Fake Food (Food Sample) Making Workshop in Tokyo
Fake Food (Food Sample) Making Workshop in Tokyo
Discover the craftsmanship behind Japan’s world-famous fake food in this fun class.
Highlights
Create your own Japanese fake food sample in this fun, hands-on class
Choose from ramen (the default) or make a cute tart charm, cupcake charm, or parfait
Learn from a professional at Yamato Sample Factory, a famous food sample maker with almost 70 years of experience
10 meals
Experience Details
Have you ever walked past a Japanese restaurant and seen the perfect dishes displayed in the window? Those mouthwatering meals aren’t real, they’re called sampuru, or food samples! These realistic models, made of wax or plastic, are used across Japan to showcase menu items. Watch colorful toppings glisten and swirl as you craft your own, almost good enough to eat.
Now, you can discover how they’re made and create one yourself in this fun Tokyo workshop. With guidance from a friendly instructor, you’ll follow step-by-step instructions to craft your very own fake food sample. It’s a photo-worthy moment you’ll want to capture before taking your creation home.
The default course allows you to create a life-size bowl of ramen, complete with noodles, toppings, and broth. Or, choose a tart charm, cupcake charm, or parfait; all fun, eye-catching souvenirs that last for years.
This experience is hosted by a long-running company that has been making food replicas since 1952. Their skilled artisans hand-finish each piece to make it look just like the real thing.
The workshop includes a short introduction to Japan’s food sample culture, a quick tour, and around 40 minutes of hands-on crafting. It’s easy to join, even if you’re new to arts and crafts. Great for families, couples, and anyone who loves Japanese food and creativity!
Take home your handmade masterpiece, a realistic, one-of-a-kind reminder of your time in Tokyo that will last for years.
What You Get
Good To Know
- Food sample kits are available for purchase at an additional cost
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy, or bring an apron
- The workshop is mainly in Japanese, but it’s easy to follow through the visual instructions
- Extra toppings for real-size parfaits cost about ¥300 and up.
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Kita-Ikebukuro Station. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.
Experience Location
One of Tokyo’s major city centers, the vibrant area of Ikebukuro serves as a huge commuter and electronics hub. It’s the second busiest station in Tokyo, just after Shinjuku Station, and is surrounded by hundreds of shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While it’s not as famous as Akihabara, Ikebukuro has a strong otaku culture, but one that caters towards female clientele, featuring a number of butler cafes and cosplay shops. The area is also the home a rooftop aquarium and a number of other attractions within Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City, an enormous mall complex.
highly recommend for those who want to have hands on experience in making food samples. the shop owner is super patient and informative about each steps and result is amazing. They explain well in ...read more
Thank you for visiting us today. I'm glad you enjoyed your time here. I want to study English more. Please come visit us again when you visit Japan.
This is such a great family experience! It’s a very cool and unique souvenir that you make yourself. The staff is so friendly and we really enjoyed it!
A wonderfully cute parfait has been created. I am very happy that everyone showed interest in the food samples. Please come again when you visit Japan.
This was such a fun experience and was a highlight of our trip! Yuichi taught us all about the history of fake food making and it was really interesting. He walked us through the whole process and ...read more
Thank you for visiting us today. My name is Yuichi. I am very happy that you enjoyed making the food samples. They turned out wonderfully. Please do come visit our workshop again when you visit Jap...Read more
Just finished our memorable experience making a Parfait and Ramen bowl! It was easy and we got to take home a great moment for our efforts. Our instructor was very friendly and helped us through ...read more
Thank you for visiting us today. How is your trip going? You both did wonderfully. Please come visit us again when you visit Japan. We look forward to seeing you.
Such a fun experience! The instructors communicated the steps for creating our parfaits very well in English. We enjoyed practicing our Japanese conversational skills with them as well.
Thank you so much for coming. We are very honored that you enjoyed your visit. Thank you also for your review. We look forward to seeing you again when you come to Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions