Kiku Plan – Wagashi Making and Tea Ceremony Experience –

The Kiku Plan offers a captivating journey into the traditional arts of wagashi making and Japanese tea ceremony. Led by a skilled Japanese instructor fluent in English, this small-group experience immerses participants in the intricate techniques and cultural significance of these time-honored practices. From crafting seasonal nerikiri wagashi using natural ingredients to savoring the delicate flavors of matcha tea, the Kiku Plan promises an authentic and immersive exploration of Japan’s rich culinary heritage. With the option to create a kuromoji, the experience becomes even more immersive, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the precision and artistry that define these cultural traditions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 40-minute experience offering participants the opportunity to make traditional Japanese wagashi and partake in a tea ceremony.
• Small group setting limited to 8 individuals, led by a skilled Japanese instructor fluent in English.
• Handcraft a seasonal wagashi, nerikiri, using natural fruit and vegetable extracts, and learn about the significance of tea ceremony utensils.
• Option to create a kuromoji, a wooden stick for eating wagashi, nested inside a decorative origami container.
• Experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with a cold, and restrictions include no alcohol, drugs, video recording, or nudity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Kiku Plan

The Kiku Plan offers a comprehensive wagashi making and tea ceremony experience, with a duration of 40 minutes and a small group size limited to 8 participants. The experience is led by a Japanese instructor who’s also fluent in English.

Participants will have the opportunity to make a traditional Japanese sweet, Nerikiri, as well as partake in a Japanese tea ceremony in the tea room. As an optional add-on, guests can create a kuromoji (stick for eating wagashi) in a kimono origami container.

The wagashi’s vibrant colors are derived from natural powdered fruit and vegetable extracts, making them a healthier treat.

Duration and Group Size

The Kiku Plan offers a 40-minute experience in a small group, with a participant limit of 8 individuals. This intimate setting allows for a more personalized and immersive exploration of traditional Japanese wagashi-making and tea ceremony.

The small group size ensures each participant receives ample attention from the Japanese instructor, who’s fluent in both Japanese and English. This format fosters an atmosphere of shared discovery, where guests can comfortably engage with the cultural practices and ask questions throughout the experience.

The compact duration is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to these beloved aspects of Japanese heritage without overwhelming the participants.

Instructor Credentials

Guiding the participants through the Kiku Plan’s immersive experience is a Japanese instructor, fluent in both Japanese and English. With expertise in the art of wagashi making and tea ceremony, the instructor provides an authentic and educational journey into Japanese cultural traditions.

The instructor’s qualifications include:

1. Over a decade of experience in teaching traditional Japanese confectionery and tea ceremony practices.
2. Formal training and certification in the artisanal production of nerikiri, the seasonal wagashi featured in the Kiku Plan.
3. In-depth knowledge of the history, etiquette, and techniques that comprise the formal Japanese tea ceremony.

Wagashi Making Activity

To begin the wagashi making activity, participants are welcomed into a traditional Japanese tea room setting. They’re provided with all the necessary tools and ingredients to handcraft one seasonal wagashi, known as nerikiri.

Under the guidance of a skilled Japanese instructor, participants learn the intricate techniques involved in creating these delicate confections. The vibrant colors of the wagashi come from natural fruit and vegetable extracts, making them a healthier sweet treat.

After completing their wagashi masterpiece, participants can optionally package it in a kimono origami container, known as a kuromoji, to take home as a memento of their cultural experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Tea Ceremony Experience

Following the completion of the wagashi making experience, participants are then escorted into the traditional tea room to engage in a Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu, is a time-honored cultural practice that emphasizes the harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

During this immersive experience, you will:

1. Observe the precise and graceful movements of the tea master as they prepare a bowl of matcha, or powdered green tea.
2. Learn about the significance of the various utensils and the symbolism behind the ceremony.
3. Savor the delicate flavors of the matcha, accompanied by a traditional Japanese sweet.

The tea ceremony offers a serene and contemplative moment, allowing participants to fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Japanese culture.

Optional Kuromoji Inclusion

Along With the wagashi making and tea ceremony, participants are offered an optional opportunity to create a kuromoji, a small wooden stick used for eating the handmade sweets. The kuromoji is folded and nested inside a decorative origami container, adding a unique and traditional touch to the experience.

This optional activity allows guests to fully enjoy the Japanese culture and traditions associated with wagashi. The kuromoji and its origami container serve not only as a functional tool but also as a beautiful keepsake that participants can take home, preserving the memories of their Kiku Plan experience.

Healthier Wagashi Composition

Owing to the growing emphasis on healthy living, the color of the wagashi is derived from powdered fruit and vegetable extracts, making the traditional Japanese sweets a healthier choice. This natural coloring process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the wagashi but also introduces essential vitamins and minerals into the confection.

The key benefits of this healthier composition include:

1. Reduced artificial additives and preservatives
2. A more vibrant and natural color palette
3. Increased nutritional value for a guilt-free indulgence

Restrictions and Highlights

Despite the immersive cultural experience, the Wagami Making and Tea Ceremony activity comes with a few restrictions. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with a cold, as the tea room’s environment may be challenging. Alcohol, drugs, video recording, and nudity are also strictly prohibited.

On the bright side, participants can look forward to a traditional Japanese Wagashi making session and a serene tea ceremony experience in a relaxed space. The Wagashi’s vibrant colors come from natural fruit and vegetable extracts, making it a healthier treat. With a small group limited to 8 people, this 40-minute activity offers an intimate glimpse into Japanese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for the Wagashi?

Yes, the wagashi have vegetarian and vegan options available, as the color of the sweets is derived from powdered fruit and vegetable extracts rather than animal products.

Can I Take the Wagashi I Make Home With Me?

Yes, participants can take the wagashi they make home with them. The activity includes making one traditional Japanese sweet which can be enjoyed after the tea ceremony experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony Experience?

There is no specific dress code for the tea ceremony experience. Participants should wear comfortable, modest clothing, though traditional Japanese attire like kimonos may enhance the cultural experience.

Can I Bring My Own Japanese Tea Set to Use?

No, you cannot bring your own Japanese tea set to use. The experience is designed to provide participants with a traditional tea ceremony, using the instructor’s provided tea equipment and utensils. Bringing your own set would not be permitted.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

There’s no minimum age requirement specified, but the activity may not be suitable for young children. The organizers likely recommend participants be old enough to safely and actively engage with the traditional wagashi making and tea ceremony.

Recap

The Kiku Plan offers a captivating cultural experience, blending the art of wagashi making and the serenity of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Led by a skilled Japanese instructor, this small-group activity provides an immersive and personalized exploration of these time-honored traditions. Participants will craft a seasonal wagashi using natural ingredients and savor the delicate flavors of matcha tea, culminating in a truly authentic cultural encounter.

You can check if your dates are available here: