Tokyo: Mt. Fuji Wagashi and Tea Tasting Tour in Japanese Garden

Tokyo’s Mt. Fuji Wagashi and Tea Tasting Tour in Japanese Garden offers a captivating culture. Guests will craft delicate Nerikiri sweets representing the iconic mountain, then sip matcha tea during a traditional ceremony within the serene Ikegami-Baien garden. This experience allows visitors to explore Japan’s rich heritage, cultivating a mindful appreciation for the country’s exquisite confectionery and time-honored traditions. But the journey doesn’t end there – you will uncover the profound significance behind these artful practices and the pursuit of aesthetic perfection in Japanese culture.

Key Points

• Participants learn the art of making traditional Japanese sweets called Nerikiri, shaped into intricate designs representing the iconic Mount Fuji.
• The experience offers a mindfulness practice, requiring focus and patience to delicately mold the pliable dough and capture the mountain’s serene beauty.
• Visitors engage in a traditional tea ceremony within the serene confines of the Ikegami-Baien garden, seeing the elegance and refinement of Japanese culture.
• The tea ceremony provides a mindful respite from the bustling city and a deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality, with attention to detail.
• The tour allows guests to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage, from the traditional sweets to the harmonious integration of nature and design in the Japanese garden.

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About the Experience

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to take in the art of traditional Japanese confectionery and tea ceremony. Participants will learn to make Nerikiri, a delicate Japanese sweet representing Mount Fuji, under the guidance of a friendly instructor.

They’ll then enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic tea room set within a picturesque Japanese garden, a location not well-known to foreigners. The experience promises a mindfulness beyond just creating sweets, allowing guests to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Included are the materials to make two Nerikiri sweets, the tea ceremony, and a tasting of the confections and matcha tea.

Exploring the Japanese Garden

After entering the Japanese garden, visitors are greeted by a serene landscape that transports them to a realm of tranquility. Lush greenery, winding paths, and a traditional teahouse create an authentic atmosphere.

The Ikegami-Baien garden, not well-known to foreigners, offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can stroll along the pond, admire the traditional architecture, and marvel at the harmonious integration of nature and design. This immersive experience allows participants to disconnect from the bustling city and engage with the essence of Japanese aesthetics and traditions.

Making Nerikiri Sweets

Participants begin their creative journey by learning the art of making traditional Japanese sweets called Nerikiri. Under the guidance of a friendly instructor, they’ll shape the colorful dough into intricate designs representing Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. This mindful experience allows them to explore the rich cultural heritage of Japanese confectionery:

• Delicately molding the pliable dough to capture the majestic mountain’s silhouette
• Meticulously adding details to bring the sweet treat to life
• Savoring the unique textures and flavors of the freshly made Nerikiri
• Gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision involved in traditional Japanese sweets

Significance of Mt. Fuji Wagashi

The Nerikiri sweets crafted in the shape of Mount Fuji hold deep symbolic significance within Japanese culture. As one of the most revered natural landmarks in the country, Mount Fuji represents Japan’s spiritual connection to the natural world.

The sweet’s delicate form and pastel colors evoke the serene beauty of the iconic mountain. Crafting these Nerikiri sweets is a mindfulness practice, requiring focus and patience to meticulously shape the dough. Beyond just creating a delicious treat, the process allows participants to enjoy Japanese cultural traditions and appreciate the country’s natural wonders.

The Nerikiri of Mount Fuji serves as a edible representation of Japan’s profound reverence for the natural landscape.

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Engaging in the Tea Ceremony

Along With crafting the Nerikiri sweets, participants engage in a traditional tea ceremony within the serene confines of the Ikegami-Baien garden. The tea ceremony experience allows visitors to enjoy the elegance and refinement of Japanese culture.

During the ceremony, guests learn about the intricate preparation and presentation of matcha tea, as well as the significance of the various utensils and gestures involved. The tea ceremony offers a:

• Mindful respite from the bustling city
• Deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality
• Appreciation for the attention to detail
• Memorable cultural experience

Sweets and Matcha Tasting

After the serene tea ceremony, participants move on to the highlight of the experience – crafting their own traditional Japanese sweets, known as Nerikiri. Under the guidance of a friendly instructor, they’ll learn the art of molding the pliable rice dough into intricate designs representing Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan.

Participants then have the opportunity to taste the fragrant matcha tea and their handmade confections, savoring the unique flavors and textures. This interactive workshop not only teaches traditional techniques but also allows participants to appreciate the mindfulness and attention to detail that go into creating these delicate Japanese sweets.

Inclusions and Restrictions

Among the inclusions in this tour are a stroll through the Japanese garden, the opportunity to make two Nerikiri sweets, and a hands-on tea ceremony experience. Participants will also receive an English recipe and video, as well as a chance to sample the sweets and matcha tea. The tour fees cover the tea room and garden admission.

However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. This activity isn’t suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or people over 95 years old. The meeting point is in front of a LAWSON convenience store near the Nishimagome station‘s south gate, and transportation costs and tips aren’t included.

• Stroll through Japanese garden
• Make 2 Nerikiri sweets
• Tea ceremony experience
• Sweets and matcha tasting

Meeting Point and Transportation

The meeting point for this tour is conveniently located in front of a LAWSON convenience store near the south gate of Nishimagome station. This central location makes it easy for participants to find and access the starting point of the experience.

Transportation costs and tips aren’t included in the tour price, so attendees will need to account for their own travel expenses to and from the meeting point.

The tour description notes that late arrivals may be treated the same as same-day cancellations, so it’s important for participants to arrive on time to ensure they can fully enjoy the scheduled activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Activity?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration of the activity. The activity description states the duration is 2 hours, and it does not mention the ability to extend it.

Can the Activity Be Customized for a Private Group Booking?

Yes, the activity can be customized for a private group booking. The friendly instructor is happy to tailor the experience to the group’s preferences and needs, such as adjusting the duration or content.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Activity?

The cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours prior to the activity. Within 24 hours, refunds are not available, but participants can reschedule for a later date.

Can the Participant Bring Their Own Equipment or Ingredients?

Participants cannot bring their own equipment or ingredients. The activity provides all necessary materials, including aprons and towels, to ensure an authentic experience. Any personal items would not be permitted during the session.

Is There an Option to Purchase Additional Sweets or Matcha Tea?

Participants can’t bring their own equipment or ingredients. However, there is an option to purchase additional sweets or matcha tea after the experience, though the cost isn’t included in the tour price.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a unique cultural experience, allowing participants to craft delicate Nerikiri sweets and partake in a traditional tea ceremony within the serene Ikegami-Baien garden. Through this journey, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich heritage, the profound reverence for nature, and the pursuit of aesthetic perfection in its exquisite confectionery and time-honored traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: