Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, offers a unique opportunity to take in the refined traditions of Japanese confectionery and tea ceremony. This hands-on experience combines the creation of exquisite Nerikiri sweets with the appreciation of fragrant Uji Matcha tea, providing participants a chance to explore the delicate artistry that defines Kyoto’s culinary heritage. With engaging instruction and flexibility to accommodate various needs, this 95-minute session promises to transport guests into the captivating world of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

Key Points

• A 95-minute immersive cultural experience in Kyoto that involves making seasonal Japanese sweets and participating in a traditional tea ceremony.
• The experience is wheelchair-accessible, with English translation available upon request, and starts from $18.13 per person.
• Participants create Nerikiri, shaped like seasonal flowers or fruits, and are served Uji Matcha tea to balance the sweetness of the treats.
• The experience emphasizes the delicate nature of the sweets and refined tea ceremony rituals, offering unique insight into Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
• The experience has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 54 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide’s expertise, value for money, and quality of the sweets and tea.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Kyoto Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony is a 95-minute immersive cultural experience that allows participants to explore the art of Japanese confectionary-making and the refined tradition of the tea ceremony.

Priced from $18.13 per person, the activity includes creating two seasonal Japanese sweets using traditional techniques and ingredients from renowned Kyoto shops.

Guests then enjoy a soothing tea ceremony, balancing the sweetness with frothy Uji matcha.

The experience is wheelchair-accessible, though stairs are required to reach the venues.

English translation is available upon request.

Booking Information

To book the Kyoto Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony experience, customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment through the provider’s website. The activity is priced from $18.13 per person and lasts for 95 minutes.

Some key booking details include:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
2. Meeting point is a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Subway Karasuma Line Gojo Station.
3. English translation is available upon request.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, though stairs are required to reach the venues.

Reservations can be made for operation hours from 10:00-17:00.

Experience Highlights

During the Kyoto Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony experience, participants can make two seasonal Japanese sweets using white and red bean paste from long-established Kyoto shops.

The sweets are called Nerikiri, which are high-grade confections shaped like seasonal flowers or fruits. Participants will also enjoy a tea ceremony with Uji Matcha, balancing the sweetness of the treats.

The activity highlights the exquisite and delicate nature of traditional Japanese confections and the refined ritual of the tea ceremony, offering a unique culture in Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.

Accessibility and Additional Details

The experience is wheelchair accessible, though participants should note that there are no elevators and stairs are required to reach the venues.

The operation hours are from 10:00 to 17:00, and reservations after 17:00 will be processed the next day. English translation is available upon request.

Additionally:

1. Children under 2 years old are free if seated on a parent’s lap, but a helper fee (50% of the experience) applies for preschool kids needing assistance.

2. Cancellation fees apply regardless of the reason, so be sure to check the policy details.

3. Add-ons include a sweets take-out box, an experience completion certificate, and the helper fee.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

What do the customer reviews and ratings say about this experience?

According to the information provided, the traditional sweets making and tea ceremony in Kyoto is highly rated overall, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 based on 54 reviews.

Customers are particularly impressed with the guide, giving them a 4.7 rating for their expertise and instruction.

The experience also represents good value for money, earning a 4.3 rating in that category.

Reviewers highlight the ease of understanding the process and the quality of the sweets and matcha tea.

This suggests the activity delivers a high-quality and educational cultural experience in Kyoto.

Cancellation Policy

Although a cancellation fee applies regardless of the reason, the policy details should be checked.

The key points are:

1. Cancellation made within 24 hours of the experience incurs a 100% cancellation fee.
2. Cancellation made more than 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund.
3. No-shows or late arrivals are considered cancellations and won’t be refunded.

The cancellation policy aims to balance flexibility for travelers while ensuring the tour operator can maintain the quality of the experience.

Participants are advised to review the policy carefully when booking to avoid any unexpected charges.

Additional Services and Add-Ons

Alongside the core experience, the Kyoto Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony offers several optional add-ons to enhance participants’ experience.

Visitors can purchase a sweets take-out box to enjoy their creations later. An experience completion certificate is also available for those seeking a memento.

For young children requiring extra assistance, a helper fee of 50% of the main experience price can be added.

These add-ons provide flexibility to customize the activity and cater to individual needs, ensuring every visitor can make the most of the traditional Japanese confections and tea ceremony.

Getting to the Venue

The meeting point for the Kyoto Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony experience is a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of the Subway Karasuma Line Gojo Station.

Getting to the venue is straightforward:

1. Take the Karasuma Line subway and exit at Gojo Station.
2. Head towards Exit 1 and look for the meeting point signage.
3. The venue is just a short walk away, making it easy to arrive on time for the 95-minute experience.

The location is wheelchair accessible, though there are no elevators, so guests will need to navigate some stairs to reach the sweets-making and tea ceremony spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Experience Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The experience doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating vegetarians or vegans. However, as some traditional Japanese sweets may contain animal products, it’s best to check with the operator about any dietary restrictions prior to booking.

Can I Request a Private/Group Session?

Yes, you can request a private or group session for this experience. The activity provider offers customized sessions for groups of 2 or more participants upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants. Children under 2 can attend the experience seated on a parent’s lap for free. Preschool kids needing assistance may incur a helper fee of 50% of the experience cost.

Is There a Dress Code for the Experience?

There’s no formal dress code for this experience. Participants can wear comfortable, casual clothing. The focus is on the hands-on sweets making and tea ceremony, so attire shouldn’t be a concern.

Can I Take Photos During the Tea Ceremony?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tea ceremony. However, they should avoid disrupting the ceremony and follow the guide’s instructions on appropriate photography etiquette to ensure a respectful experience for all.

The Sum Up

Discover the exquisite art of Japanese confections and the refined rituals of tea ceremony in Kyoto. This immersive experience offers the opportunity to create Nerikiri sweets and enjoy Uji Matcha tea, complemented by engaging instruction and cultural insights. Suitable for all, including wheelchair users, it’s a unique chance to explore the delicate traditions of this captivating culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: