Discover the Beauty of Sakura in Kanto

Sakura, a symbol of renewal and fleeting beauty, has inspired Japanese culture for centuries. In Kanto, go beyond viewing the blossoms and immerse yourself in sakura-related experiences—craft delicate wagashi, enjoy seasonal tea ceremonies, or create cherry blossom-inspired art. These hands-on activities offer a deeper connection to Japan’s appreciation for sakura, blending taste, craftsmanship, and tradition.

Enter the World of Ikebana through the Historic Sogetsu School and Discover the Depths of Japanese Aesthetics and Spirituality

Tokyo | schedule90mins | from ￥47,000 /person

・A private group room in the headquarters of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, designed by the world-famous Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange (1913-2005).
・Instruction from a lifelong Sogetsu ikebana practitioner whose skills and career have earned them the inimitable rank of official master instructor.
・An unparalleled experience recommended for lovers of flowers, interior design, historic traditions, and Japan’s unique aesthetic and cultural sensibilities.

*Please note that cherry blossom-themed programming availability varies depending on the instructor’s discretion.

Zazen Meditation and Goma Fire Ritual Center the Inner Self at the Temple of the Shogunate in Ueno, Tokyo

Tokyo | schedule80mins | from ￥32,000 /person

・An authentic goma fire ritual and zazen meditation session held in the main hall of this venerated temple, especially for you.
・Option: experience the authentic ascetic practice of written sutra-copying, and receive a protective talisman inscribed with your name to use in the goma fire ritual.
・Enjoy a brief serene spiritual respite from the wide range of famous sightseeing spots the surrounding area of Ueno has to offer, including Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum.

*Please note that actual cherry blossom viewing conditions depend on the season and weather, and blooms cannot be guaranteed.

Make Modern Wagashi and Express Japan’s Four Seasons in Flowers

Tokyo | schedule100mins | from ￥38,000 /person

・A Wabunka-exclusive lesson to create beautiful bean paste sweets that are dairy-free and gluten-free, a modern twist on traditional wagashi. Each session features seasonal Japanese flower motifs
・Watch a professional instructor demonstrate delicate techniques up close
・Conveniently located near Tokyo Station, making it easy to join between sightseeing activities

*Please note that cherry blossom-themed programming availability varies depending on the instructor’s discretion.

Make Modern, Beautiful Wagashi With an Artisan in a Kamakura Teahouse

Kamakura | schedule100mins | from ￥38,000 /person

・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

*Please note that cherry blossom-themed programming availability varies depending on the instructor’s discretion.

Discover the Essence of the Kimono at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – Full Kimono Dressing and Photoshoot in the Japanese Garden

Tokyo | schedule120mins | from ￥285,000 /group

・Dress in a high-quality kimono in the Zangetsu tea ceremony house at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, and learn both the culture of kimonos and the art of moving gracefully while wearing this traditional garb
・Kimono stylist and model Hitomi Ito, well known through her active media presence, serves as the experience instructor
・Enjoy a commemorative photoshoot by a professional photographer in the hotel’s traditional garden, with photos delivered at a later date

*Please note that actual cherry blossom viewing conditions depend on the season and weather, and blooms cannot be guaranteed.

Learn Wagashi Confection and Discover the Colors of Japan from a Popular Sweets Artist in Tokyo

Tokyo | schedule90mins | from ￥20,000 /person

・Confectioner Makumi Suzuki, popular for her wagashi, shares the history of wagashi and teaches how to craft two types of nerikiri
・Enjoy fresh-made wagashi and tea as you watch a demonstration of the sophisticated hasami-giku (“scissor chrysanthemum”) technique, by which intricate chrysanthemum petal designs are cut into a delicate wagashi surface
・Conveniently located from Shibuya and Harajuku, making it easy to join between sightseeing activities

*Please note that cherry blossom-themed programming availability varies depending on the instructor’s discretion.