Wagashi Food Experiences(52)

We had a lovely time. Our host was very knowledgeable on the history of the traditional tea ceremony, she was patient and kind while teaching us how to make traditional Japanese tea sweets, and even let us try our hand at making and serving matcha and the importance of how to serve. It was an unforgettable experience.

We really enjoyed learning how to make nerikiri wagashi from Yasue, who is a skilled and knowledgeable teacher. The class was a highlight of our trip to Kyoto, and we look forward to returning to learn more wagashi designs in the future!

I really enjoyed this experience. The instructions were clear even if you don't speak japanese. They provide a video with english subtitles as well as some english instructions at your seat. The staff also demonstrates how to make it. It is not easy, but you can still have a decent result and the staff will help you. I recommend this. My final bunny is pretty cute.

Although this is described as being mainly about tea, this is really a three-part tour which starts off with the matcha experience and then goes on to a local miso producer, and finally some local history in the nearby castle. There were real friendly and knowledgeable tour guides throughout, excellent service and all necessary trips covered by taxi. The matcha experience was everything I hoped it would be. We visited the tea fields and got to try on the tea picking outfits which was a bit of fun and a nice photo op. We then learned about the production and processing of tea leaves to make matcha, got taught how to make and whisk it, drank it along with some tasty local sweets (wagashi). There was chance to purchase some to take home too. Lunch followed , cost covered by the overall price of the tour, which was tasty and tied in to the next stage which was all about miso. The miso experience was a real surprise, as a westerner I mostly knew miso from Miso Soup, but there is so much more to it. And seeing the passion of the local producers added to the magic. Finally the tour of the nearby museum and castle was a lovely relaxing close to the day with a stop at a tea house at the former Konoe residence for some more matcha and a sweet. Nishio might not be on your itinerary but I highly recommend making the trip! It's so worth it to see this little corner of Japan that has so much to offer. 🍵

Yuko-san was very kind and sweet! She picked me up from the station herself, and drove us to her lovely house. Since I was the only one who booked the experience, we had a private lesson just the two of us :) We even prepared a dish not listed on the recipes planned. Yuko-san accommodated my requests for vegetarian recipes, as well as replying quickly to emails when needed. The whole class was in English, easy to follow and we had a wonderful conversation as we prepared the different wagashi. She even made sure to take lots of photos and later send it to me via email! This was a great experience, definitely recommend! You will also get the recipes to all the dishes you make, so you can recreate them at home! Thank you again Yuko-san for such a wonderful time!