Iwamizawa Hyakumochi Festival 2026 – Iwamizawa, Japan

Overview

The Iwamizawa Hyakumochi Festival is a cherished autumnal tradition in Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido, dedicated to celebrating the bountiful rice harvest and praying for continued longevity and commercial prosperity. As a region renowned for its high-quality glutinous rice production, the festival serves as a vibrant expression of gratitude for the year’s agricultural success. The event has become a symbol of the city’s identity, bringing together locals and visitors to honor the deep-seated cultural significance of rice in Japanese life.

The centerpiece of the festival is the extraordinary “Big Mortar Rice Cake Pounding,” which features one of the largest mortars in the world. Measuring 2.2 meters in diameter and weighing a staggering 5.5 tons, this massive wooden mortar is used to pound approximately 60 kilograms of rice in a single, powerful session. The sight of hundreds of people pulling on the massive ropes attached to a 200-kilogram pestle, all working in unison to the sound of rhythmic whistles, is an awe-inspiring display of communal strength and heritage that defines the spirit of this unique celebration.

Beyond the main ritual, the festival grounds are filled with the warmth of community spirit, featuring offerings of fresh mochi (rice cakes) to all in attendance. Attendees can also witness children participating in the traditional pounding, ensuring that these agricultural customs are passed down through generations. It is a sensory-rich experience that perfectly captures the serene beauty and communal joy of the Japanese harvest season in the heart of Hokkaido.

Event Highlights

• The spectacular pounding of 60 kilograms of rice using the world’s largest mortar and a massive 200-kilogram pestle.
• A collective effort where hundreds of participants join forces to pull the heavy ropes and pound the mochi in perfect synchronization.
• The distribution of fresh, delicious mochi, often served as zenzai (sweet red bean soup), to share the fortune of the harvest with all visitors.
• Engaging hands-on experiences for children to learn traditional rice-pounding techniques, fostering a deep connection to the local agricultural legacy.

Why Attend

This festival is ideal for those who wish to experience the raw, authentic side of Japanese harvest traditions far from the typical tourist trails. It is perfect for cultural enthusiasts and families who want to engage in a community-centered event that emphasizes collective effort, gratitude, and the celebration of nature’s bounty. Attending offers a unique perspective on the rural lifestyle of Hokkaido and the immense effort that goes into the production of its famous specialty rice.

Furthermore, the benefit of attending lies in the palpable sense of community and the joy of a shared tradition that has been celebrated for over four decades. Visitors are invited to participate, observe, and savor the taste of fresh mochi, making it a highly rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates local history. It is a rare opportunity to witness an industrial-scale agricultural ritual transformed into a festive act of joy, leaving a lasting impression of the warm and resilient spirit of Iwamizawa.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: Mid-September 2026.
• Event Duration: The festival typically takes place over a weekend, focusing on the main pounding rituals and community festivities.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: This is a public festival; no tickets are required for entry.
• Admission Type: Open public access.
• Ticket Pricing: Free Admission.
• Special Seating Options: Seating is not provided; the event is designed for standing participation and observation in the city streets.
• VIP Options: No VIP options exist as the event is a communal public celebration.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Iwamizawa, Japan.
• Venue Name: City center near the 4-jo Nishi 2-chome intersection.
• Google Maps Address: Iwamizawa City Center, Hokkaido, Japan.

Contact Information

• Official Website: https://en.japantravel.com/hokkaido/iwamizawa-hyakumochi-festival/71916

Accommodation Options

Iwamizawa offers a selection of convenient business hotels and local lodgings within easy walking distance of the central city and train station. Staying locally allows you to fully immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere and enjoy the relaxed pace of this Hokkaido city, with easy access to both the festival venue and nearby public transport.

Since the festival is a popular local event, it is advisable to book your stay in advance. Many hotels in Iwamizawa are located near the train station, providing a perfect base for travelers who also wish to explore other parts of the Sorachi region during the autumn season.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: New Chitose Airport, approximately 60 to 90 minutes away by train or express bus.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: JR Iwamizawa Station, which is a major hub on the Hakodate Main Line.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The festival area is within walking distance from JR Iwamizawa Station, and local bus routes serve the city center.
• Parking Availability: Public parking lots are available near the city center, though walking or using public transport is recommended due to street closures.
• Directions by Car: Accessible via the Hokkaido Expressway, taking the Iwamizawa Interchange toward the central downtown area.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast Recommendations:

• Locally sourced Hokkaido dairy products and fresh bread from neighborhood bakeries.
• Traditional Japanese breakfast sets with rice, miso soup, and locally caught fish.
• Warm coffee or tea at charming local cafes near the city station.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Hearty bowls of ramen featuring ingredients from the surrounding agricultural plains.
• Seasonal bento boxes filled with local vegetables and grains, available at nearby markets.
• Freshly pounded mochi distributed during the festival, often prepared in a variety of sweet and savory styles.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Grilled local meats, including pork and beef, which are staples of the Hokkaido dining experience.
• Izakaya-style restaurants offering fresh appetizers and local seasonal catches.
• Nabe hot pot dishes, perfect for the cooling evenings of the Hokkaido autumn.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Premium Iwamizawa glutinous rice and rice-based products.
• Local sake brewed by traditional methods in the nearby Sorachi region.
• Seasonal Hokkaido melons and vegetables commonly harvested during the autumn months.

What is this event?

The Iwamizawa Hyakumochi Festival is a traditional harvest celebration held to express gratitude for a bountiful rice yield. Its highlight is the pounding of rice using a massive 5.5-ton mortar.

The event celebrates the long-standing agricultural history of Iwamizawa, a city famous for its high-quality rice. It is a communal festival that focuses on tradition, longevity, and the shared joy of the harvest.

Why is it popular?

The festival is famous for its unique scale and the sheer power of its main event, the Big Mortar Rice Cake Pounding. It is an impressive display of communal effort that has been a staple of the city for over 40 years.

Visitors are drawn to the rare chance to witness such a massive, traditional agricultural ritual firsthand. The combination of local history, shared food, and festive energy makes it a must-see event for those visiting Hokkaido in the autumn.

Tips before you go

• Wear comfortable clothing, as you may want to join in pulling the ropes for the rice-pounding ritual.
• Carry a camera, as the sight of the 5.5-ton mortar and the mass of participants is highly photogenic.
• Arrive early to secure a good viewing position near the main intersection for the best view of the pounding.
• Check the weather forecast, as September in Hokkaido can see shifting temperatures in the evening.
• Bring a small bag to carry any local souvenirs or rice products you might pick up from the surrounding market stalls.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Listen carefully for the whistle that signals the participants to release the pestle, as this is the key to the synchronized pounding.
• Don’t be shy about joining the crowd; the festival organizers often encourage spectators to assist with pulling the ropes for the large mortar.
• Explore the city center after the main ritual, as there are many small local shops and eateries that showcase the town’s agricultural pride.
• Use the Iwamizawa Station information center to grab a map of the city’s historic spots, which are all within walking distance of the festival.
• Respect the local custom of sharing the mochi; it is a symbol of gratitude and community well-being.
• Dedicate some time to chat with the local residents, as they are very proud of this tradition and love to explain its history to visitors.

Attendee Experiences

• The experience of grabbing the rope and pulling together with hundreds of others to move that massive pestle was an incredibly powerful memory.
• It was so heartwarming to see the kids learning the art of pounding rice alongside the elders, keeping the tradition alive for the next generation.
• The fresh mochi was delicious, and the festive atmosphere throughout the city made it one of the most unique local experiences I have had in Japan.

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