Japanese dried-type Sweets ”Ohigashi” making

Japanese dried-type Sweets ”Ohigashi” making — A Sweet Cultural Experience in Kyoto

If you’re looking to add a hands-on, edible souvenir to your Kyoto trip, this Ohigashi making experience offers a delightful peek into traditional Japanese confectionery. Hosted by B.B. Advisors Inc., this activity combines artistry with taste, allowing you to craft your own dried sweets from 100% Wasanbon sugar.

We love the chance to create something both adorable and edible, the focus on 100% natural ingredients, and the opportunity to learn about a centuries-old Japanese craft. However, the price point might seem steep for some, especially if you’re not planning to purchase extras like colored sweets or certificates. Still, for those interested in Japanese tradition, sweet-making, or unique souvenirs, this activity hits the right note.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive workshops, want a meaningful cultural connection, or simply love sweet treats with a story behind them. If you’re after a relaxing, creative experience that offers a taste of Japan’s confectionery history, this visit could become a highlight of your Kyoto itinerary.

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Good To Know

• Authentic craft: Make dried sweets from 100% Wasanbon sugar, a traditional Japanese ingredient.
• Customizable shapes: Choose from cute wooden molds to personalize your sweets.
• Fresh taste: Enjoy the unique, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of freshly made Ohigashi.
• Cultural insight: Learn about the history of Japanese dried sweets and Wasanbon.
• Family friendly: Suitable for children (under 2 sit on laps for free) and adults alike.
• Optional extras: Add vibrant colors for an extra 200 JPY or obtain a certificate for 300 JPY.

An In-Depth Look at the Ohigashi Making Experience

Location and Meeting Point

Starting just a one-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kyoto’s Gojo Station (Subway Karasuma Line), the location is conveniently accessible. The store faces the main street, Gojo-dori, making it easy to find. The proximity to central Kyoto means you can easily incorporate this activity into a day of sightseeing.

The Structure of the Tour

Operation hours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with reservations processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the 7-hour window, it’s a flexible activity—perfect for fitting into a morning or afternoon slot. The experience typically lasts about 50 minutes in total, including explanation, hands-on making, and tasting.

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The Experience Breakdown

• Introduction: Your guide provides a brief overview of Japanese sweets, focusing on Ohigashi and its significance. Expect a friendly, accessible explanation, possibly in English if requested, though the primary language is Japanese.

• Making your Sweets: You’ll select a wooden mold—think of cute shapes like flowers or animals—and then mix and shape your sweets with 100% Wasanbon sugar. The process is tactile and fun, especially since Wasanbon melts smoothly and creates a fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

• Coloring Option: For an extra 200 JPY, you can add vibrant colors, which makes the sweets more attractive. This is particularly popular for kids or those wanting a more playful presentation.

• Photo Opportunities: The staff encourages you to take photos during the process, capturing the moment you craft your own edible art.

• Enjoy Your Creation: You’ll get to taste the fresh Ohigashi, which offers a mellow, unique flavor that only high-quality Wasanbon can provide. Reviewers have described the sugar as “fluffy and smooth” and “melts in your mouth,” emphasizing the premium quality.

• Additional Options: A Taste of Matcha or a certificate of completion can be purchased afterward, enhancing the souvenir aspect of the experience.

What Makes It Special

The main draw here is the chance to see and taste a traditional Japanese sweet from its raw ingredients, rather than just buying pre-packaged treats. The fact that the sweets are made from 100% Wasanbon, a sugar with a mellow, refined flavor, ensures you’re experiencing a genuine taste of Japan’s confectionery craftsmanship.

Authenticity and Quality

The Wasanbon used in this activity is made in Japan, ensuring authenticity. Since no artificial coloring is added unless you pay extra, the sweets remain true to their natural roots, making them both a delicious and honest treat.

Practical Considerations

• The price of $11 per person offers good value considering the hands-on nature and quality ingredients. However, extras like colorful sweets (200 JPY) or certificates (300 JPY) are optional but enhance the experience.
• The activity is suitable for a wide age range, with children under 2 being free if they sit on a parent’s lap.
• Keep in mind that the venue involves stairs, as there’s no elevator, which may affect travelers with mobility issues.

Reviews and Feedback

While only two reviews are available, both rate the experience highly—4.5 out of 5. A typical comment from a traveler described it as “fun to make, cute to look at, and enjoyable to eat.” The review from August 2025 states, “You can make Japanese dried-type sweets made from traditional Japanese sugar called ‘Wasanbon,’ which melts in your mouth and is very tasty.” This highlights the appeal of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the joy of creating your own sweets.

Additional Insights

One reviewer emphasized how special it is to “try the taste of high-quality Wasanbon,” indicating that this experience offers more than just fun—it provides a genuine taste of Japanese confectionery tradition. The guide’s explanations, though primarily in Japanese, are supplemented with translations, making it accessible even for non-Japanese speakers.

Why This Experience Is Worth It

For those with an interest in Japanese culture and culinary arts, this Ohigashi making class offers an authentic, tangible connection to Kyoto’s sweet traditions. It’s an ideal activity for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a memorable, hands-on cultural activity that results in a tasty souvenir.

While the cost might seem moderate, it covers premium ingredients and personal instruction, making it a worthwhile splurge for anyone wanting to understand Japanese sweets beyond just tasting them. The opportunity to see, shape, and taste the delicate sugar treats gives insight into the craftsmanship and patience that goes into traditional Wagashi.

This experience also suits those curious about Japanese ingredients like Wasanbon, providing a rare chance to handle and taste this high-grade sugar directly. For fans of cute crafts or food art, the adorable molds and colorful options make the process even more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Ohigashi making tour hits a sweet spot for lovers of culinary culture and authentic Japanese sweets. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about traditional sugar craftsmanship while creating a personal, edible keepsake. The use of 100% Wasanbon elevates the experience, giving you a taste of Japan’s refined confectionery heritage.

While it’s priced slightly higher than typical tour activities, the quality of ingredients, the opportunity for customization, and the memorable hands-on process make it a worthwhile experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a cultural explorer, or traveling with family, this activity offers a charming, delicious glimpse into Japan’s sweet-making art.

In short, if you want a meaningful, tasty souvenir and a chance to understand Japan’s confectionery traditions firsthand, this Ohigashi making workshop is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You receive a set of the experience to make Japanese dried sweets called Ohigashi, including the ingredients and instruction to shape your own treats.

Can I add color to my sweets?
Yes, for an additional 200 JPY, you can make colorful Ohigashi, which adds a fun, vibrant touch to your creations.

How long does the experience last?
The entire activity takes around 50 minutes, covering explanation, making, and tasting.

Where do I meet for the experience?
The meeting point is a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kyoto’s Gojo Station, facing Gojo-dori street.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, children who sit on their parents’ laps are free of charge (under age 2). It’s a family-friendly activity that involves simple, safe handling of sugar.

What are the operation hours?
The experience runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and reservations should be made within these hours to ensure availability.

This hands-on sweet-making activity uniquely blends tradition, creativity, and taste, making it a charming addition to your Kyoto adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby