Special Experience
Kamakura
Make Modern, Beautiful Wagashi With an Artisan in a Kamakura Teahouse
Overview
At the teahouse Temari in Hase, Kamakura, you can learn to make traditional Japanese sweets, nerikiri, from a skilled wagashi artisan. The designs feature modern takes on iconic Japanese motifs like Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms. After crafting your sweets, watch the artisan demonstrate advanced techniques up close, then enjoy your freshly made treats with matcha you prepared yourself.
Key Features
・A Wabunka-exclusive experience to learn to make two nerikiri sweets with Mt. Fuji and cherry blossom motifs from a wagashi artisan
・Watch a close-up demonstration of advanced wagashi-making techniques
・Enjoy your handmade sweets with matcha tea you prepared yourself
Kamakura
from
¥38,000 /person
1 - 5 participants
100 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 8 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 76,000
Details
A Hidden Teahouse in Nature-Rich Kamakura
Kamakura is a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites and natural beauty, with mountains and the sea. Temari, quietly nestled in Hase near landmarks like the Great Buddha and Hasedera temple, offers not just wagashi and tea for purchase but also hands-on experiences for making authentic wagashi. Since opening in 2013, the teahouse has attracted visitors from all over Japan.
Temari is run by Yuko Misonoi, a wagashi artist with an unusual background. After working as a teacher and host, she became a mother and then pursued a career in wagashi. Misonoi is dedicated to sharing the charm of Japanese sweets, offering technical instruction both at home and abroad, and making media appearances.
When the shop first opened, traditional designs were still the norm. Misonoi wanted to "create exciting, cute wagashi with a uniquely feminine touch in a field dominated by male artisans." True to her vision, Temari offers highly creative and beautifully designed Japanese sweets that stand out and captivate at first sight.
Lovely and delicate, wagashi is part of Japan's beautiful traditional culture. Among the many types, nerikiri is one of the most iconic, made by kneading white bean paste. Its name reflects the process of thoroughly kneading (“neru” in Japanese) ingredients like bean paste, gyuhi (rice flour kneaded with sugar and starch syrup), wheat flour, and yam.
Temari uses white bean paste as the base and combines just four colors—pink, blue, yellow, and green—to create its designs.
The sweets you'll make in this experience were designed under the supervision of Misonoi. Guided by an experienced wagashi artisan, you'll create beautiful nerikiri with modern decorations inspired by Japan's iconic motifs, Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms.
Make Nerikiri with an Artisan
You'll begin making nerikiri with tools typically used by Japanese wagashi artisans. First, knead the dough with your fingertips to incorporate air. You'll be able to watch the artisan’s hands up close as you work together, so even beginners will feel at ease.
To make Mt. Fuji nerikiri, layer and blend white bean paste on blue dough to mimic a snow-capped mountain. Use a squeezing technique to shape the dough into Mt. Fuji, then decorate with an auspicious crane motif and add a touch of gold leaf for a sparkling finish.
Misonoi says, "Even if there's a sample, feel free to follow your own style." When making sakura nerikiri, which involves decorating a pale pink dough base with cherry blossoms, you can show your individuality through the number of flowers and the gradation. Add your personal touch to the playful design to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
Watch a Stunning Demonstration by a Japanese Artisan
After making nerikiri, you can watch a Japanese wagashi artisan demonstrate advanced techniques, seeing high-level skills in action. They will create sweets with seasonal motifs, such as "cherry blossoms" in spring and "fireworks" in summer.
Cherry blossoms are made by shaping pink bean paste into balls and using a triangular tool (sankakubou) to create delicate petal lines. For a nerikiri inspired by night sky fireworks, colorful bean paste is scattered and mixed. Note that your instructor and class content may change depending on the date.
The highlight of this experience is getting a close-up look at the nerikiri-making process, which is rarely seen. You'll gain an appreciation for the skill required to craft these delicate but bold sweets. Enjoy the fascinating sight of colorful white bean paste coming together into a beautiful piece right before you, a display of the artisan's impressive skill.
Enjoy a Relaxing Tea Time with Nerikiri and Matcha
After the artisan’s demonstration, you'll finally taste the nerikiri you made. You'll also enjoy the matcha you prepared yourself, with clear, beginner-friendly instructions provided. Simply mix matcha and hot water in a tea bowl, then use a tea whisk to froth it. Hold the whisk firmly and quickly shake your wrist to produce fine matcha bubbles.
Enjoy tasting your finished matcha and freshly made nerikiri. Before you eat, take a moment to admire your work. Your handmade nerikiri might taste especially delightful. Experience the full flavor of traditional Japanese culture with the gentle sweetness of wagashi and the rich taste of matcha.
Experience the Profound Wagashi Culture
In this experience, you'll make nerikiri under the guidance of a wagashi artisan in Kamakura, surrounded by nature throughout the seasons. Discover the blend of traditional techniques and modern flair with Temari, and deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture. It’s a chance to explore the art of wagashi up close and add your own touch to this delightful tradition.
Temari
Temari
Located in Hase, Kamakura, this teahouse offers hands-on wagashi-making experiences. They are known for their beautifully designed nerikiri and have been featured in magazines and on TV. The award-winning Yuko Misonoi oversees the designs, promoting creative wagashi nationwide.
Location
Temari
Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Request for booking
* Required
November 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
17
Available
17
Full
17
No Events
If your first choice is not available, we will confirm your booking based on your other preferred dates and times.
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 38000 × 2 participants
JPY 76,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 38,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 3,800
Total Price
JPY 79,800
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Kamakura
from
¥38,000 /person
1 - 5 participants
100 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 8 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 76,000
Things to know
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.