Experience an Unforgettable Evening of Japanese Tradition

Step into the heart of Japanese culture with a hands-on mochi-pounding experience and traditional matcha tea ceremony in Kyoto.

This intimate 90-minute experience invites you to make fresh mochi using wooden tools that are more than 100 years old and were once used by a traditional Japanese confectionery shop. With guidance from the friendly workshop team, you will pound steamed rice, shape your freshly made mochi, grill it over a traditional charcoal stove, and enjoy it with a selection of classic Japanese flavors.

You will also discover the history and meaning behind mochi-pounding and the Japanese tea ceremony through easy-to-follow demonstrations. After enjoying your mochi, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and learn how to prepare and appreciate matcha.

The experience takes place in the evening, making it a special way to enjoy Kyoto after a day of sightseeing. With a maximum of only 10 participants, every guest receives personal guidance and plenty of opportunities to participate.

Throughout the experience, a dedicated staff member will photograph your special moments. The photos will be sent to you by email after the workshop, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about taking pictures.

At the end, gather around the traditional mortar for a memorable group photo and receive a surprise souvenir from the workshop host.

Why You’ll Love This Experience

• Pound mochi using authentic wooden tools over 100 years old
• Wear a traditional Japanese happi coat
• Shape, grill, and taste the fresh mochi you make
• Participate in a traditional matcha tea ceremony
• Enjoy an intimate experience limited to 10 guests
• Receive photographs taken throughout the workshop
• Take home a surprise souvenir from the host
• Experience Japanese culture in a relaxed Kyoto evening setting

Itinerary

1. Arrival and Welcome

Arrive at the workshop venue and meet the friendly team. You will receive a traditional Japanese happi coat to wear during the experience.

2. Introduction to Mochi Culture

Watch a short video introducing the history and cultural meaning of mochi-pounding and the Japanese tea ceremony.

3. Traditional Mochi-Pounding

Learn how to use a traditional wooden mortar and mallet before taking turns pounding steamed rice into soft, fresh mochi.

4. Shape Your Fresh Mochi

Once the mochi is ready, shape it into small pieces with guidance from the workshop staff.

5. Grill and Taste the Mochi

Grill your handmade mochi over a traditional charcoal stove and enjoy it with a variety of classic Japanese flavors.

6. Introduction to the Tea Ceremony

Watch a demonstration explaining the customs, movements, and meaning behind the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

7. Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience

Enjoy a traditional Japanese sweet before preparing and tasting matcha tea.

8. Commemorative Photography

Gather around the traditional mortar, hold the wooden mallet, and pose for a special photograph taken by the workshop team.

9. Surprise Souvenir and Farewell

Receive a surprise souvenir from the host before completing your memorable Japanese cultural experience.

What’s Included

• Traditional happi coat to wear during the experience
• Introduction video about mochi-pounding and tea ceremony traditions
• Hands-on mochi-pounding experience
• Fresh mochi-shaping experience
• Charcoal-grilled mochi tasting
• A selection of traditional Japanese mochi flavors
• Water and tea
• Traditional Japanese sweet served before matcha
• Matcha tea ceremony demonstration
• Hands-on matcha tea ceremony experience
• Photography by a dedicated staff member
• Digital photographs sent by email after the workshop
• Commemorative group photo
• Surprise souvenir from the workshop host
• Guidance in Japanese or English

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to and from the workshop venue
• Nearby paid parking fees
• Personal expenses
• Any services or items not specifically listed above

Pricing

• Adults: ¥14,000 per person
• Children aged 5–11: ¥12,000 per person
• Infants aged 0–4: Free

All prices include tax. Children must participate with a parent or guardian.

Important Information

• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
• Group size: Minimum 2 guests and maximum 10 guests
• Available start times: 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM
• Languages: Japanese and English
• Children aged 11 and under must participate with a parent or guardian
• Please inform the workshop in advance about any food allergies
• Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be able to participate in the mochi-pounding portion
• The venue is approximately a 7-minute walk from JR Nijo Station

Guest Cancellations

• Cancellations made 4 or more days before the experience: Free cancellation
• Cancellations made 2–3 days before the experience: 50% cancellation fee
• Cancellations made the day before or on the day of the experience: 100% cancellation fee

Rescheduling

Rescheduling is possible. Please contact us as early as possible. All date and time changes are subject to availability.

Late Arrivals

Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be able to participate in the mochi-pounding portion of the experience due to the workshop schedule.

Please contact the workshop as soon as possible if you expect to arrive late.

No-Shows

Guests who do not attend without prior notice will be charged 100% of the booking fee.

Cancellation by the Workshop

If the experience is cancelled due to weather, operational reasons, or circumstances on the workshop’s side, guests may choose either:

• A full refund, or
• Rescheduling to another available date