Best of · JAPANESE SWEETS & TEA

The 15 Best Japanese Sweets and Tea Classes in Japan

24 tea experiences  ·  from $14 a head

Wagashi are shaped by hand and eaten before the bowl, not after it. The 15 sessions below have you making the sweet as well as drinking the tea, priced and timed for an afternoon.

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set - Starting with matcha’s story, not just a bowl of tea
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Matcha Experiences, Tea Making Classes, Tokyo Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

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, Nama, or Hiya guides you through matcha’s history, quality, and preparation. You whisk your own tea with traditional tools, then enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets in a relaxed one-hour class.

“Wonderful and fun experience! The instructor, Shuri, was so kind, knowledgeable, passionate, patient and spoke great English. She created a fun space for us all to learn, appreciate matcha culture and experience and make friendships to share the experience of making and drinking matcha together. Absolute highlight of Tokyo!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Matcha Making Class in Osaka with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set - Making your own matcha, step by step
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Matcha Experiences, Osaka Tea Experiences, Tea Making Classes, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Matcha Making Class in Osaka with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

2.Matcha Making Class in Osaka with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · from $21

At Matcha Making Osaka in Higashishinsaibashi, an English-speaking host such as Yui, Momo, Fuko, or Matty guides you through matcha’s background, preparation, and tasting. You whisk your own tea, pair it with Japanese sweets, and leave with practical tips for making matcha at home.

“I’ve spent so many years loving Matcha, but never knowing how to make it properly. I finally was able to learn the proper way of making Matcha thanks to this class. It was relatively easy to locate, although the building upon arrival needs more Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony - What making nerikiri is really like
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

3.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 314 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

Make two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto bean paste, then prepare single-origin Uji matcha and learn basic tea etiquette. The Japanese-led class offers English help when requested. It is a hands-on, low-intensity activity near Gojo Station, priced at $18 per person.

“I was a bit hesitant thinking it was going to be a touristy thing, but turns out our sweets making class was my wife, myself, and about a dozen Japanese junior high students. So it ended up being one of the most authentic experiences we had! The sweets making isn't a super deep dive, but it was enjoyable, the instructor was super friendly, and we had a really great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets - Arriving near Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Matcha Experiences, Osaka Tea Experiences, Tea Making Classes, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets

4.Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

Spend one hour learning matcha history, answering a light quiz, and whisking your own tea with traditional tools. English-speaking instructors such as Fujiko, Reika, Yui, and Takara guide small groups of up to six, with Japanese sweets served alongside your matcha near Shinsaibashi.

“The activity was very fun and Interesting. Good value for money. The host, Lala and Matty were very friendly. So thanks guys.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony - What the 95-minute schedule feels like
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Osaka Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

5.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 118 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

In 95 minutes, a Japanese instructor guides you through coloring and shaping two seasonal nerikiri sweets with Kyoto bean paste, then preparing Uji matcha. English help is available on request. Instructors such as Maiko, Jun, and Mihiko are praised for patient, friendly teaching.

“It was a nice experience, we learned quite a bit and the guide was doing a great job! Would do again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Nagoya: Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony - The Taste of Kyoto Bean Paste and Uji Matcha
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Nagoya: Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

6.Nagoya: Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 76 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

Make two seasonal Japanese sweets from Kyoto bean paste, then prepare Uji matcha in a guided tea experience near Kokusai Center Station. Instructors such as Mariko and Saki explain the craft clearly, with English help available on request. Expect hands-on work, tasting, and a calm cultural break.

“The teacher (Mariko) was professional, her instructions were clear and easy to follow, she gave history on sweets, tea and all ingredients used were premium and more or less organic. The class was definitely worth the money.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo Maikoya - Choosing a kimono and getting ready
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Kimono & Tea Ceremonies, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tokyo Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo Maikoya

7.Sweets Making and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Tokyo Maikoya

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

At Maikoya Asakusa, you’ll choose a kimono, style your hair, shape traditional wagashi, and learn how to prepare and enjoy matcha. Your host, including guides such as Kurumi, explains the ceremony’s etiquette and meaning. The two-hour session includes tea, ingredients, photos, and a calm setting.

“We enjoyed the Japanese sweets class as well as the ceremony, the staff were very welcoming and having them dress us in Kimonos was a cool experience as well. Would recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony - Kyoto bean paste and the taste of wagashi
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tokyo Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

8.Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

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

At AN TOKYO in Tokyo, you’ll shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto bean paste, watch Uji Matcha being ground, and prepare tea in a traditional ceremony. Japanese instructors demonstrate each step, with English translation provided as much as possible. The session ends with tea, sweets, and photos.

“A great way to know about Japan’s wagashi and to understand the tea ceremony. Marie is a great presenter”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo: Two Types of Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony - What happens during the 125 minutes
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tokyo Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Two Types of Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

9.Two Types of Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

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

At AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience, a Japanese instructor guides you through Wasanbon Ohigashi, two seasonal Nerikiri sweets, and a casual Matcha ceremony. You will shape a flower sweet and Kinton Nerikiri, watch Matcha grinding, prepare your own tea, and enjoy everything on site. English help is provided as much as possible.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mochi Matcha Gluten Free Japanese Sweets Class near Shibuya area - Why the gluten-free focus matters
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Matcha Experiences, Tokyo Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Mochi Matcha Gluten Free Japanese Sweets Class near Shibuya area

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

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

Meet Sakura in Sangenjaya, near Tokyo’s Shibuya area, for a two-hour private class making four Japanese sweets, including matcha mochi. She teaches in English, welcomes children, accommodates gluten-free needs, provides recipes, and serves Japanese green tea.

“Nothing is more authentic than visiting a private home and learning how to make mochi in a private kitchen. Fabulous!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Mochi・Matcha sweets Making Class Near Shibuya Area - What you learn about mochi and nerikiri
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Matcha Experiences, Private, Tokyo Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Private Mochi・Matcha sweets Making Class Near Shibuya Area

11.Private Mochi・Matcha sweets Making Class Near Shibuya Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $78

Meet Sakura-san in Sangenjaya for a hands-on wagashi class in her Japanese home. You’ll make mochi or nerikiri, learn about their place in Japanese culture, and enjoy matcha in the home’s tea room. The class is private, limited to eight people, and includes time with her toy poodle, Choco.

“We had a wonderful time learning to make our Mochi sweets. Our host was very welcoming, as well as patient and encouraging with our efforts, which we were able to enjoy at the end of the session with the tea she made for us. With oRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo: Tea Ceremony & Japanese Traditional Sweets - Watching the Otemae demonstration
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Tea Ceremony & Japanese Traditional Sweets

12.Tea Ceremony & Japanese Traditional Sweets

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 21 reviews · 1 hour · from $27

Join a licensed tea master with more than 10 years of experience for a one-hour English tea ceremony near Hakusan Station. Watch the Otemae demonstration, whisk your own matcha, and shape seasonal nerikiri sweets in a small group of up to 10.

“Privileged to be able to watch such a beautiful more about cultural importance. ceremony and learn”

Check availability →Read our full review

2 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony - Making Wasanbon ohigashi in the first 20 minutes
Dessert Tours, Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

2 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

13.2 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 2h 5m · from $28

At this 125-minute Kyoto workshop, a Japanese instructor guides you through Wasanbon ohigashi, two seasonal nerikiri sweets, and your own matcha. Maiko has provided clear English support for some sessions. The program is hands-on, casual, and easy to reach, though the tea portion is less formal than a traditional ceremony.

“Maiko was attentive and informative. She did a wonderful job. Sadly the room full of tourists were rather disrespectful and noisy.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto Fushimiinari:Wagashi Making & Small Group Tea Ceremony - A Small Garden Walk to the Tatami Room
Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto Fushimiinari:Wagashi Making & Small Group Tea Ceremony

14.Kyoto Fushimiinari:Wagashi Making & Small Group Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1h 15m · from $55

Spend 75 minutes in a Kyoto home with a garden view, making one wagashi sweet and preparing matcha in a small group of six or fewer. English-speaking instructors, including host Miho, explain tea manners, the room, the scroll, and the meaning behind the ceremony.

“Excellent experience. Smiling and welcoming.I highly recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto near Fushimiinari Wagashi making&Small Group Tea Ceremony - What happens inside the tea room
Japan Tea Experiences, Japanese Sweets & Tea, Kyoto Tea Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Experiences, Tour Reviews

Kyoto near Fushimiinari Wagashi making&Small Group Tea Ceremony

15.Kyoto near Fushimiinari Wagashi making&Small Group Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $52

Near Fushimi Inari, an English-speaking guide leads you through making wagashi, then explains tea ceremony customs, the garden, hanging scroll, and matcha preparation in a local Japanese home. Groups are limited to eight, with chairs available instead of tatami seating by request.

“This traditional tea ceremony was amazing and peaceful. Perfect experience to learn and live the Japanese culture in a non-touristic area, but only 10 min walk to the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine (famous orange torii gates). Miho the hostess of the ceremony was friendly, nice and speaks English very well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Japanese Sweets & Tea

★ 5.0Kyoto WAKIMIZU Half Day Tour: Secrets of Matcha & Wagashi SweetsFrom $802 reviews
★ 5.0Private Hiroshima Matcha & Wagashi Experience TourFrom $552 reviews
★ 5.0Exclusive Tea Ceremony & Wagashi CookingFrom $982 reviews

Keep browsing

Food & Drink70Wine Tours10Museums14Walking Tours44
Scroll to Top

Pick a kind of tea day

A ceremony, a garden, a tasting bench or a tiered stand.

The ceremony

Tea CeremoniesIn KimonoMaking ClassesBrush & BowlSweets & Tea

The gardens

Plantation DaysFactory FloorsTastingsFarm Visits

Afternoon tea

Afternoon TeaBus TeasBoat TeasCakes & Sweets

And the rest

MatchaTurkish TeaBubble TeaCoffee