・Wagashi (Nerikiri) making
In this experience, you will learn how to make nerikiri, a traditional Japanese sweet made from white bean paste and rice flour. Nerikiri is known for its delicate and artistic shapes, often inspired by seasonal flowers or nature. We will guide you through each step of the process, from shaping the dough to adding fine details using specialized tools like the triangular stick. This is a hands-on experience where you can create your own unique designs and enjoy the beauty of Japanese confectionery.
・Tea ceremony (Matcha Experience)
After making nerikiri, you will participate in a matcha tea ceremony. Using a chasen (bamboo whisk), you’ll whisk powdered matcha into a frothy tea, learning the traditional method of preparation. Matcha has a rich flavor, and when paired with the sweetness of nerikiri, it creates a perfect balance. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the cultural significance of matcha in Japan and enjoy the tea in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
This combined experience allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture through both taste and tradition!
Rice is a staple food in Japan. In all most every family, there is a rice cooker. There is variety of Japanese rice brands such as Koshihikari and Hitomebore.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a centuries-old tradition closely tied to Zen Buddhist principles, and a popular way to experience Japanese culture. There are several variations on this ritual. At its base, powdered green tea (matcha) is prepared and served in accordance with strict rules. Oftentimes, wagashi (Japanese sweets) is served alongside the bitter green tea.
Nerikiri-Making Steps
First, I will explain what nerikiri is, how to make it, and the tools we will be using.
Next, you will use tools and your hands to shape the dough into beautiful flowers, leaves, or other nature-inspired designs.
This time, we will make three types of nerikiri: sakura (cherry blossom) hydrangea, and kiku (chrysanthemum).
Each one represents a flower that symbolizes a season in Japan.
The ingredients used in my wagashi class are white bean paste, sugar, rice flour, cocoa powder, matcha green tea, food coloring, potato starch, and agar.
Tea ceremony Matcha Experience Steps
After finishing the wagashi-making, we will move on to the matcha experience.
You will choose your favorite matcha bowl and use a special tool called a chasen (bamboo whisk) to whisk the matcha.
Finally, let's enjoy the beautiful wagashi you made with delicious matcha!
Hello, everyone! My name is Kana, and I grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. From a young age, I’ve always loved visiting Japan’s beautiful shrines and temples, and of course, enjoying traditional Japanese sweets and matcha. At home, my family often made matcha and created homemade wagashi, which sparked my love for these traditions.
I’ve also studied sado, or the Japanese tea ceremony, and I’m excited to share Japan’s rich cultural heritage with you through this experience. The lesson takes place in Kawagoe, Saitama, just next to Tokyo. Kawagoe is a charming town with streets that look like they’ve come straight out of the Edo period, full of historical buildings and hidden gems not yet widely known to international visitors.
Our lesson venue itself is a precious piece of Kawagoe’s history, designated as a tangible cultural property. It’s a wonderful spot for photos, so I hope you’ll join us and capture some memories while immersing yourself in the beauty of Japanese culture.
The closest station
Honkawagoe Station, Kawagoe Station
How to get to the station?
From Ikebukuro Station: 45mins
Exact location provided after booking.
Sarah, Japan
★★★★★We just completed a gluten free wagashi and matcha class in kawagoe. I highly recommend it! Very informational and super fun. Kana (the sensei) was very kind and used a PowerPoint to teach along the way. We were taught about the three different varieties of nerikiri. Afterwards we enjoyed a bowl of matcha and one of our hand made wagashi. The other two we got to take home. Would do again!
Dec 2024
Response from Kana
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Sarah!
I’m so happy to hear that. Both of you were so kind, which made making wagashi together even more enjoyable.
Next time, I’ll prepare a different menu for you. Please feel free to come back anytime!
Nahoko, Japan
★★★★★Our wagashi class with Kana absolutely achieved our expectations! She is a very friendly and attentive teacher. The class is well organized. Highly recommend to anyone wants to experience true Japanese culture.
Dec 2024
Response from Kana
Nahoko-san Thank you for coming to my wagashi class! You were very good at making wagashi!
I am happy to make wagashi with you.
If you feel like making wagashi, please come visit me anytime!
Nahoko, Japan
★★★★★Our wagashi class with Kana absolutely achieved our expectations! She is a very friendly and attentive teacher. The class is well organized. Highly recommend to anyone wants to experience true Japanese culture.
Dec 2024
Response from Kana
Thanks for coming, Nahoko!
I am glad to hear you say so!
You did a great job making the Japanese sweets.
I was surprised to see how much you improved during the lesson.
I enjoyed spending time with you too.
If you ever want to make wagashi, please come back anytime.
Yutika, Japan
★★★★★I took Wagashi class with my kids today. We all LOVED IT. I really enjoyed the Traditional Japanese beautiful sweets. Kana is amazing, she knows all techniques and the tips for the beginners as we went along. I can’t recommend enough!!
Dec 2024
Response from Kana
Yutika, thank you so much for joining my class!
I’m so glad to hear that the kids enjoyed it too.
They did such a great job making wagashi!
I had a lot of fun as well.
Please feel free to join us again anytime!
Hitomi, Japan
★★★★★I participated in this workshop, and it was such a wonderful experience! The instructor was amazing—charming, humorous, and provided clear explanations, making it so much fun to make Wagashi, specifically Nerikiri together. The finished Wagashi were so beautiful that they felt almost too pretty to eat, and the taste was absolutely amazing! Having the chance to make Wagashi yourself is such a fantastic opportunity, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Dec 2024
Response from Kana
Hitomi, thank you so much for joining my class!
I’m still working on improving my English, so I was a bit worried about whether my explanations were easy to understand. But if you enjoyed the class, that makes me so happy!
If you ever feel like making wagashi again, please come back anytime!
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Response from Kana
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Duration of this cooking class is 2 hours.
Yes, Wagashi and Matcha Experience: A Cultural Journey in a Historical Building in Kawagoe,north of Tokyo : Sakura, chrysanthemum＆hydrangea【gluten-free/vegetarian/Halal OK！】 has a vegetarian option.
It costs 5000 per person.
Up to 5 people can join Kana's cooking class.
You will receive the confirmation within 24 hours.
We accepts these cards on airKitchen.
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the class begins will be fully refunded by the airKitchen cancellation policy.
