2025 Celebrate the New Year with Mochi Traditions (Experience the Rich Traditions of Japanese New Year at Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix)NEW

Celebrate the Japanese New Year with a Mochitsuki demonstration, showcasing the traditional art of rice pounding, followed by a hands-on Mochi Bana workshop where you’ll craft vibrant mochi decorations inspired by ikebana. Immerse yourself in these timeless traditions at the Garden!

Experience the rich traditions of Japanese New Year with two engaging activities in our Japanese Garden. Begin with a demonstration of Mochi Tsuki, the age-old practice of pounding glutinous rice to create mochi, a staple of New Year celebrations in Japan. Witness the artistry and cultural significance of this beloved tradition.

Then, get hands-on with Mochi Bana Creation, where you’ll shape and decorate mochi into vibrant arrangements inspired by ikebana. These beautiful and symbolic creations are a perfect way to capture the spirit of the season.

Join us for a day of cultural discovery and creativity, celebrating the timeless traditions of mochi in a stunning garden setting.

Date
Jan 4, 2026

Time
9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Tickets

The demonstration and activities are complimentary for attendees who have paid for general admission, but purchasing a ticket ahead secures a seat at the event.

Schedule
Kids Taiko Performance: 9:30 am - 10 am 
Mochitsuki Demonstration by JBAA: 10 am - 10:30 am  
Mochibana making experience:  10:30 am - Noon   

Experience Japanese New Year Traditions. Celebrate the New Year with us and welcome good luck through Mochitsuki (mochi-pounding) and Mochibana(decorative mochi art). 

Schedule 
• Kids Taiko Performance: 9:30-10:00 AM
• Mochitsuki Demonstration by JBAA: 10:00-10:30 AM 
• Mochibana-Making Experience: 10:30 AM-12:00 PM 

New Year's Events