Make Traditional Japanese Sweets Nerikiri & Make matcha

Discovering Japanese Sweets and Matcha in Harajuku

Tokyo’s Harajuku district is famous for its colorful street fashion and lively atmosphere, but tucked away in this fashionable area is a gem for anyone curious about traditional Japanese cuisine—a small-group class on making nerikiri sweets and enjoying a matcha tea. For just $60 per person, this roughly 1 hour 45 minutes experience offers a blend of cultural insight, tasty treats, and a chance to see how locals in the city live.

What we love about this tour is how personal and authentic it feels—you’re invited into a local home, not just a crowded workshop. Hana, the instructor, is praised for her warmth and patience, making even beginners feel confident. Plus, the opportunity to create four beautifully crafted sweets and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony provides a real taste of Japan’s aesthetic and culinary traditions.

A small potential consideration is the limited group size—bookings are capped at four participants, which is great for intimacy but requires early planning. Also, being in a private home setting means this experience is best suited for those seeking a more relaxed, personal atmosphere rather than a big class with lots of people.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, want to learn a new skill, or simply enjoy tasting and creating beautiful food. Families, couples, or solo travelers eager for an authentic, hands-on experience will find this especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Home Setting: Experience Japanese culture inside a local Tokyo home, not a commercial studio.
• Hands-On Crafting: Make three nerikiri shapes plus a custom design, gaining skills you can recreate at home.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about Japanese sweets (wagashi) and the tea ceremony, deepening your understanding of tradition.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, including children, with reviews highlighting how even kids enjoyed the process.
• Convenient Location: Just a few minutes walk from Omotesando and Harajuku stations, perfect for combining with sightseeing.
• Value for Money: For $60, you get personalized instruction, multiple sweets, and tea, making it a cozy, memorable experience.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

The Location and Setting

The class takes place at Hana’s home—a beautifully maintained, welcoming space just 3 minutes from Omotesando station and 10 minutes on foot from Harajuku station. This means after your session, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the area’s famous shopping streets or grab a snack. The personal environment makes the experience feel more like visiting a friend’s home rather than joining a factory-style workshop, which many find more meaningful.

Meeting and Starting the Class

You’ll start at the meeting point, Chums Omotesando, where Hana greets you warmly. From there, she guides you to her home, sharing small details about her neighborhood along the way. This initial walk sets a relaxed tone, making everyone comfortable before the hands-on work begins.

Making Nerikiri Sweets

The main activity is crafting nerikiri, a style of wagashi that’s famous for its delicate, colorful shapes and cultural symbolism. Hana demonstrates how to work with bean paste, sugar, and natural ingredients, and then it’s your turn. You’ll practice creating three different shapes—with some reviews mentioning designs like sakura blossoms, Hello Kitty, Totoro, or even personal creative touches.

One reviewer fondly describes the process: “We made 4 exquisite mochi desserts, 3 we selected as a group from a plate of examples and 1 that we designed individually.” The process is surprisingly accessible thanks to Hana’s clear, patient guidance, even for those with no previous experience or children.

Custom Design and Artistic Expression

Part of the fun is the free-style creation—a chance to put your own twist on a sweet. This encourages your creativity and offers a sense of achievement when you see your finished piece. Several reviews emphasize how beautiful and intricate the sweets turn out, highlighting Hana’s skill and the relaxing pace of the class.

The Traditional Tea Ceremony

After crafting your sweets, Hana guides you through a simple table-style tea ceremony, where you’ll learn how to prepare and enjoy matcha—powdered green tea. This part feels like a natural extension, connecting your sweet-making with Japan’s long tradition of tea appreciation. Multiple reviews mention how delicious and calming this experience is, often paired with the sweets you just made.

The Tasting and Enjoyment

The class concludes with everyone sampling their creations, often accompanied by a cup of freshly prepared matcha. This isn’t just a demo; it’s about savoring the fruits of your labor and appreciating the artistry of Japanese confectionery. Many reviewers comment on how delicious and beautiful the sweets are, with some noting that even children can effortlessly produce charming designs.

Additional Aspects

Hana’s warm personality shines through, with many guests praising her patience and enthusiasm. The sessions run with a maximum of four participants, allowing for personalized attention and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Post-Class Opportunities

Once finished, you’re right in the heart of Harajuku, perfect for exploring quirky shops or grabbing a crepe. The convenient location makes it easy to turn this into a full day of sightseeing, shopping, or further culinary adventures.

Price and Value

For $60, you’re getting more than just a class—you’re gaining cultural insight, a new skill, and four beautifully crafted sweets to take home. The reviews repeatedly mention good value for money, especially considering the personalized instruction and the intimate setting. Compared to larger group classes, this offers a more meaningful, memorable experience that’s worth the price.

Why it’s worth it

• Authentic experience inside a local home—rare in tourist-heavy Tokyo.
• Skill you can use later—making nerikiri is an art worth trying again.
• Cultural enrichment—learn about wagashi and the tea ceremony firsthand.
• Memorable for families and solo travelers alike—kids get to be creative, adults enjoy a peaceful break.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re someone who adores Japanese culture, enjoys hands-on activities, or wants a calm, authentic experience in Tokyo, this tour is perfect. Families with children will appreciate how engaging and easy Hana makes the process, while solo travelers or couples will enjoy the personalized attention and relaxed atmosphere. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in food craftsmanship or simply want a unique souvenir—a set of sweets you made yourself.

Final Thoughts

This nerikiri and matcha class offers much more than just a cooking lesson. It’s a glimpse into Japan’s artistic confectionery and tea traditions wrapped into a warm, personal experience in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The reviews highlight how delightful, beautiful, and surprisingly easy Hana makes the process, leaving guests with lasting memories and new culinary skills.

For travelers craving an authentic cultural activity that balances learning, tasting, and creating, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to see how locals live and take home hands-on skills that remind them of Japan’s meticulous craftsmanship.

FAQs

How do I get to Hana’s home?
Hana’s place is located just a few minutes’ walk from Omotesando station and Harajuku station, making it very convenient for travelers exploring the area.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, reviews mention that children as young as four enjoyed making nerikiri sweets, and Hana’s patient guidance makes it accessible for all ages.

What is included in the price?
The fee of $60 covers personalized instruction, four sweets you create, and a cup of matcha tea. It’s good value given the intimate setting and skill level.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience. You will receive a full refund if you cancel that early.

Is the class private or shared?
It’s a small-group experience, capped at four people, ensuring plenty of attention from Hana.

What should I wear or bring?
The experience is casual and takes place indoors, so comfortable clothing is fine. You might want to bring your curiosity and a camera to capture your creations.

To sum it up, this tour offers an authentic taste of Japan’s culinary artistry within a comfortable, personal environment. It’s ideal for culture enthusiasts, families, or anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on experience in Tokyo. With its excellent reviews and friendly guide, Hana’s class promises a delightful, memorable journey into Japanese sweets and tea.