Japan · WAGASHI & MOCHI MAKING
The good wagashi & mochi making fill weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes, and where they genuinely differ.
Tokyo’s Ryogoku sumo lesson pairs ring-side wrestling with chanko nabe and mochi pounding, led by former pros. 2 hours.
“The food was delicious and healthy, alas couldnt drink the complimentary sour plum drink due to alcohol allergy. The MC and Sumo wrestlers were great at ensuring we had fun and encouraging participation from audience, overall it was relaxing and lots of laughter.”
Make matcha in Asakusa, whisk your own tea, and pair it with mochi sweets near Asakusa Station. English guidance, 1 hour, $22.
“Great family fun! We learned a little about the history and then the techniques of matcha making. Ken was a super engaging and fun instructor.”
Pound steamed rice into mochi in Osaka, then taste your fresh creations with classic seasonings like kinako, anko, nori, and tea.
“Awesome setting, amazing staffing, highlight of our Osaka visit.”
SUMOLAND in Tokyo Ryogoku pairs chicken chanko hot pot with mochi pounding and interactive sumo bouts with former wrestlers.
“This show was so much fun! Starts right on time so try to get there a few minutes early. Everyone very friendly and food was good. Loved being able to participate. Mochi was so good too! Thank you!!”
Hands-on mochi and dango class in Sakura’s Sangenjaya home near Shibuya, with matcha tea, history talk, and take-home sweets.
“My sister and I had so much fun at this mochi class! We loved learning about the significance of mochi in Japan’s history and culture. Sakura san is a fantastic teacher! We’ll definitely be making mochi at home!”
Kyoto small-group food walk from Karasuma to Gion with 10 tastings, including wagyu sushi, yuba tofu, mochi, beer, sake, and tea.
“Disappointing tour. Lot of street food. Don’t think it was value for money. I could have bought the items myself for much less cost. Tour guide very quietly spoken and didn’t offer much in the way of descriptions, history etc.”
Make mochi from scratch in a small English-speaking class near Meguro Station. Learn daifuku, dango, warabi, and savory mochi.
“It was such an amazing class and experience! We had so much fun making the mochi and it was very delicious too. Waka-san is such a kind instructor, she was very patient explaining each step. Everyone was having fun, super recommend the class. 💝”
Kyoto small-group wagashi making and matcha tea ceremony near Fushimi Inari. Hand-on sweets, guided in English, up to 8 people.
“This traditional tea ceremony was amazing and peaceful. Perfect experience to learn and live the Japanese culture in a non-touristic area, but only 10 min walk to the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine (famous orange torii gates). Miho the hostess of the ceremony was friendly, nice and speaks English very well.”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
