Hana-mochi is a colourful New Year’s decoration. Red and white mochi (or pounded rice) chips are attached to thin branches to look like pink and white flower buds. In the heart of snowy Hida where fresh flowers cannot adorn the alcove, making hana-mochi becomes an important event. On March 3rd, the dried ‘mochi’ chips are detached from their branches, deep-fried, and become tasty rice crackers for the Doll’s Festival.