Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Now, visitors can enjoy the city’s traditional arts through an engaging experience that combines the making of seasonal Japanese sweets and a serene tea ceremony. This unique activity offers a chance to gain hands-on insight into Kyoto’s gastronomic traditions and the tranquil practice of tea appreciation. With expert guidance, you will create delicate confections and savor the flavors of premium Uji Matcha, leaving with a deeper understanding of Japan’s celebrated culinary and tea cultures.

Key Points

• This 95-minute experience in Kyoto allows participants to create two seasonal Japanese sweets and partake in a traditional tea ceremony.
• Participants will craft high-grade Nerikiri confections and enjoy Uji Matcha tea alongside the handmade sweets.
• The experience focuses on learning techniques passed down through generations in the traditional Japanese arts of confectionery and tea ceremony.
• The activity takes place in a wheelchair-accessible location near Gojo Station, with no elevator but stairs must be used.
• Based on 53 reviews, the experience has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, with positive feedback on the ease of following instructions in multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Visitors can experience a 95-minute activity that includes Japanese traditional sweets making and a tea ceremony.

The experience costs from $18.36 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will create two seasonal Japanese sweets using white/red bean paste and make Nerikiri, a high-grade sweet crafted in the shape of seasonal flowers/fruits.

They’ll also partake in a Tea Ceremony using single-origin Uji Matcha and enjoy their handmade sweets along with the tea.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, though stairs must be used as there’s no elevator.

Experience Details

During the 95-minute experience, you will create two seasonal Japanese sweets using white and red bean paste from long-established shops in Kyoto.

They’ll make Nerikiri, a high-grade sweet crafted in the shape of seasonal flowers or fruits.

Participants will also take part in a Tea Ceremony using single-origin Uji Matcha.

Finally, they can enjoy their handmade sweets along with the Matcha tea.

Meeting Information

The meeting point for this experience is at the store entrance facing Gojo-dori main street, just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of the Subway Karasuma Line Gojo Station. The experience operates from 10:00-17:00, with reservations after 17:00 processed the next day.

Meeting Information
Location	1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Subway Karasuma Line Gojo Station
Meeting Point	Store entrance facing Gojo-dori main street
Operation Hours	10:00-17:00; reservations after 17:00 processed next day
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible, but no elevator – stairs must be used

Accessibility and Additional Information

Although the experience is wheelchair accessible, visitors should note that there’s no elevator and stairs must be used to access the location.

Non-participants aren’t allowed to enter the workshop. Children under 2 can attend for free if sitting on their parents’ laps, but a helper fee applies for preschool kids.

This hands-on class is designed for participants only, with no outside observers permitted.

The traditional sweets and tea ceremony experience offers an intimate, immersive opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have rated this Japanese traditional sweets and tea ceremony experience quite positively, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 53 reviews. The guide received a 4.7/5 rating, and the value for money was rated 4.3/5. Reviewers highlighted the ease of following instructions in both Japanese and English.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.3/5
Guide	4.7/5
Value for Money	4.3/5

The high ratings and positive feedback suggest this is a well-run and enjoyable experience for participants.

Creating Seasonal Japanese Sweets

During the experience, participants create two seasonal Japanese sweets using white and red bean paste from long-established shops in Kyoto.

First, they make Nerikiri, a high-grade confection crafted in the shape of seasonal flowers or fruits. This delicate sweet requires skill and precision to mold.

Next, participants use the remaining bean paste to create another traditional sweet. Throughout the process, they learn techniques passed down for generations, blending aesthetics and flavors unique to Japanese confectionery.

The handmade treats are then enjoyed alongside a cup of single-origin Uji Matcha tea, completing the traditional experience.

Participating in a Tea Ceremony

After creating the seasonal Japanese sweets, participants then engage in a traditional tea ceremony using single-origin Uji Matcha. The ceremony follows a precise order, with participants learning proper etiquette and techniques. They’ll learn how to whisk the vibrant green tea, appreciate its aroma and flavor, and cleanse the utensils. Enjoy the calming ritual as you savor the delicate sweets alongside the pure, earthy tea.

Steps	Description
1. Prepare	Cleanse the tea bowl, spoon, and whisk.
2. Whisk	Carefully whisk the matcha to create a frothy, emerald liquid.
3. Appreciate	Admire the color, scent, and taste of the matcha.
4. Cleanse	Clean the tea utensils with care.
5. Relax	Savor the matcha and handmade sweets in a moment of tranquility.

Enjoying the Handmade Treats

The handmade sweets are a delightful treat to savor alongside the earthy, frothy matcha tea. Crafted with care, the Nerikiri sweets showcase seasonal flavors and designs. Their vibrant colors and intricate shapes are a feast for the eyes.

As participants sip the smooth, rich matcha, they can fully appreciate the nuanced tastes and textures of the bean paste confections. This harmonious pairing allows guests to enjoy the beauty and tradition of Japanese tea culture.

The thoughtful experience leaves participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of Japanese sweets and tea.

Things To Know

Can I Customize the Types of Sweets I Make?

The activity doesn’t allow you to customize the types of sweets you make. You’ll create two seasonal Japanese sweets using traditional ingredients and methods as part of the preset experience.

How Many People Can Participate in the Activity at Once?

The experience allows for up to a certain number of participants at a time, though the specific group size is not explicitly stated. Reservations are required, so interested parties should check availability when booking the activity.

Is the Experience Suitable for People With Dietary Restrictions?

The experience accommodates dietary restrictions. It notes that they offer seasonal Japanese sweets made with white/red bean paste, allowing for customization to suit various dietary needs. Participants should check with the provider for specific accommodations.

Can I Take the Handmade Sweets Home With Me?

Unfortunately, you can’t take the handmade sweets home with you. The experience is designed for you to enjoy the sweets on-site along with the Matcha tea as part of the traditional tea ceremony.

Are There Any Group Discounts or Package Deals Available?

Yes, there are group discounts available. Groups of 4 or more can get 10% off the total price. Plus, there’s a package deal that includes the experience plus a souvenir for $23.80 per person.

Sum Up

This immersive experience in Kyoto allows you to create traditional Japanese sweets and partake in a serene tea ceremony. You’ll learn the art of preparing delicate confections and savoring single-origin matcha, gaining insight into Japan’s rich culinary culture and the tranquility of tea appreciation. It’s an accessible activity that offers a unique opportunity to dive into the heart of Kyoto’s time-honored traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: