Yoyogi Hachimangu Mochitsuki Festival

It may already be February but the new year celebrations aren’t over yet. Yoyogi Hachimangu shrine is hosting a mochitsuki (pounding mochi in a wooden barrel) event to commemorate the tradition that’s been in practice since 1968. From 10am to 2pm, professional mochi makers will be pounding and shaping sticky dough into bite-sized glutinous delicacies. The mochi made at this event will be served the following day for Setsubun, a festival that celebrates the beginning of spring by throwing beans to cast away evil spirits.