Create Edible Art in Japan: Nerikiri Workshop Experience
- WonderPlanner
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Discover the Beauty of Traditional Japanese Sweets
Step into the world of Japanese artistry and tradition with our hands-on Nerikiri workshop.
Perfect for beginners and food enthusiasts alike, this experience will immerse you in the delicate craft of creating seasonal Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, paired with authentic matcha tea.
What is Nerikiri? Let's learn the basics
Nerikiri is a type of traditional Japanese wagashi, made mainly of white bean paste and gyuhi, and characterized by beautiful designs resembling seasonal flowers and fruits.
It has been popular since the Edo period and is often served during tea ceremonies.
Its shape and colors are so elaborate that it can be considered a work of art, and it is one of the foods that symbolize Japanese culture.
It is becoming increasingly popular among foreign tourists as well, due to its beautiful appearance and the fun of making it.
English-speaking users tend to search for “Nerikiri” in conjunction with the broader concept of “wagashi” (Japanese sweets) rather than “Nerikiri” alone.
The phrase “Japanese traditional sweets” is also frequently used.
Why has the “Nerikiri Experience” surged in popularity in recent years?
The Nerikiri experience is attracting attention as a special activity for foreign visitors to Japan that allows them to deeply experience Japanese culture, rather than simply making Japanese sweets.
The reasons behind its popularity are as follows.
1. the attraction of experiencing traditional Japanese culture firsthand
Nerikiri is a traditional Japanese confectionery deeply connected with the Japanese tea ceremony. In the tea ceremony, the spirit of “once-in-a-lifetime encounter” is emphasized, and nerikiri plays an important role in adding color to the occasion. Against this background, the Nerikiri experience is a valuable opportunity to directly experience the spirituality and aesthetics of Japanese culture
Nerikiri are artistic wagashi that express nature and events of the four seasons, and their designs reflect the unique Japanese aesthetic of “seasonality” and “wabi and sabi.
For foreign visitors, the experience of making these sweets while learning about this cultural background has a special value that cannot be found elsewhere.
2. visual and taste appeal
Beautiful appearance
Nerikiri are characterized by their vivid colors and delicate shapes. They are created based on seasonal themes such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and animals, making them look like small works of art. For foreign visitors, this visually pleasing element is very attractive.
Elegant Taste
The flavor of the nerikiri is elegant and not too sweet, and it goes well with matcha green tea or coffee.
The combination with matcha green tea is especially appreciated as a uniquely Japanese taste experience.
3. the joy of creativity
In the process of making kneaded dough, visitors can freely adjust colors and shapes to create their own original creations.
Since this process requires dexterity, it is a fun way to exercise your creativity while sharpening your five senses.
For foreign visitors, the sense of accomplishment in completing a work of art that they designed and created themselves is very great, and the ability to take home a “special, personalized item” is another reason for its popularity.
4. an unforgettable experience
In the Nerikiri experience, you can not only taste your own creation on the spot, but also capture it in a photograph or take it home as a souvenir.
This makes the experience more memorable and special than just sightseeing.
In addition, many of the experience facilities are available in English, making it easy for foreign tourists to participate without any language barriers, which is also a big attraction for foreign tourists.
5. ease of incorporating the experience into an overall trip to Japan
The fact that the experience can be enjoyed in a relatively short time (one to two hours) makes it easy to incorporate into a sightseeing schedule is another reason for its popularity.
Why Choose Our Workshop?
Authentic Experience Learn from skilled instructors with years of experience in Japanese confectionery.
Cultural Insight Discover the history and significance of Nerikiri in Japanese culture, especially its connection to tea ceremonies.
Hands-On Fun
Using traditional techniques and materials, we will create three to four designs to match the season.
What to do in a Nerikiri Lesson?
Step1 Introduction An overview of the cultural roots of nerikiri and its role in Japanese tradition.
Step2 Demonstration You will see a demonstration by a professional instructor.
Step3 Different themes are available depending on the season, or upon request. Using natural materials and tools, create your own masterpiece.
Step4 After completion, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea and sweets in a relaxed atmosphere.
Of course, you can also take it home as a waste.
About 1 hour and 30 minutes
About the location where the event will be held
A kneading class will be held in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, Japan.
Shimokitazawa is an area known as the center of Tokyo's youth culture and subculture.
It is popular among tourists and locals alike for its unique blend of art, music, and fashion.
Below is a detailed description of how to access the area and its cultural characteristics.
Access
From Shinjuku: By Odakyu Line, Shimokitazawa Station is approximately 7 minutes away. Shinjuku Station is one of the largest train stations in the world, and the Odakyu Line offers easy transfers.
From Shibuya: Using the Keio Inokashira Line, the station is very close, only about 4-5 minutes by express train.
From Tokyo Station: The most common route is to take the JR Chuo Line Rapid to Shinjuku and then take the Odakyu Line.
The trip takes about 38 minutes and costs about 350 yen.
Culture and Attractions
Shimokitazawa is internationally recognized as “Tokyo's hip neighborhood” and has the following characteristics
1. vintage shopping
Shimokitazawa is densely populated with vintage stores and second-hand clothing stores, offering high quality items at affordable prices.
Popular stores include “New York Joe Exchange” and “Flamingo.
In addition, the “Tokyo Department Garage” features more than 20 stores offering a wide variety of styles.
2. live music and theater
Shimokitazawa is also a center for independent music and theater.
Live music venues such as “Honda Theater” and “Shelter” offer performances by local and international artists.
Film lovers will also enjoy the experimental short film theater called “Tollywood.
3. cafes and gourmet experiences
The unique café culture is also very appealing, with places such as Sidewalk Coffee Roasters offering a relaxing experience.
4.Events and Festivals
Various events are held throughout the year. For example, the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival (October) and the Shimokitazawa Music Festival (July) are particularly popular.
In summer, the entire area comes alive with the traditional “Awaodori Festival”.
Atmosphere of Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa has a relaxed atmosphere with many narrow alleys and low vehicular traffic, making it easy to walk around.
The entire area has developed as a favorite place for artists and creators.
And while recent redevelopment has made the area more convenient, its unique charm has been well preserved.
Nerikiri(wagashi) workshop in video
The experience of kneading and cutting is conducted by a teacher in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Of course, you can speak English, so please feel free to ask anything you don't understand or want to know.
Participant's Voice
The hotel has received high reviews on TripAdvisor.
Here are some of them.
Fun, unique experience ★★★★★ Fun class! My teen daughter and I enjoyed it. Teacher was very welcoming. It was in a rented kitchen in a nice residential neighborhood.
Very fun confectionary class with Japanese local ★★★★★
Tanaka was a lot of fun! We did the spring class and made the cherry blossoms, matcha flowers in grass and butterfly… and even a rabbit!
Highly recommend neriki workshop ★★★★★
Our instructor Akko was amazingly patient, a fun and friendly instructor. She reached out to you beforehand to ensure you knew the location of the class and inquired if there were any specific neriki you would like to make for class. We made the seasonal motifs, which were the Mt Fuji, maple leaf and fallen autumn leaves. My siblings and I had such a great time. Highly recommend for anyone looking to take a class.
Tokyo activity: Neriki-making edition! ★★★★★
My siblings and I participated in wonderful neriki making class taught by Akko; she's such a sweet and encouraging teacher! She taught us how to make Mt Fuji, Autumn leaves, Maple leaf, and a bonus of a rabbit 🐇
Akko is very encouraging, especially when my Mt Fuji erupted and had lava spillage. Later, with the leftover dough, she taught us how to make a rabbit.
Japanese confectionery treat how-to! ★★★★★
We had a wonderful time making various Neriki, Japanese confectionery. Since we came in October 2024, we made the seasonal shape of Mt. Fuji, colored fall leaves, and maple leaf. 🏔🍁 For bonus, we made a bunny just for fun. 🐰 Our instructor is very knowledgeable and patient with us. She is super sweet and kind. I would recommend this activity when you're in Japan.
Nerikiri EI offer kneading workshops
Experience making cute confectionary Nerikiri Making in Tokyo
Meet the Instructors.
Commentaires