For a brief respite from exploring Tokyo’s urban wonders, head to the charming, quiet streets of Bunkyo Ward this casual sweets-making class. Your local host, Yuko, will introduce you to traditional Japanese sweets, both gluten-free and vegan.

Yuko, a professionally trained and accredited wagashi teacher, will guide you in making a wide range of classic sweet delights. Using gluten-free ingredients like rice flour and soy milk or water, you’ll create the dough to make four taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) with sweet fillings. Taiyaki, a waffle-like sweet commonly sold in street stalls at festivals, will be soft and fluffy.

Your sweet tooth will be further satisfied when you make a delicious Japanese-style anmitsu parfait. You’ll make shiratama dango balls for the base, and your host will prepare the rest of the toppings to execute a dazzling anmitsu, including sweet bean paste, kanten jelly (agar), kuromitsu syrup and seasonal fruits.

After crafting your sweets, sip Japanese tea and immerse yourself in chitchat and the seasonal beauty of this quaint inner suburb by the Kanda River.

This class is a must for any dessert lover looking to add cultural and culinary exploration to their Tokyo travels.