All Reviews for Japanese Sweets

Since coming to Japan, I have been interested in experiencing the culture, particularly through tea ceremony. I enjoy drinking matcha normally, so I decided to participate. Making wagashi was quite challenging, but I managed to do it well. After the experience, I was able to understand Japanese culture much better and had a lot of fun. Next time, if I have the time, I would like to try such an experience again.

日本に来て以来、文化について体験してみたいと思って茶道の興味を持っています。普通に抹茶を飲むことが好きです。そして参加することにしました。和菓子の作り方がなかなか難しいですが、きちんとできました。体験を取ってから、楽しく日本の文化が良く理解できました。
次回、時間があれば、もう一回そんな体験してみたいと思います。

I don't usually write reviews like this, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts this time. Honestly, it was a disappointing experience for several reasons.

Firstly, it was an extremely hot day, yet the air conditioning was not turned on. They mentioned that the windows were open for infection prevention, but it was so hot that I felt dizzy.

Additionally, there were many questions and discussions that were not directly related to the nerikiri experience, and given the heat, it felt like they were taking time for the sake of lengthening the session.

Next, and this was the most shocking part, we were not provided with any drinks when it came time to eat the nerikiri we made. (By the way, I believe bringing our own drinks was also prohibited.) I would have appreciated even just a cup of water. I assume they did this to encourage us to choose the tea ceremony course, but it was simply tough in the heat. I went with my mother, and I felt very awkward and sorry towards her as well.

This experience has left a sort of trauma, and I don't think I will participate in something like this again.

あまりこういったレビューを書くことはないのですが、今回思うところがあったので書かせていただきます。
正直、残念な体験でした。理由はいくつかあります。
一つ目が非常に暑い日であったのにも関わらずクーラーをつけていただけなかったことで、感染防止のため窓を開けているということでしたが、クラクラするくらいに暑かったです。。
また、直接的に練り切り体験に関係の無い問答が非常に多く、暑い空間であることもあり、尺のために説明に時間をかけているという印象がありました。
次に、これが一番衝撃だったのですが、作った練り切りを食べる際に飲み物を出していただけなかったことです。(ちなみに持ち込みも禁止だったと思います。)紙コップに水でも良いのでなにか飲み物が欲しかったです。きっとお茶を点てるコースを選んでもらうためにあえてそのようにしてるのだと思いますが、暑い中シンプルにキツかったです。私はお母さんと2人で体験に行きましたが、お母さんに対しても気まずく非常に申し訳ないと思ってしまいました。
今回がある種トラウマになってしまい、もうこのような体験に行くことは無いかと思います。

I had a great time. We made two types of seasonal wagashi, which were charming and really captured the essence of the season. I thought the instructor's explanations were clear and helpful. The duration of about one hour was just right.

One point for improvement would be that there were no drinks, like water, provided during the lecture, and it was concerning that we couldn't go out to buy something in the middle. Additionally, the quality of the anko wasn't very good; it was dry and not tasty.

Overall, I was satisfied.

楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。
作ったのは季節の和菓子２種類で、かわいらしさと季節を感じるもので好感が持てました。インストラクターの方の説明も分かりやすくて良かったと思います。時間も１時間程度とちょうどいい長さでした。
改善して欲しい点としては、レクチャー中に水等の飲み物を一切サービスしてもらえず、途中で買いに行くこともできないのが気になりました。また、餡子の質があまり良くなくパサパサして美味しくは無かったです。
総合的には満足です。

I had my first experience making wagashi (Japanese sweets). It was more difficult than I expected, and I realized just how amazing the artisans are. The work is delicate and time-consuming, which made me understand why wagashi can be a bit pricey. However, the person in charge taught us in a clear and thorough manner, so I was able to shape my creation somehow!

I also learned that the themes change with the seasons, so I thought it was great that you can enjoy it every time you go. I believe it would be fun to go with family, couples, or friends. I would love to participate again!

初めて和菓子体験をしました。
思っていたよりも難しくて、職人さんがどれだけ凄いのか伝わりました。繊細で時間のかかる作業だからそこ、和菓子は少し値段がするのだと納得しました。でも、担当の方が丁寧にわかりやすく教えてくださったので、なんとか形にすることができました！
季節によって作る題材も変わるとのことなので、何度行っても楽しめてすごくいいなと思いました。
親子、カップル、友達、誰と行っても楽しめると思います。また参加させてください！

Thank you for a very enjoyable time! Not just us, but all the participants were seriously focused on their work. Even someone as clumsy as I am was able to make wonderful wagashi, which was truly moving. I learned that the two types of wagashi change with the seasons, and I would love to go back and make them again.

The venue was well-ventilated, and the tables were arranged by group, with gloves provided, making it hygienic. However, the gloves provided were a bit loose even in size S, so for women with smaller hands, SS size or children's sizes might be better. For those of us who are clumsy, if the gloves slip, it can affect the final product, so it might be good to have some rubber bands or tape as a precaution. (Clumsy people should be careful not to drop the anko. I almost dropped it twice.)

I enjoy wagashi and often eat them, but I was fascinated to learn how that delicate craftsmanship is created, and I was truly impressed by the artisans' skills. I definitely want to visit again. Thank you!

とても楽しい時間をありがとうございました！
私たちだけでなく、参加者の皆さん真剣に黙々と作業に集中していました。不器用な私でも、ステキな和菓子を作ることができ、感動しました。和菓子2種類は、季節によって変わっていくとのことで、また作りに行きたいと思いました。
換気もされていて、グループごとに机をまとめてくださって、手袋も配られ、衛生的でした。
ただ、配られた手袋はＳでも私は少しブカブカだったので、手の小さい女性は、SSサイズや子供用のものでもいいのかも。私のように不器用な人は、手袋がズレると仕上がりに影響するので、ゴムとかテープとか、対策するといいかもしれません。（不器用な人は、餡を落とさないようにご注意を。私は2回落としそうになりました。）
和菓子は好きでよく戴きますが、あの繊細な細工はどうやって作られているかが分かり、また、職人さんの技術は素晴らしいなと感じ入りました。
ぜひまた伺いたいと思います。ありがとうございました。

Recently, I had my first experience making wagashi (Japanese sweets) during my trip. With the guidance of the instructor, I was able to create delicate and beautiful wagashi, and although I was a bit clumsy, I had so much fun that I became completely hooked. While looking for more opportunities in Tokyo, I found this place. I quickly made a reservation and was excited to visit. A young male instructor taught us in an easy-to-understand manner. He even demonstrated grinding matcha with a stone mill, and even though I had only dabbled in it during my student days, I managed to create a decent froth, which really boosted my spirits. They are based in Kyoto, and I learned that this location has only been open for about a month. They also use anko (sweet red bean paste) from Kyoto. It's wonderful to make something yourself, and even if it's a bit misshapen, it feels special and tastes great. They have thorough infection control measures in place, so I really hope many people get to experience this. Thank you very much.

先日旅行先で初めて和菓子作り体験をしたのですが、繊細で美しい和菓子を先生に教えて頂きながら、慣れない手つきで、でもとても楽しく作る事が出来て、すっかりハマってしまいました。またやりたくなって都内で探していたところ、こちらを見つけました。早速予約してわくわくしながら伺いました。若い男性の先生が分かりやすく教えてくださいました。お抹茶も石臼を実演で引いて下さり、学生時代にちょっとかじっただけの私でもそれなりに泡が立ち、テンションが上がりました。京都でやられていて、こちらは始めてから1か月ほどなんだそうです。あんこも京都のものを使っているそうです。自分で作って、多少不恰好でも愛着が湧いて美味しいなんて最高です。感染症対策も万全ですので是非たくさんの方々に体験してほしいと思いました。ありがとうございました。

I participated with a friend. It was my first time making wagashi, and it turned out to be much more difficult than I expected, resulting in a somewhat... less than ideal appearance, haha. However, I had a great time working with my friend.

If I had to be picky, there were quite a few parts that were hard to understand, and since there were only a few participants, I would have liked a bit more detailed instruction.

The tea ceremony experience was informative with various explanations, and I learned a lot. I definitely want to gather the tools and try it at home!

友達と一緒に参加しました。
始めての和菓子作りでしたが、思っていたよりも全然難しく、見た目がちょっと・・・いう感じになってしまいました笑
ただ友達とは楽しく作業することができました。

欲を言えば、途中分かりづらい部分が多々あり、参加人数も少なかったのでもう少し丁寧に教えてほしかったです。

お点前体験は色々説明して貰い、勉強になりました。道具を揃えて是非家でもやってみたいと思いました！

The exterior of the building felt like an ordinary mixed-use building, but the inside was clean and well-maintained.

Making traditional Japanese sweets was challenging, but I enjoyed it thanks to the thorough guidance provided.

I understand that the tea experience was simplified, but it might be nice to have a more detailed tea ceremony experience. It would have been better if we could feel the finer details, like the matcha being properly served in the natsume or warming the tea bowl with the chasen. The matcha also ended up lukewarm.

That said, making sweets was fun and incredibly delicious, and the staff were friendly, so I recommend it if you're looking for a casual experience.

Thank you!

ビルの外観は、普通の雑居ビル？という感じでしたが、中は清潔感がありました
和菓子作りは難しかったですが、ていねいに教えていただいて楽しめました
お茶体験は、簡略化したものだとは理解できますが、もう少していねいにお手前体験ができるよう工夫されてもよいのではないでしょうか
棗の中のお抹茶も、きちんと盛られているとか、茶筅通しをしてきちんとお茶碗をあっためるとか、そういった細かいところを感じられるともっとよかったと思います
(お抹茶もぬるくなってしまっていました)

とはいえ、お菓子作りは楽しく、そしてとってもおいしかったし、スタッフさんも感じがよかったので、気軽な感じで参加されるならおすすめです

ありがとうございました！

The tour schedule was unclear. The location for the wagashi experience was also far away, and I had to find and move there on my own. The wagashi experience was just okay.

ツアーの日程がわかりづらい。和菓子体験の場所も離れていて、自分で探して移動する必要かあった。和菓子体験はまずまずでした。

I participated in a nerikiri making and tea ceremony experience. In the nerikiri making, I challenged myself to create two types of traditional sweets inspired by bellflower and rice ears. The motifs change according to the season. While watching a demonstration and examples from the staff, I used special tools for making wagashi to shape the anko dough. This was quite difficult! Despite struggling, there was a sense of accomplishment when I finished. If I could wish for anything, I would have liked to make them even more beautifully.

During the tea ceremony experience, I received a basic explanation about matcha. They also demonstrated grinding tea leaves with a stone mill. The fresh aroma spread throughout the room! Then came the moment for the tea ceremony experience. Hmm, the froth isn’t good!? The temperature of the water is important, and if it’s too low, the froth won’t form well. I recommend whisking quickly!

Finally, it was time for the much-anticipated tasting! The collaboration of sweetness and bitterness. This is it! It was the best! Since I had worked hard to make it myself, the deliciousness was even more special.

　練り切り作り＋お手前体験に参加しました。
　練り切り作りでは、桔梗と稲穂をモチーフにした2種類の生菓子作りに挑戦。モチーフは、季節に応じて変更されるそうです。スタッフの方の実演と見本を見ながら、和菓子づくり専用の道具を使ってあんこの生地を整形していきます。これがなかなか難しい！四苦八苦しながらも、完成すると達成感があります。欲を言えば、もっと綺麗に作りたかったなぁ。
　お手前体験では、抹茶について基本的な説明をしていただけます。また、茶葉の石臼挽きを実演してくれます。挽きたての良い香りが部屋に広がります！そして、いよいよお手前体験。むむ、泡立ちが悪い！？お湯の温度が重要で、下がりすぎると泡立ちが悪くなるそう。素早く泡立てることをおすすめします！
　最後はお待ちかねの実食タイム！甘みと苦味のコラボレーション。これこれ！最高です！自分で頑張って作ったこともあって、その美味しさはひとしおでした。

It was my first experience with wagashi, and I had a very enjoyable time. The instructor was very kind and pleasant, and I learned a lot about wagashi, which made me very satisfied. I would like to recommend it to my friends, and since the experience content changes with the seasons, I would love to participate again if I have the chance!

はじめての和菓子体験でしたが非常に楽しい時間を過ごすことが出来ました。講師の方もとても親切で感じが良く、和菓子の知識も色々教えていただき大満足でした。友人にも勧めたいですし、季節ごとに体験内容が変わるとのことなので機会があればまた参加したいです！！

I had a great experience learning the basics of making wagashi in an easy-to-understand way. I was also able to deepen my knowledge about my favorite wagashi, matcha.

It may be due to system limitations, but I think it would be even better if the details of the options were clearer and if additions or cancellations could be made on the same day.

和菓子づくりの基本をわかりやすく教えていただきとてもいい体験になりました。
好きな和菓子、抹茶について知識も深めることができました。

システム上仕方がないかもしれませんがオプション詳細が分かりづらく追加、キャンセルを当日できるともっと良いかと思いました。

I have always wanted to try making nerikiri. I had the impression that it could only be experienced in Kyoto, but I was excited to find out that it is also available in Tokyo, so I quickly signed up. Not only did we make nerikiri, but we also learned about its history and interesting facts, which was very educational.

The timing and the level of the nerikiri experience were just right, making it suitable for beginners. I also participated in the tea ceremony, and I recommend doing the two experiences together.

I would like to try it again, and my interest in nerikiri has definitely increased. Thank you very much.

ずっと練り切り体験をしてみたいと思っていました。京都でしか体験できないイメージでしたが、今回東京でもできるとのことで早速申込みました。練り切りを作るだけではなく、歴史や豆知識も教えてくださり、とても勉強になりました。
時間や練り切り体験レベルもちょうどよく、初心者向けかと思います。お点前も一緒にしたのですが、セットで体験した方がおすすめです。
また、体験したいと思い、練り切りにも興味がより湧きました。ありがとうございました。

Since my child chose wagashi (Japanese sweets) as the theme for their independent research project, we had the opportunity to try making wagashi together.

The instructor was kind and patient, guiding us through the process, and we were able to enjoy making them even as beginners. I found the explanations about wasanbon (a type of fine sugar) and the origins of wagashi very interesting as an adult. My daughter, who is in upper elementary school, was able to complete her creations on her own.

My daughter, who loves wagashi, finished the experience exclaiming, "It was the best!" with great joy.

I’ve heard that the types of sweets made change with the seasons, so if we have the chance again, I would definitely love to go and make them once more.

Thank you very much.

子どもが自由研究で和菓子をテーマにした為、
こちらで親子で和菓子作りに挑戦させていただきました。

優しく丁寧に作り方をご指導いただき、初めてでも楽しく作る事が出来ました。
和三盆の事や和菓子の始まりなど解説していただき、大人の私も興味深かったです。
高学年の娘も一人で作り上げる事が出来ました。

和菓子が大好きな娘は体験を終え、『最高だった！』と大喜びでした。

季節に合わせて作るお菓子もどんどん変わっていくそうですので、また機会がありましたら是非作りに行かせていただきたいです。

ありがとうございました。

I had been interested for a while, but due to COVID, the experience classes were canceled, and I hesitated to go... When I finally looked for experience classes after measures were taken, I found many were held on weekends and holidays, making it difficult to participate.

At that time, I discovered this experience plan that was available on weekdays, included a tea ceremony experience, and was reasonably priced. I was immediately intrigued and signed up on the spot!

Despite signing up the day before, they welcomed me warmly and provided attentive service throughout! Before the experience, there was also a talk about wagashi (Japanese sweets) and matcha, which deepened my knowledge before the actual experience. The sweet red bean paste had a refined, gentle sweetness, and the matcha was mild with strong umami and almost no bitterness, making it safe for children to enjoy as well.

Although it's in a great location just a short walk from Kanda Station, the building itself can be a bit hard to find, so be careful ⚠️. It's located on the second floor of a building with "Nomura Building" written prominently.

I recommend doing some research beforehand. However, once you find it, you'll have a very satisfying experience, so if you're interested, definitely give it a try! ✨

少し前から興味があったものの、コロナで体験教室が中止だったり、少し抵抗があって行けなかったり…。いざ対策がなされてから体験教室を探してみると、土日祝開催が多く、参加が難しいものばかりで悩んでいました。
そんなとき、平日も開催でお点前体験までついていて、お値段もお手頃価格なこちらの体験プランを見つけ、すぐに興味を惹かれ、その場で申し込みをさせていただきました！
前日の申し込みであったにも関わらず、快く迎え入れて下さり、終始丁寧にご対応下さいました！
体験前には和菓子・お抹茶についてのお話もあるので、知識も深まってから体験することができます。餡子は上品な優しい甘さで、お抹茶も苦味がほとんどなく旨みの強いマイルドなもので、お子様も安心して召し上がれるところもポイントが高かったです。
神田駅からすぐの好立地ではあるものの、建物自体が少し分かりづらいので要注意⚠️大きく野村ビルと書かれたビルの2階にあります。
事前に下調べしてから行くことをオススメします。
ただ、辿りつければ大満足の体験ができるので、興味のある方は是非行ってみてください✨

I had the experience of making hibiscus and fireworks with nerikiri, as well as preparing tea. From the beginning, there were thorough explanations, and I was able to hear interesting trivia, making it a very enjoyable time. When I did well, I received compliments, which made the work feel rewarding. There were also quiz-style questions, and it was fun to work on them with my friends. It was a fulfilling experience, and I would like to go again if the shapes of the wagashi change.

ハイビスカスと花火を練り切りで作る体験とお茶をたてる体験をさせていただきました。最初から丁寧な説明があり、豆知識なども聞くことができたので、とても楽しい時間でした。
上手くできると、褒めの言葉をいただけたので、作業をしていて、やりがいがありました。
クイズ形式の質問などもあり、友達と考えながら作業をすることが楽しかったです。
充実した時間になったので、また作る和菓子の形が変わったら行ってみたいと思います。

I participated with my elementary school daughter, who loves wagashi (Japanese sweets). There were only a few participants, and sufficient COVID-19 measures were in place, so we felt safe throughout the experience. My daughter was able to actually experience making nerikiri with real ingredients and methods, and she not only had fun but also truly appreciated the wonderful skills of the artisans.

The tea ceremony experience was also great; we were able to start from grinding the tea with a stone mill and learned about the proper etiquette, which I think was a valuable experience. The lectures were thorough within the limited time, and we were able to smoothly progress from making to tasting.

One unfortunate aspect was that the venue was on the second floor, but there were no signs on the first floor, and the entrance to the building was hard to find. I tried calling several times before the start time but couldn't get through. Ultimately, I found my way there, but it was disappointing that we couldn't participate from the beginning.

However, considering the cost and the fact that it's an easily accessible experience in Tokyo for families with children, I am satisfied. Thank you!

和菓子が大好きな小学生の娘と2人で参加しました。
参加人数も少なく、十分にコロナ対策もとられており安心して過ごせました。
娘は、粘土で見よう見まねで作っていた練り切りを実際の材料と作り方で体験することができ、楽しさと同時に改めて職人さんの技術の素晴らしさを実感していました。
お点前体験も、石臼でひくところから体験させていただいたり、御作法についても知ることができ良い経験になったと思います。
限られた時間で丁寧なレクチャー、写真撮影なども行っていただき、作成から試食までスムーズな流れで進みました。

ひとつ残念だったのは、会場が2階ですが1階に看板などがなくビルの入口も分かりにくく迷ってしまい、開始時間前に何度か電話で問い合わせても繋がりませんでした。
結果的に出力で辿り着きましたが、最初から参加することができず残念でした。

しかし、金額面や子供連れで都内で気軽に体験できることを考えると満足です。
ありがとうございました！

We took a day off on a weekday and participated as a couple. I had been interested in the nerikiri experience and had been looking for information on events held in Tokyo for a while. However, due to the slightly high price and timing, I hadn't been able to participate until now.

While planning our weekday off, I happened to discover this event and signed up immediately. When we arrived at the venue on the day of the event, there were only the two of us participating, likely because it was a weekday. It seems this experience plan had only started about a week before we attended, so it was still an undiscovered gem.

The company running it originally offers similar experience plans in Kyoto, and the content of the experience was substantial. Before participating, I wondered if 90 minutes would be necessary, but there was also a mini-lecture where we learned about wagashi and the tea ceremony, which added to the enjoyment.

As for the nerikiri itself, it didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped, but I was able to understand the difficulty of making wagashi. I heard that families with children also participate, so I think I might take my child when they are around kindergarten age.

平日に休みをとって夫婦で参加しました。
練り切り体験に興味があり、都内で開催されているものの情報は以前から見ていました。しかし、少し値段が高いことやタイミングもあり、なかなか参加には至っていませんでした。
今回は平日休みの計画を立てているとき、たまたまこちらを発見。すぐに申し込みをしました。
当日開催場所に行ってみると、平日ということもあり、参加者が私たち夫婦ふたりだけ。この体験プランを始めたのが、私たちが参加した日の1週間ほど前からだそうで、まだ知られていない穴場だったようです。
もともと京都で同様の体験プランを提供されている会社が運営しており、体験内容は充実していました。参加する前には、90分も必要かなと思っていたのですが、和菓子やお点前に関する知識を教えてもらえるミニ講義的なものもあり、そこも含めて楽しめました。
肝心の練り切りに関しては、なかなか思うようにいかなかったですが、和菓子作りの難しさを知ることができました。お子様連れで参加される方もいるとのことだったので、子どもが年長さんくらいになったら連れて行ってみようかと思います。

I'm sure most of you would take a step back when you look at the cost, but honestly, how often do you travel to a new country and by-pass all the tourist-y spots to experience their culture in-depth?

This is the perfect opportunity to experience one of Japanese's most beautiful culture --- tea and wagashi. You will learn about the ingredient, techniques, and how they use simple colors or shapes to capture the essence of seasonal beauty. All ingredients were made from scratch by our lecturer.

The green wagashi with pink tip is the flower bulb of a pink peony, captured at the moment it is about to bloom. It's absolutely amazing to see how colors are created and the various tools you can use to create its shape.

I would go again if I can! It's so much fun and our translator is very professional and accommodating.

The wagashi making experience was very enjoyable! We were able to create three different wagashis (two of each design) and enjoy them with green tea. The technique was the highlight of the experience, and definitely something that I will use when I return from vacation.

Everything was wonderful !

Teacher has good knowledge and nice .guide was nice as well.
We enjoy very good afternoon.