Wagashi Making & Tea Ceremony in Kyoto | Enjoy Nerikiri and Matcha

Enjoy Wagashi Making and a Tea Ceremony Together in Kyoto

This cultural experience in Gojo-Karasuma, Kyoto, lets you make seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) and enjoy a matcha tea ceremony all in one visit.

Rather than simply watching a tea ceremony, the real appeal lies in shaping your own nerikiri sweets by hand and getting hands-on with matcha itself.

The venue is located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, making it easy to fit into an itinerary that includes Kyoto Station or Shijo-Karasuma.

Nerikiri Making That Beginners Can Enjoy Too

Plans that include wagashi making let you create nerikiri using white bean paste or sweet red bean paste.

You'll add color and shape to prepared ingredients, crafting designs inspired by flowers and the seasons.

While these delicate sweets may look intricate, first-time participants are guided step by step, making it approachable for everyone.

Watching your creation take shape little by little brings a sense of joy and accomplishment you simply can't get from eating wagashi alone.

Savor Your Handmade Wagashi with Matcha

Once complete, your wagashi is enjoyed alongside a traditional matcha tea ceremony.

Tasting the gentle sweetness of the wagashi first makes the aroma and pleasant bitterness of the matcha stand out even more.

Looking at the sweet you shaped with your own hands while sipping matcha creates a moment that stays with you—both in photos and in memory—long after your trip to Kyoto.

Learn the Flow of Tea Ceremony and How to Enjoy Matcha

During the experience, you'll get to see the tools and steps used in a traditional tea ceremony.

Watching how the tea whisk and tea bowl are handled gives you an up-close look at how matcha is prepared.

The goal isn't to master every formal rule, but to enjoy Japanese culture through wagashi and matcha—perfect for beginners who simply want a fun, approachable introduction.

Choose from Three Plans Based on What You Want

When booking, you'll typically find the following plan options:

• A simple tea ceremony experience
• A two-item matcha plan combining tea ceremony and wagashi making
• A three-item matcha plan combining tea ceremony, dry sweets (higashi), and wagashi making

Whether you want a quick taste of tea culture or a more in-depth wagashi-making experience will determine which plan suits you best.

Duration ranges from about 30 minutes to 2 hours and 5 minutes depending on the plan, so choose one that fits your schedule.

Some Plans Include a Matcha-Grinding Demonstration

Depending on the plan you choose, you may also get to see a demonstration of "hikicha"—the process of grinding tea leaves into matcha.

Matcha is usually seen only in its powdered form, so learning how it's actually made adds extra depth to the flavor of each cup.

If you're interested not just in making wagashi but in matcha itself, it's worth comparing what each plan includes.

An Easy Add-On to Your Kyoto Sightseeing, Meet Locally

The experience takes place at a venue near Gojo-Karasuma, Kyoto, with direct local meetup.

It pairs well with sightseeing and dining around Kyoto Station, Shijo-Karasuma, and Kawaramachi, and can be added to a schedule anytime from morning to evening.

With options ranging from short plans to more comprehensive ones including wagashi making, it's easy to fit into your travel plans.

What to Check Before Booking

• Whether to choose the simple tea ceremony, two-item matcha, or three-item matcha plan
• Whether your chosen plan includes wagashi making
• Whether dry sweets (higashi) or a matcha-grinding demonstration are included
• The duration of your chosen plan
• Start and expected end times
• Languages supported
• Venue name, address, and floor number
• Conditions for children's participation
• Group size for participation
• Photography rules
• Cancellation policy
• Current pricing and availability

Since the content and duration vary greatly by plan, be sure to check what's included before booking.

In Summary

The wagashi making and tea ceremony experience in Gojo-Karasuma, Kyoto, is a hands-on cultural experience where you shape your own nerikiri and enjoy it alongside matcha.

From a casual tea-ceremony-only plan to a fuller experience including dry sweets and wagashi making, you can choose based on your available time and interests.

Step beyond simply sightseeing in Kyoto—create your own memory of seasonal wagashi and a cup of matcha, made by your own hands.