Osaka Mochi Pounding Class: Make & Taste Rice Cakes

Pound steamed rice into mochi with a wooden mallet, then eat what you made.

A hands-on mochi pounding class in Osaka where you learn the history of this Japanese tradition, steam and pound glutinous rice using traditional tools, and taste your finished mochi with five toppings and tea. The class runs about an hour, welcomes families with children and adults alone, and includes all equipment and seasonings. An English-speaking instructor teaches the whole process.

The experience

You start with a 10-minute talk on mochi's place in Japanese culture, then move straight into the work: steaming the glutinous rice, picking up the wooden mallet and mortar, and pounding the rice into the smooth, stretchy dough. The instructor walks you through each step at a pace that works whether you're doing this with kids or on your own. Once the mochi is ready, you sit down with five traditional toppings: kinako (roasted soybean powder), sweet red bean paste, nori, sweet soy sauce, and plain, plus a cup of tea.

This is a rare hands-on experience. Most travelers never get to make mochi themselves, even though it's something nearly every Japanese person tries at least once. Families bring children under 13, and the activity works just as well for solo adults. Vegetarians and vegans can participate without issue. The toppings and tea are all plant-based. The whole class, from introduction to tasting, takes about an hour.

What’s included

• Traditional mochi pounding mortar and mallet.
• costume for the experience.
• all rice cake pounding equipment.
• five toppings (kinako, red bean paste, nori, soy sauce).
• cup of tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 19:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (19 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Theosaka

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying central and want hands-on time with your kids: the class welcomes families with children under 13 and sits near public transport.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do during the mochi pounding?

You watch a short introduction on mochi's history and cultural role, then steam glutinous rice, use a traditional wooden mallet and mortar to pound it into mochi, and shape the finished dough. The instructor demonstrates each step and guides you through it hands-on.

What do I eat after pounding the mochi?

You taste your freshly made mochi with five toppings: kinako (roasted soybean powder), sweet red bean paste, nori (seaweed), sweet soy sauce, and plain. Tea is served alongside.

What language is the instruction in?

The instructor teaches in English. Chinese is available through slides or AI interpretation if needed.

Is this suitable if I'm vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. All the seasonings, toppings, and tea are plant-based, so dietary preferences are fully accommodated.