Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Cooking: Kyoto Near Fushimi Inari

Enjoy the captivating world of traditional Japanese confectionery with a wagashi-making experience near Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor, you’ll handcraft three iconic wagashi – mochi, dango, and kasane-ama – against the serene backdrop of a traditional Japanese garden. This intimate class, limited to just six participants, promises personalized attention and a deep dive into the cultural significance and intricate techniques behind these beloved sweets. Cap off your culinary journey with a soothing matcha tea tasting, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the art of Japanese confectionery.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour experience to learn how to make traditional Japanese confections, including mochi, dango, and kasane-ama, in an authentic setting near Fushimi Inari Shrine.
• The class is guided by an English-speaking instructor and designed for a small group of up to 6 participants to ensure personalized attention.
• The cost of €72.59 per person includes all ingredients and a matcha tea tasting, allowing for a relaxing and immersive cultural experience.
• The class is held in a traditional tatami-mat room with shoji screens and tranquil garden views, creating a serene atmosphere for learning.
• The hands-on experience covers the intricate techniques and cultural significance of making these iconic Japanese confections.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of Wagashi Cooking Class

The Wagashi cooking class provides participants with the opportunity to learn the art of creating traditional Japanese confections in an authentic Japanese setting near the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

During this 2.5-hour experience, up to 6 individuals will be guided by an English-speaking instructor to make 3 types of Wagashi.

The class costs €72.59 per person and includes all necessary ingredients, seasonings, and a matcha tea tasting.

Participants will relax in a traditional Japanese room with garden views, feeling as if they’ve been invited over for tea by a Japanese friend.

The class is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, though it’s not recommended for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

Duration and Cost of the Experience

The Wagashi cooking class lasts 2.5 hours and costs €72.59 per participant.

This hands-on experience is designed for small groups of up to 6 people, allowing for personalized attention from the English-speaking instructor.

During the class, you will learn to make three traditional Japanese sweets, seeing the art of Wagashi-making.

The intimate setting, with views of an authentic Japanese garden, enhances the sense of being welcomed into a friend’s home for a delightful tea ceremony.

Whether you’re a foodie, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique activity in Kyoto, this Wagashi cooking class near Fushimi Inari promises a memorable and enriching experience.

Group Size and Language Offered

With a maximum of 6 participants, the Wagashi cooking class offers an intimate learning environment that allows for personalized attention from the English-speaking instructor.

This small group size ensures that each participant receives ample guidance and support throughout the 2.5-hour experience.

The class is conducted entirely in English, making it accessible to international visitors who may not speak Japanese.

This attention to detail and language inclusivity allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the authentic Japanese cultural experience, learning to create three traditional Wagashi confections in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced home cook, this class caters to a range of skill levels and interests.

Learning to Make 3 Wagashi Types

Participants in the Wagashi cooking class will learn to craft three distinct types of traditional Japanese sweets, each with its own unique shape, flavor, and cultural significance.

They’ll start by making Mochi, a soft and chewy rice-based confection, often shaped into spheres and filled with sweet bean paste.

Next, they’ll create Dango, delicate dumplings made from mochi dough and usually skewered in groups of three or four.

Finally, they’ll learn the art of Kasane-ama, layered sweets made with colorful, translucent agar jelly and filled with red bean paste.

Under the guidance of the English-speaking instructor, you will enjoy the intricate techniques and centuries-old traditions of these iconic Japanese confections.

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Relaxing in an Authentic Japanese Setting

Guests will relax in an authentic Japanese room, surrounded by tranquil garden views that evoke a sense of calm and serenity.

The traditional tatami-mat floors, shoji screens, and minimalist decor create an atmosphere that transports participants to a peaceful oasis, far removed from the bustling city streets outside.

As they sip on a fragrant cup of matcha tea, guests can truly enjoy the authentic Japanese experience, feeling as if they’ve been invited over for tea by a close friend.

This serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for learning the intricate art of wagashi making, allowing participants to fully focus and appreciate the cultural significance of these exquisite traditional sweets.

Inclusions in the Cooking Class

The cooking class typically includes all the necessary ingredients and seasonings for preparing three distinct types of wagashi, or traditional Japanese sweets. Participants will learn the techniques and artistry required to craft these delicate confections under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor.

The class also provides matcha tea, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the Japanese tea ceremony experience. With the serene garden views and intimate setting of an authentic Japanese room, the inclusions foster a truly authentic and memorable wagashi-making journey.

Whether a beginner or seasoned sweets enthusiast, the class caters to all skill levels, ensuring a rewarding and enriching culinary adventure.

Exclusions From the Cooking Class

While the wagashi cooking class includes a wealth of features, it does not cover hotel pickup and drop-off, nor does it include gratuities for the instructor. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the class location near Fushimi Inari. Plus, tips for the English-speaking instructor are not included in the course fee, allowing guests to provide a gratuity at their own discretion.

Exclusion	Description
Hotel Pickup	Participants must make their own way to the class location.
Hotel Drop-off	Participants must arrange their own transportation after the class.
Gratuities	Tips for the instructor are not included in the course fee.

Recommendations and Suitability

The wagashi cooking class is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, provided they inform the instructor in advance. However, the experience isn’t recommended for children under 6 or wheelchair users due to the nature of the class and the facilities.

The intimate group size of up to 6 participants allows the instructor to provide personalized attention and recommendations based on the interests of each attendee.

The class takes place in an authentic Japanese room with serene garden views, creating a relaxing and immersive atmosphere.

Whether you’re a seasoned wagashi enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Japanese sweets, this class offers an authentic and memorable culinary experience near the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Cooking Class Be Customized to Individual Dietary Needs?

The cooking class can accommodate individual dietary needs with prior notice. Vegetarian and vegan participants can be catered for, allowing them to fully enjoy the traditional Japanese sweets experience.

Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for the Participants?

The cooking class has age and mobility restrictions. It’s not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users. However, the instructor can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets with prior notice.

What Level of Prior Experience Is Required for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class is suitable for participants of all skill levels. No prior experience in making Japanese sweets is required, as the English-speaking instructor will provide detailed, step-by-step guidance throughout the 2.5-hour session.

Can the Class Be Booked as a Private Event for a Group?

Yes, the cooking class can be booked as a private event for a group. The experience accommodates up to 6 participants, allowing you to enjoy the traditional Japanese sweets-making lesson together in an intimate setting.

Is It Possible to Purchase Additional Wagashi From the Instructor?

The instructor may allow participants to purchase additional wagashi made during the class. Interested guests should inquire about this option when booking, as availability and pricing may vary. The instructor can provide more details on any supplementary wagashi offerings.

Recap

This immersive wagashi-making experience near Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of traditional Japanese confectionery.

Guided by an English-speaking instructor, participants create three types of wagashi and enjoy a matcha tea tasting, all while surrounded by serene garden views.

The intimate class size ensures personalized attention, making it a perfect activity for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s rich culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: