“Beko-mochi” Traditional Hokkaido Rice Cakes and “Echigo-odori” Dance

  • Making “Beko-mochi” Traditional Hokkaido Rice Cakes

Rice holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese. “Beko-mochi” is a North Japanese confectionery that was made traditionally so that rice would not go to waste. Beko-mochi was both sweets and preserved foods in Hokkaido. In Shiraoi you can spend some quality time with the locals and make beko-mochi with your own hands! The rice cakes come in many different shapes and colors. Children can also enjoy this traditional confectionery making activity.

 

  • “Echigo-odori” Dance

“Echigo-odori” is a type of traditional Bon-dance that originates in the Niigata Prefecture of Chubu region in Japan’s main island. However, the dance has also strong roots also in Shiraoi town of Hokkaido. Fishermen who came from Niigata and wanted to remember their birthplace, danced Echigo-odori as a past-time and taught the dance also to the locals of Shiraoi town. People wore traditional costumes for fun and they could interact with each other through the dance. You are also welcomed to wear a traditional Japanese “happi” coat, listen to the beat of “hayashi” band and dance in one big circle together with the locals!

Why should I try this activity?

  • 1.

    You can make real traditional "beko-mochi" rice cakes with the locals.

  • 2.

    You will have a chance to dance together with real professionals to the beat of Taiko drums and traditional Japanese flutes.

  • 3.

    You will have a cool chance to chat and get to know the locals as you eat the fresh beko-mochi you have made together with your new friends.

Program Details

● Activity
Traditional beko-mochi rice cake making and Echigo-odori dance experience (90 min)

● Location
Kojōhama Spa Hotel in Shiraoi town, other locations

● Activity fee
Adult: 4000 yen / person
Child (6-12 years): 3000 yen / person
Small child (under 6 years): 2000 yen / person

● The price includes
Guide fee
Beko-mochi ingredients
Insurance
Consumption tax

● The price does not include
Room heating (December – March)
Rent of the activity site 1000 yen / group

● Conditions
The activity has to be reserved at least 3 days in advance. 1-10 persons.

Terms and Conditions

  • Attention
    – When making the reservation please write to the comment field the following information for all participating members: Full name, gender, age.
    – Please tell us your phone number (one that you can use in Japan) and contact information for the hotel where you are planning to stay on the day of the activity.

 

  • Cancellation and changes
    In case of a cancellation made by the customer, the cancellation fee is as follows:
    4 days before the activity: 20 %
    2 days before: 30 %
    1 day before: 40 %
    On the day of the activity: 50 %
    Cancellation after the start of the activity or no-show: 100 %

※ If the activity has to be cancelled due to bad weather, there is no cancellation fee (Please note that the customer has to pay possible repayment handling fees in case of bank transfer)

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