Home Visit and Mochi Pounding Experience in Shiga

Meet with your guide at JR Ogoto Onsen Station and drive together to the village of Ogi, where you will experience and learn about Japanese country life.
You will start your tour by exploring the village of Ogi, a village with plentiful terraced rice fields that have been cultivated for over 1300 years.
The beautiful fields change with the seasons, from lush green in summer to snow-covered landscapes in winter, there is something to see in every season.
Visit the Ogira Shrine, legend has it that the Shinto spirit of rain is said to reside.
If you visit in May you may be able to catch the local festival to pray for an abundant harvest.

Head to your next location and visit a local’s rice farmer house. Get ready for a hands-on and tasty tradition, mochi pounding!  Using a large wooden mallet and mortar you’ll help turn freshly steamed glutinous rice into soft, chewy mochi.
It’s a lively and joyful activity where timing and teamwork matter, especially while the rice is still warm.  Everyone is encouraged to join the fun and experience this traditional method of making mochi.
You will be able to try different fillings for the mochi, such as mugwort, red bean paste and even Natto!

For lunch, join your hosts around the table, where they will demonstrate how to cook Sukiyaki.
A delicious hot-pot dish with fresh, local chicken and plenty of vegetables, picked straight from the local fields! Cook the dish together and enjoy a homely lunch, making warm conversation with your hosts.

After enjoying a nourishing lunch, your tour guide will accompany you to the end point of the tour.