Discover the Art of Wagashi: Authentic Traditional Cultural Experiences in Tokyo with Unmatched Guest Satisfaction
Welcome to the 11th installment of our "Authentic Traditional Cultural Experiences in Tokyo" series, featuring the Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Workshop in the Kagurazaka area of Tokyo. Among our food-related tours, this is the most premium offering. Let us share what you will gain from this unique experience.
Participants in our past tours have rated them highly, with an average score of 4.94 out of 5 (equivalent to 98.8 out of 100) as of November 28, 2024. Such high satisfaction reflects the "special something" that guests gain through our tours. We believe this sense of uniqueness and happiness is echoed in the comments featured in our "Users’ Voices." Here's a quick overview of what you can expect to gain from this tour.
What You Will Gain from This Tour
Learn how to craft traditional Japanese sweets from Japan’s top wagashi artisans.
Taste the famous wagashi of "Baikatei," a favorite of high-end hotels.
Enjoy a tea ceremony in an authentic tea room, savoring matcha with the wagashi you made.
About the Wagashi Workshop and Baikatei
This workshop is hosted by the renowned wagashi shop Baikatei, located in Kagurazaka, Tokyo. The head artisan, Takeshi Inoue, is one of only 150 "Excellent Wagashi Artisans" in Japan, recognized for their exceptional skills. Inoue has also been awarded the title of "Tokyo Meister" by the Governor of Tokyo for his exemplary craftsmanship and contributions to his field.
Additionally, Inoue has represented Japan in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' "Japan Brand Program," where he delivered lectures on wagashi in the United Kingdom. With such expertise, Baikatei proudly offers foreigners an authentic wagashi-making experience.
Baikatei’s artisans have even been featured on the Japan Tourism Agency’s YouTube channel in the video "Wagashi – A Day of a Wagashi Making Craftsman." This video showcases their incredible skills and is a must-watch to appreciate the artistry of wagashi.
The Wagashi Workshop Experience
During the Wagashi Workshop, you will learn the art of making wagashi from Takeshi Inoue or one of his skilled apprentices. After creating your own wagashi, you will enjoy them paired with matcha in a newly built Sukiya-style tea room completed in August 2024. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience both wagashi-making and tea ceremony traditions in a single tour.
What Is Wagashi?
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets deeply tied to the seasons. Beyond their delightful taste, wagashi are celebrated for their visual beauty, reflecting the changing seasons. These exquisite treats are also closely associated with tea ceremony, where they provide a refined complement to matcha.
The aesthetic elegance of wagashi often embodies the concept of Wabi-Sabi—a sense of understated beauty—which aligns with their role in tea ceremonies. Made primarily from plant-based ingredients like rice, wheat, and beans, wagashi is increasingly gaining global attention due to its artistry and simplicity.
Why Choose This Experience?
Imagine making delicate and artistic wagashi in the heart of Kagurazaka, a historical and cultural area of Tokyo. This deeply immersive experience allows you to connect with many facets of Japanese culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour Details
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Baikatei, Kagurazaka (nearest stations: Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line or Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station on the Toei Oedo Line)
Price: ¥53,000 for groups of up to 5 people; for groups of 6-10, an additional ¥9,000 per person
Age Requirement: 10 years and above
Booking Period: At least 3 days in advance
Accessibility: Unfortunately, wheelchairs are not permitted due to stairs inside the classroom.
Meeting Point: To be decided after consultation. Hotel pickup is available for an additional fee.
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to delve into Japan’s traditional sweets and tea culture. Join us for this unforgettable Wagashi Workshop in Kagurazaka, a city steeped in history and charm!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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