Of all the delicious and well-known foods that Japan has to offer, mochi is probably one of the better-known. Most people may know it in the form of a dessert, but there are actually many different ways that mochi is eaten in Japan. Sometimes the mochi itself is even flavored, and sometimes it is left plain with other ingredients flavoring the mochi instead.

Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake that is made from glutinous rice. The modern way of making mochi is using glutinous rice that usually comes in a powder form, mochiko. It is mixed with water and heated to create a sticky paste that can then be molded. The traditional way was a bit more time consuming and laborious. People had to pound steamed glutinous rice with water over and over until it formed mochi. This way of making mochi is rarely seen anymore except during festivals or special occasions. But you can still find it throughout Japan if you're lucky. 

Sometimes different kinds of mochi are eaten on different occasions although mochi is typically enjoyed year-round in Japan. Here are just some of the different types of mochi categories that you can find.

1. Prepackaged/Kirimochi/Kakumochi

This is a common household mochi and is the equivalent of an instant cup noodle. Usually they come prepackaged in rectangular shapes and come very hard. They need to be toasted or grilled before they an be eaten and are usually enjoyed with seaweed and soy sauce. 

2. Savory mochi

There are many ways to enjoy savory mochi, but the most common way is wrapped in seaweed and dipped in soy sauce. Another savory mochi dish includes putting it into soups or udon. Ozouni/Zoni is traditional Japanese soup that is eaten on New Years and contains mochi within it. 

3. Dango

Dango is also mochi that is usually rolled into tiny balls and placed onto a skewer. They tend to be sweet and are served in various different sauces. Sometimes soy bean powder, kinako, is sprinkled onto them. These are usually common year-round but are especially enjoyed at festivals.

4. Mochi Ice cream

Mochi ice cream is probably better-known in the United States and other western countries. Essentially it is just ice-cream wrapped in mochi and is absolutely delicious. They come in a variety of flavors like mango, yuzu, matcha, and much more!

5. Dessert/Confectionary Mochi

There are many types of mochi that fall under this category. For example, daifuku is a traditional Japanese dessert that contains red beans wrapped in mochi. It is common to find sweet red bean paste in Japanese mochi desserts, and it might arugably be the most common.  Another involves mochi covered in kinako, others like sakuramochi wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. Some are eaten in a sweet red bean soup, but all are delicious and interesting snacks to try.

There are many more different kinds of mochi, and the possibilities are endless for how it can be enjoyed. The texture and flavor is enjoyable, and it is easily accessible in Japan. Next time you visit Japan, take advantage and try all of the different types of mochi!