The Mochi Culture of Ichinoseki and Hiraizumi
In Ichinoseki and Hiraizumi, mochi is a special presence that appears not only on New Year’s Day but also during seasonal milestones and ceremonial occasions, over 60 days a year.<br />
During the Edo period, while white mochi was offered to the gods, poor farmers developed their own unique mochi culture by creatively eating shiina-mochi, which was not white, made by mixing millet with low-grade rice. People have shared both joy and sorrow while gathered around mochi.
A Variety of Mochi Toppings
The mochi culture that has continued since the Edo period has evolved, and there are now over 300 ways to eat it. There are rare ingredients such as june (ground perilla seeds) and fusube (grilled loach and grated burdock seasoned with soy sauce and chili). In recent years, new ways to enjoy it, such as mochi fondue and pizza mochi, have also appeared. Tradition and creativity live on together.
Authentic Mochi Experience with Mortar and Pestle
Using local glutinous rice, you can experience traditional mochi pounding with an usu (mortar) and senbon-gine (pestles), which looks like a rabbit pounding mochi in a popular myth. While exploring the mochi culture and history passed down in the region, you can enjoy freshly pounded mochi in five flavors—a truly memorable experience.