8 Tea and Sweets Making in Tokyo Worth the Airfare

1.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21Our pick

In Asakusa, an English-speaking host such as Shuri, Rino, Hiya, or Nama guides you through matcha’s story, preparation, and ceremonial whisking. You sit with traditional tools, make your own tea, and enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets. The relaxed one-hour class suits beginners, families, and anyone wanting culture without a formal tea ceremony.

“I had a very enjoyable experience with matcha. I tried making it for the first time, and it was very tasty and the staff was very fun and attentive. I highly recommend it if you are ever in Asakusa, Tokyo.”

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2.Tokyo: Matcha Making Experience with Mochi Sweets in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 388 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

In a one-hour seated class near Asakusa Station, English-speaking instructors such as Mana, Ken, Hayato, Hiyo, and Yui explain matcha’s origins, etiquette, and preparation. You’ll join a playful quiz, whisk your own tea with traditional tools, and taste it with Japanese sweets. It suits solo visitors, families, and anyone wanting a short cultural activity near Tokyo Skytree.

“the Matcha tea making experience was brilliant for solo travellers as you got to meet others from all over the place. the history and how to make matcha were a real lesson in the the passions of matcha tea. I probably won't make another cup of tea the same now. well worth the money and the instructors made it fun and educational. good value for money”

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3.Make Traditional Nerikiri Sweets & Matcha experience in Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 130 reviews · from $60

Meet Hana near CHUMS Omotesando, then walk to her home for a hands-on nerikiri class. You’ll shape three traditional designs and create a fourth of your own, then enjoy matcha with Japanese sweets. The 90-minute class suits children, seniors, vegetarians, and vegans, with space for no more than four people.

“Hana was very welcoming and gave clear instructions on how to make the treats and perform a tea ceramony. She also gave us additional tips and suggestions for the rest of our trip!”

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4.Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo Maikoya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $112

At Maikoya Asakusa, you’ll choose a kimono, make and decorate two Japanese sweets, and learn matcha etiquette before joining a guided tea ceremony. The two-hour session welcomes up to 10 participants, includes tea and ingredients, and leaves time for traditional photos. Host Kurumi has been praised for her patient instruction.

“Very stylish and fun. Learned how to make two different sweets. And was taught how to make matcha tea.”

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5.Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 50 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18Best value

At AN TOKYO, you’ll shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto-made bean paste, watch a matcha-grinding demonstration, and prepare Uji matcha for a tea ceremony. The Japanese instructor relies heavily on demonstrations, with English translation available as much as possible. Presenter Marie has received special praise for her clear, patient teaching.

“I liked this activity. I have learned a new skill of making sweets using sweet bean paste. However, I could not remember the name of this technique. Would be good if the organisers wrote the name in the description of this activity.”

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6.Tokyo: Two Types of Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 26 reviews · 2h 5m · from $28

At AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience, you make traditional wasanbon ohigashi, two seasonal nerikiri sweets using Kyoto bean paste, and matcha from a single origin. A Japanese instructor leads the 125-minute class, with English help provided as much as possible. Tea ceremony practice and photo time round out this hands-on introduction to Japanese sweets.

“It was a lovely experience! The instructor was very kind and knowledgeable, and also gave instructions in English which was very kind! I really recommend this experience. Thank you so much!”

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7.Mochi Matcha Gluten Free Japanese Sweets Class near Shibuya area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $112

Join Sakura for a private two-hour workshop in her home near Tokyo’s Shibuya area. You’ll make four gluten-free Japanese sweets, including matcha mochi, learn about their cultural meaning, enjoy Japanese green tea, and receive recipes for home. The class suits families, beginners, and anyone seeking a relaxed indoor activity.

“This was one of our favorite activities while in Japan! Sakura san is the teacher and she welcomes you into her home for the class. it was such a great cultural and gastronomical activity. thank you Sakura san.”

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8.At an Antique Shop, Tea Ceremony and Japanese Sweets Forming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $57

Visit a century-old antique tableware shop about 10 minutes from Nippori Station. Choose a teacup, shape seasonal nerikiri sweets from colored mochi dough, then enjoy them with real matcha in a chair-based tea ceremony. An English-speaking host guides you patiently, though the artisan’s English may be limited.

“It was a very teaching and calming experience. We really enjoyed doing the sweets and watch how tea ceremony is being held. We had a wonderful experience with a wonderful instructor.”

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