Japanese Sweets Making & Tea Ceremony in Yokohama, Suburban Tokyo

Explore the captivating world of traditional Japanese sweets-making and tea ceremony in the scenic suburb of Yokohama, just outside Tokyo. Participants will have the opportunity to craft delicate Wagashi confections under the guidance of skilled instructors, learning the intricate techniques that have been passed down for generations. This immersive cultural experience continues with a serene Matcha tea ceremony, where travelers can master the graceful movements of whisking the powdered green tea and gain a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old practice. Held in a tranquil Tatami room setting, this comprehensive workshop promises to transport visitors to the refined aesthetics of Japanese culture.

Key Points

• Participants can learn the centuries-old art of making traditional Japanese confections, including Mochi, Kuzumochi, Dorayaki, Yokan, and Nerikiri, under the guidance of skilled instructors.
• The experience includes a Matcha tea ceremony where participants learn the proper etiquette and techniques for preparing and serving the smooth, earthy green tea.
• The cultural experience takes place in a serene Tatami room setting, allowing participants to disconnect and fully enjoy the timeless traditions of Japan.
• The convenient location in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo, offers easy access via public transportation, with the primary pickup point at Azamino station and the meeting point at Obacho bus stop.
• The experience is designed for a maximum group size of 4 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate cultural journey.

Location and Transportation

The experience takes place in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo, conveniently accessible via the Tokyo Denentoshi line and Yokohama Subway, with the Azamino station serving as the primary pickup point.

From there, you will board a bus to the Obacho bus stop, just three stops away from the station. The well-connected location makes it easy for visitors to reach the venue, ensuring a seamless start to their Japanese sweets making and tea ceremony adventure.

With the Mizuho Bank serving as a landmark for the pickup point, and the Obacho bus stop as the meeting point, participants can expect a smooth and hassle-free transportation experience throughout the activity.

Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Making

Upon arriving at the venue, you will embark on the Japanese sweets making portion of the experience. Skilled instructors guide them through the intricate process of crafting traditional Wagashi, utilizing the provided ingredients to shape and adorn these delicate confections. Participants can expect to learn time-honored techniques and the cultural significance behind the various Wagashi styles.

Wagashi Style	Description	Traditional Shapes
Mochi	Soft, mildly sweet rice cakes	Round, leaf-shaped
Kuzumochi	Chewy, translucent sweets made from kudzu starch	Rectangular, cylindrical
Dorayaki	Fluffy pancake-like sweets with a sweet filling	Circular, bun-shaped
Yokan	Dense, gelatinous blocks made from sweet bean paste	Rectangular, block-like
Nerikiri	Intricately decorated confections made from rice flour and bean paste	Varied, often depicting seasonal motifs

Matcha (Green Tea) Ceremony

Participants then transition to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where they’ll learn the proper etiquette and techniques for preparing and serving matcha, a vibrant green tea.

In this elegant ritual, they’ll master the graceful movements of whisking the powdered tea in a small bowl, creating a frothy, aromatic beverage. The instructor will guide them through the intricate steps, explaining the significance of each action and the history behind this centuries-old practice.

As they sip the smooth, earthy tea, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the refined aesthetics and mindfulness that characterize the Japanese tea ceremony. This unique experience immerses them in the cultural traditions of Japan.

Tatami Room Experience

After mastering the art of making Japanese sweets and preparing matcha tea, participants then step into the serene tatami room, where they’ll enjoy the traditional ambiance of this time-honored setting.

The soft, woven mats underfoot and the simple, elegant decor evoke a sense of tranquility and refinement. Here, participants can fully appreciate the nuances of the Japanese tea ceremony, as they kneel on the floor and learn the proper etiquette and movements.

The tatami room’s peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for this quintessential cultural experience, allowing participants to disconnect from the outside world and fully engage with the timeless traditions of Japan.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The meeting and pickup arrangements for this cultural experience are straightforward. Participants meet at the front of the Mizuho Bank, a 1-minute walk from the west exit of Azamino Station.

From there, they’re guided to the Obacho Bus stop, which is 3 stops away from Azamino Station, to begin the activity.

The key details are:

• Pickup point: Front of Mizuho Bank, 1 min walk from west exit of Azamino Station
• Meeting point: Obacho Bus stop, 3 stops from Azamino station
• End point: Return to meeting point at Obacho Bus stop

This convenient location, close to public transportation, ensures a seamless start and end to the authentic Japanese sweets making and tea ceremony experience.

Inclusion and Provided Items

This experience provides the necessary ingredients for participants to craft their own Japanese sweets (Wagashi) and savor authentic Matcha (green tea) during the tea ceremony.

All the materials needed to make these traditional confections are included, such as the carefully selected seasonal ingredients.

Participants will also be served Matcha, the powdered green tea that’s an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony.

With the guidance of the expert instructor, visitors will learn about the history and techniques behind these timeless Japanese traditions.

The inclusion of these key elements ensures a comprehensive and immersive cultural experience in the serene Tatami room setting.

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation for this experience is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation.

Participants should bring socks to enter the Tatami room, as the maximum group size is 4 travelers.

This Japanese sweets making and tea ceremony activity offers a unique cultural experience in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo.

Traveler Capacity and Attire

For this Japanese sweets making and tea ceremony activity, the maximum group size is capped at 4 travelers. Participants are also required to bring socks to enter the Tatami room, as the event takes place in a traditional setting.

The intimate group size ensures a personalized experience and allows the hosts to provide dedicated attention to each participant. Wearing socks helps maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the Tatami room, which is an essential part of the traditional Japanese setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Experience?

Yes, participants can take photos and videos during the experience. However, they should be mindful of not disrupting the activities and follow the host’s instructions. Photography and filming are generally permitted, but some restrictions may apply.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Requirements?

There’s no dress code, but participants should wear socks to enter the tatami room. Bringing your own socks is recommended. No other special requirements beyond being able to stand and move around comfortably during the experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies to Consider?

Participants should notify the organizer of any dietary restrictions or food allergies prior to the activity. Accommodations can be made as needed to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Can I Purchase Additional Items or Souvenirs After the Experience?

Yes, participants can purchase additional items or souvenirs after the experience. The experience provider may offer a selection of Japanese sweets, tea, or other gifts for purchase at the end of the session.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Start or End Time of the Event?

The start and end times are fixed for this experience and cannot be adjusted. Participants must adhere to the schedule to ensure the smooth running of the program and accommodate all travelers.

Recap

This immersive cultural experience in Yokohama lets travelers craft authentic Wagashi sweets and partake in a serene Matcha tea ceremony.

Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you will learn the intricate techniques and cultural significance of these timeless Japanese traditions.

Held in a tranquil Tatami room setting, this comprehensive workshop provides a unique opportunity to disconnect and fully engage with the refined aesthetics of Japanese culture.