Wagashi Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony Experience at Gionjij Temple in Tokyo

1.Arrive at Gionji Temple in Chofu City, Tokyo, about 15 minutes walk from Fuda Station on the Keio Line. After being greeted by your instructors, make necessary preparations to get the class started. (10 min)

2. Learn about the overall process and basic techniques of wagashi making from the instructor, who is the chief chef of Imakiya, a wagashi shop in Tokyo with more than 100 years of history. (10 min)

3. After watching the instructor’s demonstration, it’s time for you to work on your first piece of nerikiri, a kind of wagashi made of shiro-an, sweet white bean paste, and mochi. (20 min)

4. Try a different shape for your second nerikiri. (20 min)

5. Head to the tea house located on the grounds of the temple. (5 min)

6. Enjoy wagashi sweets you made with a bowl of matcha tea served by the head priest of the temple. (25 min)

7. Try your hand at making matcha tea with step-by-step instructions from the head priest. (20 min)

8. Head to the entrance to conclude the class. (10 min)