy two varieties of mochi prepared with traditional Japanese flavors. Pair your mochi with an included drink while enjoying the café’s nostalgic charm.

5:00 PM – Tour Ends at NAGONOYA

Meeting Point

Café Restaurant & Guest House NAGONOYA

What's Included

What’s Included

  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Rice cake making (mochi pounding) experience
  • Two varieties of mochi tasting in traditional Japanese flavors
  • One drink
  • Travel insurance

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Additional drinks
  • Guide gratuities (optional)
Additional Info

Note

The minimum age to participate is 7 years old

Tour Operation & Language

This tour is conducted in English.
A Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, or Korean-speaking guide may be available. Please contact the supplier in advance to check availability.

Dietary Requirements

Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

What to Bring

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for light physical activity

Booking Request

This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 5 days

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Booking Deadline

  • Advance booking is required
  • Cut-off time: 1 week before departure

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Fee
No-show or cancellation after tour departure 100% of the tour price
On the tour date 50% of the tour price
1 day prior to the tour date 40% of the tour price
2 to 7 days prior to the tour date 30% of the tour price
8 to 10 days prior to the tour date 20% of the tour price
11 or more days prior to the tour date Free
The locations
to visit in this tour

Café Restaurant & Guest House NAGONOYA

Starting From
26,000 JPY/person