Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan – No.10: A Luxury Private Wagashi Making Class with Tea Ceremony

Discover the Art of Seasonal Sweets Rooted in Zen, Samurai, and Tea Culture

In the heart of Tokyo, there is a rare cultural experience that speaks to the refined elegance of Japan’s past: a wagashi making class led by expert artisans in a traditional setting. Far beyond a simple cooking class, this immersive experience opens a window into centuries of spiritual discipline, artistic beauty, and culinary tradition.

What Is Wagashi?

Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections, often served during tea ceremonies and designed to reflect the seasons. More than just sweets, they are considered edible art—handcrafted expressions of nature, aesthetics, and mindfulness. Among them, Nerikiri stands out as the most refined, requiring skill, sensitivity, and an eye for seasonal nuance.

Made from ingredients like sweetened white bean paste and glutinous rice flour, wagashi are traditionally enjoyed with matcha green tea. Their subtle sweetness is perfectly balanced to complement the bitterness of tea. This relationship between tea and confection has been nurtured for centuries in the world of Zen Buddhism and the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu).

From Samurai to the Salon of Today

During the Edo period (1603-1867), wagashi evolved not only in imperial courts and merchant towns, but also in temples and samurai households. The disciplined minimalism of Zen informed the design of wagashi, encouraging simplicity and spiritual awareness. For samurai, learning to compose oneself in the tea room, to appreciate a well-made mochi, or to present seasonal sweets reflected refinement and mental clarity.

Today, luxury travelers seeking authenticity and cultural depth can connect with that legacy. Our wagashi making class offers more than technique—it offers insight into Japan’s philosophy of beauty and ritual.

What You Can Expect at Our Wagashi Making Class

Held in a private, serene space in Tokyo, this class begins with a short introduction to the history and symbolism of wagashi. You will be guided by a professional artisan who will demonstrate how to shape Nerikiri sweets using traditional tools and natural colorings. Then, it’s your turn to create your own.

Whether sculpting a camellia for winter or a sakura blossom for spring, you will be working with your hands, your senses, and your heart. Alongside the confectionery portion, guests enjoy a tea ceremony.

Why This Is the Ideal Cultural Experience

For high-end travelers, this experience offers the perfect balance of sophistication, serenity, and storytelling. It is private, hands-on, and deeply meaningful—a memorable way to engage with Japan's intangible cultural heritage.

More than just learning to make sweets, our wagashi making class is a journey into Japan’s spiritual and aesthetic traditions, where Zen, samurai discipline, and seasonal beauty converge in every bite.

Location: Fufumi-an, Kagurazaka in Central Tokyo (Private venue)

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Language: English

Inclusions: Hands-on Nerikiri making, tea tasting, confection box, English-speaking guide

Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, a seeker of stillness, or simply looking to taste Japan's refined side, this class offers an unforgettable way to experience wagashi with all your senses.

▶ Explore more: Kagurazaka Refined Wander Official Site

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes of 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.