| Location | Indoor |
| Experience type | DIY Workshop |
| Cuisine type | Wagashi (Japanese sweets) |
| Cultural experience type | Japanese tea ceremony |
If you are late, you may not be able to participate. (Please be sure to arrive on time.)
Meeting time: Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time.
Regarding clothing and belongings: None.
Regarding rental items: Apron (free).
From Kyoto Station, you can take city bus route 206 or 100 to Gojozaka bus stop. From there, the Higashiyama Kiyomizu-dera store is approximately a 10-minute walk up the hill towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This route is convenient for experiencing the historic street atmosphere while heading to the store.
During the Kanshundo Japanese sweets making experience, you will learn to craft four distinct types of wagashi: raw sugar, uirou, nerikiri, and kinton. These varieties are commonly featured in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, offering a rich insight into the authentic art of wagashi creation.
Yes, the sweets made at Kanshundo's class are designed to reflect Japan's four distinct seasons, with new designs introduced monthly. For example, you might create plum blossom themed sweets for New Year's, cherry blossoms for spring, water motifs for summer, autumn leaves for fall, and snow designs for winter, ensuring a unique experience each visit.
Absolutely. After you have finished crafting your Japanese sweets at Kanshundo, you will have the delightful opportunity to sample one of your handmade creations. This tasting experience is traditionally accompanied by a bowl of freshly prepared matcha (green tea), providing an authentic and memorable culinary moment.
The Kanshundo wagashi making lesson emphasizes authentic Kyoto craftsmanship. Participants are guided by experienced artisans who teach precise techniques for shaping, coloring, and decorating the sweets. This hands-on experience allows learners to appreciate the delicate artistry and historical significance behind each piece of wagashi.
Kanshundo's approach to wagashi making deeply reflects Kyoto's culinary heritage through its emphasis on seasonality and aesthetic presentation. Creating sweets that mirror natural beauty and transient seasons is a cornerstone of Kyoto's food traditions, especially those linked to the sophisticated tea ceremony. This focus highlights the city's reverence for nature and artistry.
To reach Kanshundo's Sagano store, you can take the JR Sagano Line (also known as the San-in Line) from Kyoto Station directly to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, the store is typically a short walk. Alternatively, local city buses also provide access to the broader Arashiyama and Sagano districts.
At Kanshundo, you'll learn about diverse wagashi types. Nerikiri is known for its soft, pliable texture, making it ideal for intricate, sculpted designs. Kinton features delicate strands, often shaped to resemble natural elements. Uirou is a steamed rice cake recognized for its distinct chewy texture. Raw sugar wagashi typically highlights natural sweetness and elegant simplicity, often created using wooden molds.