Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

Japan’s rich culinary heritage shines through the traditional sweets making and tea ceremony experience in Kyoto. Participants craft delicate Nerikiri sweets and learn the art of the tea ceremony, seeing the cultural significance of these time-honored practices. It’s a chance to savor the flavors and appreciate the nuances that make Japanese confections and tea rituals so captivating. But the true allure lies in what lies beyond this 95-minute experience, waiting to be discovered.

Key Points

• This 95-minute experience in Kyoto teaches participants to make two types of seasonal Nerikiri sweets using high-quality bean paste.

• Participants learn the history and preparation of Japanese traditional sweets and engage in an immersive tea ceremony with single-origin Uji Matcha.

• The hands-on sweets-making session emphasizes the renowned food culture of Kyoto, with participants coloring and shaping the sweets.

• The tea ceremony focuses on the proper ceremonial ritual, drinking etiquette, and appreciation of the Matcha’s flavors.

• Additional options include a sweets takeout box and a completion certificate for an extra fee, and a full refund is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

Participants can enjoy Kyoto’s rich food culture through this 95-minute experience that offers Japanese traditional sweets making and a tea ceremony.

Priced at $18.36 per person, it’s a chance to create two types of seasonal Nerikiri sweets using high-quality Kyoto bean paste.

The experience also includes a tea ceremony featuring single-origin Uji matcha.

Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t need to pay upfront to secure their spot.

Additional options like a sweets takeout box and a completion certificate are available for extra fees.

Activity Details

During the experience, you will create two types of seasonal Japanese sweets called Nerikiri.

Using high-quality white and red bean paste from Kyoto’s long-established shops, they’ll color the paste and craft sweets shaped like seasonal flowers and fruits.

The process involves an immersive tea ceremony featuring single-origin Uji Matcha.

Guests will learn about the history and preparation of these traditional confections and tea.

It’s a chance to dive into Kyoto’s renowned food culture through hands-on learning and the peaceful ritual of the tea ceremony.

Program Schedule

The experience begins with an overview of Japanese traditional sweets, leading into the hands-on Nerikiri making session.

Participants craft flower-shaped sweets and Kinton, coloring the white bean paste and shaping it into seasonal motifs.

After a brief break, the focus shifts to the tea ceremony. Guests learn about Matcha and watch a demonstration of the grinding process.

They then partake in the full tea ceremony, sipping the frothy green tea.

Finally, it’s time to savor the homemade sweets and enjoy their creations.

The 95-minute experience concludes on a delicious and cultural high note.

Nerikiri Making

After an introduction to Japanese traditional sweets, participants dive into the hands-on Nerikiri making session. They use high-quality white and red bean paste from Kyoto to craft two types of seasonal sweets – flower-shaped and Kinton. The process involves coloring the white bean paste and shaping the sweets to resemble seasonal flowers and fruits. Participants engage in a step-by-step activity, showcased in the table below.

Step	Action
1	Color the white bean paste
2	Shape the Nerikiri into flowers and fruits
3	Arrange the crafted sweets on a plate
4	Admire the beautifully presented Nerikiri

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Tea Ceremony

Following the Nerikiri making session, participants are then treated to a Tea Ceremony experience featuring single-origin Uji Matcha.

The instructor guides them through the intricate ritual, from the ceremonial preparation to the proper drinking etiquette. Participants learn to appreciate the aromas and flavors of the high-quality green tea, as well as the cultural significance behind each movement.

This mindful activity offers a peaceful break from the sweets-making, allowing guests to fully enjoy the centuries-old Japanese tea tradition.

It’s a truly memorable way to round out this authentic cultural experience.

Additional Options and Fees

Along With the core experience, participants have the option to customize their visit further.

For an extra 100 JPY, they can take home a take-out box of the sweets they created. Those interested in a commemorative certificate can purchase one for 300 JPY.

Non-participating guests who assist children or others will be charged a 1,330 JPY helper fee (1,580 JPY on the same day).

While these optional add-ons come at an additional cost, they allow guests to personalize their experience and walk away with souvenirs of their Japanese sweets and tea ceremony adventure.

Important Information

The experience operates daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with reservations after 17:00 processed the next day.

Participants should be aware that there are no elevators, and they’ll need to climb stairs to reach the venues.

English translation is available upon request.

Cancellation policies apply, and fees may be incurred for changes after cancellation.

Non-participating guests aren’t allowed, except for children under 2 who can sit on a parent’s lap.

Reviews and Ratings

As evidenced by the perfect 5/5 rating based on a single review, this Japanese traditional sweets and tea ceremony experience appears to be a hit with those who’ve partaken in it.

The reviewer seems thoroughly impressed, praising the entire process from the sweets-making to the tea ceremony.

While only one review is available, it’s a glowing endorsement of the activity’s quality and authenticity.

Participants can expect an immersive cultural experience that allows them to create seasonal sweets and enjoy a traditional tea ritual in the heart of Kyoto.

This seems like a must-do for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of Japanese culinary traditions.

Things To Know

Do Participants Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No, participants don’t need to bring any special equipment. The experience provides all the necessary materials and tools for making traditional Japanese sweets and participating in the tea ceremony.

Is There a Dress Code for the Experience?

There’s no strict dress code, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing that allows easy movement. Casual attire is fine, as the focus is on the cultural experience rather than formal dress.

Can Participants Take Photos During the Experience?

Participants can take photos during the experience. The experience includes a "Picture time" segment, allowing guests to capture their creations and the tea ceremony. Photographing the process is permitted and encouraged to document the memorable event.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options aren’t mentioned, so they may not be available for this experience. It’s best to check with the provider in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

How Do I Get to the Venue From the Nearest Station?

To get to the venue from the nearest station, you’ll need to take a short walk. The directions are provided upon booking, but you can also ask the host for recommendations on the easiest route.

Sum Up

This immersive experience offers a captivating glimpse into Japan’s rich culinary heritage. Crafting intricate Nerikiri sweets and partaking in a serene tea ceremony provide a truly authentic cultural exploration. Whether a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this activity promises to leave a lasting impression and deepen one’s appreciation for the artistry and traditions of Japanese confectionery and tea culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: