Home / Cultural/History Tours / Mochi Making Experience: In a 125-Year-Old Japanese Home
Gain exclusive access to a preserved 125-year-old kominka (heritage home) for a private immersion into the art of mochitsuki. Hosted by the residing family, this bespoke cultural journey seamlessly blends historical architecture, local shrine traditions, and an authentic farm-to-table culinary experience.
★★★★★
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From
¥ 27,500
Per Person

















Gain exclusive entry into a beautifully preserved, 125-year-old traditional kominka (Japanese heritage home) for a private immersion into one of Japan’s most cherished culinary traditions. Hosted by the third generation of the residing family, this experience offers rare, private access to a living piece of Kyoto’s rural history.
Surrounded by the natural elegance of authentic hinoki cypress architecture, you will discover the rhythmic art of mochitsuki (traditional mochi pounding). Under the guidance of your local hosts, you will transform freshly steamed regional rice into soft, warm mochi using a traditional hand-carved wooden mallet and mortar—an interactive, physical tradition passed down through generations.
More than a culinary workshop, this is a deep dive into historical Japanese daily life. Your private session includes a guided shrine visit, bespoke daifuku crafting, and a traditional ichiju-sansai home-cooked meal. Surrounded by preserved family heirlooms and antique artifacts, you will connect intimately with Japan’s rich heritage far beyond the standard tourist trail.
Arrive at a 125-year-old historic kominka and be warmly welcomed by the residing family and your dedicated English-speaking assistant. Marvel at the authentic hinoki wood craftsmanship and historical family artifacts dating back to the WWII era.
Embark on a short, tranquil walk to the neighborhood Shinto shrine. Your guide will privately instruct you on the proper etiquette and cultural practices of paying respects, offering a serene start to your day.
Experience the rhythmic, physical joy of traditional mochi pounding. Using an authentic wooden mortar and mallet, work alongside your hosts to master the techniques that have defined Japanese celebrations for centuries.
Shape your freshly pounded, warm mochi by hand into exquisite daifuku (stuffed traditional sweets), experiencing a depth of flavor and texture that store-bought versions can never replicate.
Sit down to a curated, home-cooked ichiju-sansai (one soup, three sides) meal featuring premium local rice, savory miso soup, and seasonal regional dishes. Conclude your feast by pairing your handmade daifuku with fresh coffee.
This is not a commercial cooking studio. You are invited as a private guest into a real, 3rd-generation family estate, offering a level of intimacy and authenticity rarely accessible to visitors.
Enjoy a 100% private environment tailored specifically to your party. With an English-speaking assistant by your side, you can easily converse, ask questions, and form genuine connections with your local hosts.
Seamlessly blending historical architecture, spiritual traditions at the local shrine, hands-on culinary arts, and a full traditional lunch, this is a comprehensive immersion into rural Japanese life.
Kokusaikaikan Station
〒606-0001 Iwakura Osagicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Please Note: The exact meeting location will be shared closer to the experience date, as the venue is held at the host’s private residence.