Set out on a enchanting journey into the heart of Japanese tradition with the Kiku Plan. This intimate experience invites you to craft delicate wagashi sweets and partake in a serene tea ceremony, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully authentic environment. Indulge your senses as you mold seasonal designs like chrysanthemum and sakura, using natural ingredients that nourish the body and soul. Then, prepare to be transported to a domain of mindfulness and cultural appreciation as you learn about the grace and elegance of the tea ceremony. The Kiku Plan promises to leave you with a deeper understanding and newfound respect for Japan’s centuries-old practices.
Good To Know
- A 40-minute immersive experience in traditional Japanese wagashi making and tea ceremony, limited to 8 participants for a personalized cultural exploration.
- Participants learn to craft seasonal wagashi using ingredients like powdered fruits and vegetables, and then enjoy a serene Japanese tea ceremony.
- The experience includes creating intricate wagashi designs, participating in a tea ritual emphasizing elegance and precision, and receiving a complimentary memento.
- The activity takes place in a traditional Old Folk House setting, enhancing the culture and maintaining a focused, respectful atmosphere.
- Flexible online booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to secure a spot in this engaging cultural experience.
Activity Overview
The Kiku Plan offers an enchanting 40-minute experience where participants can enjoy the art of traditional Japanese wagashi making and partake in a serene tea ceremony.
This small-group activity, limited to 8 people, provides a relaxed cultural exploration into the delicate world of wagashi confections and the refined tea ceremony. Guests will craft their own seasonal wagashi, learning the techniques behind these exquisite sweets, and then savor the flavors during a traditional tea ritual in a tranquil tea room.
With prices starting from $24.14 per person, this immersive experience is available in both Japanese and English, ensuring a truly memorable cultural encounter.
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Experience Highlights
Guests enjoy the intricate world of traditional Japanese wagashi making, crafting seasonal confections that capture the essence of nature. Skilled artisans guide them through the delicate process of Nerikiri, shaping the dough into vibrant chrysanthemum and whimsical fireworks. As they knead and mold the pliable mixture, the aroma of powdered fruits and vegetables fills the air, imparting a healthier hue to their creations.
| Seasonal Shapes | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum | Powdered Fruit |
| Fireworks | Powdered Vegetables |
| Sakura | Natural Coloring |
| Autumn Leaves | Glutinous Rice Flour |
| Winter Scenery | Sweetened Red Bean Paste |
Transitioning seamlessly, participants then partake in a serene Japanese tea ceremony, savoring the earthy aromas and velvety textures of this time-honored ritual.
Booking Information
To secure a spot in this engaging cultural experience, guests can check availability and reserve their preferred starting time online.
Booking is easy and flexible, with no upfront payment required. Participants can reserve their place now and pay later, and can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The experience is limited to small groups of 8 or fewer, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey into the world of traditional Japanese wagashi making and tea ceremony.
- Check availability for starting times.
- Reserve now & pay later; no upfront payment required.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Limited to small groups of 8 or fewer participants.
Included in the Experience
Participants can look forward to a well-rounded cultural experience during their time in this intimate workshop.
They’ll begin by crafting a seasonal Wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection, using powdered fruits and vegetables for a healthier treat. The intricate process of Nerikiri, or molding the Wagashi, allows them to explore their creativity while seeing this age-old art form.
Following the Wagashi making, you will take part in a serene Japanese tea ceremony, experiencing the elegance and precision of this revered ritual.
As an added bonus, they’ll receive a Kuromoji stick nestled in an origami container, providing a memento to cherish long after the experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyRestrictions and Meeting Point
The experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with a cold, as the intimate nature of the workshop requires participants to be fully mobile and well.
Plus, certain activities are prohibited, ensuring a focused and respectful atmosphere:
- Alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden
- Video recording isn’t permitted
- Nudity is prohibited
The meeting point for this cultural adventure is an Old Folk House, which can be easily located on Google Maps.
This charming, traditional setting provides the perfect backdrop for the Wagashi making and tea ceremony, immersing participants in the rich heritage of Japan.
Traditional Japanese Wagashi Making
Nimble fingers deftly shape the pliable mochi dough, transforming it into delicate, seasonal Wagashi confections. Using time-honored techniques, participants mold the dough into gorgeous creations inspired by the natural world. A fascinating 3-column, 5-row table showcases the artistic process:
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knead the mochi | Smooth, pliable dough |
| 2 | Cut and shape | Chrysanthemum, fireworks |
| 3 | Color with natural dyes | Vibrant, earthy hues |
| 4 | Delicately arrange | Intricate, sculptural forms |
| 5 | Admire the masterpiece | Edible works of art |
The fragrant, artful Wagashi are not merely desserts, but edible expressions of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Seasonal Shapes and Designs
What striking seasonal shapes and designs emerge from the wagashi-making process?
Artful wagashi often mirror the natural world, reflecting the changing seasons. Chrysanthemum petals unfurl, capturing the vibrant hues of autumn. Whimsical fireworks burst forth, evoking the energy of summer festivals.
Delicate cherry blossoms hint at the ephemeral beauty of spring. Even snow-capped mountains appear, sculpted from rice flour and sugar, a nod to winter’s quiet elegance.
These edible masterpieces showcase the Japanese culinary tradition’s deep appreciation for seasonal aesthetics. Through the careful shaping of each wagashi, the skilled confectioner invites participants to pause and savor the fleeting wonder of nature’s cycles.
Relaxed Cultural Experience
A tranquil atmosphere envelops the tea room, inviting participants to shed the stresses of daily life. The gentle hues of the traditional decor and the soothing scent of matcha tea create a serene ambiance, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the centuries-old traditions of Japan.
As the tea ceremony unfolds, time seems to slow down, and the participants are transported to a domain where mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment reign supreme.
The Wagashi making experience further enhances this cultural journey, as participants craft delicate confections that blend the flavors of nature with the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
This relaxed, immersive experience offers a genuine glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Skilled Do I Need to Be for the Wagashi Making?
The wagashi making experience is designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, the instructors will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you create a beautiful and delicious seasonal treat.
Can I Take the Wagashi I Make Home With Me?
Participants can take home the wagashi they create during the experience. The freshly made confection serves as a delightful memento, allowing them to savor the flavors and share the cultural experience with others.
Is the Tea Ceremony a Participatory or Observational Experience?
The tea ceremony is a participatory experience, where guests actively engage in the traditional ritual of preparing and serving matcha tea. Visitors don’t merely observe but take an active role in the cultural tradition.
Can I Take Photos During the Tea Ceremony?
Participants can’t take photos during the tea ceremony. It’s a sacred, immersive experience that shouldn’t be disrupted. The ceremonial tradition values quiet contemplation and focus on the present moment, so photography is prohibited out of respect for the ritual.
Is There Any Dress Code for the Experience?
There’s no formal dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, modest clothing. Avoiding overly casual or revealing outfits guarantees a respectful atmosphere for the traditional Japanese cultural experience.
The Sum Up
The Kiku Plan offers an authentic and immersive cultural journey. Participants will craft exquisite wagashi, explore the meditative tea ceremony, and bask in the beauty of a traditional Japanese setting. This intimate experience celebrates the country’s rich heritage, inviting guests to savor the artistry, flavors, and quiet pleasures that define the essence of Japan.
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