Top Tokyo Prefecture Classes & Workshops

Gyoza is a dumpling made with minced stuffing. They are becoming increasingly popular popular cross the world :) Wouldn't it be wonderful to make Ramen and gyoza at your home? the Ramen soup from the scratch. ・ In Japan, vegetarian food is quite tough to Dashi, soup stock made by mainly bonito frake (it's made out of fish stock).

Experience shakyo, a practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras, and find peace of mind at a quiet temple surrounded by lush green in Chofu City, Tokyo. Shakyo has long been part of religious training for Buddhist monks, but it has recently become a popular means of meditation. In this 1.5-hour session, you can also try out simple sutra recitation, as well as listen to the head priest’s preach in addition to the shakyo experience. If you are looking to have a deeper cultural experience in Tokyo than just visiting popular tourist attractions, this one is for you. Despite being only half an hour away from bustling Shinjuku, this temple is surrounded by an abundance of greenery. It was built in the early 8th century to enshrine Jinja-Daioh, a god of water who is said to have helped bring together the founder's parents. Thanks to its romantic heritage, today the temple is known as a “matchmaking temple” where people's love-related wishes are granted.

Participate in a taiko drum experience at Tokyo’s Gionji Temple. Begin with a quick lesson and watch as a seasoned instructor plays this ancient instrument. Then, step into traditional taiko performance pants and begin to explore an art practiced by the Japanese for thousands of years. After splitting into groups, finish with a performance and take home pictures to remember the experience.

If you’re interested in spirituality and meditation, this is the experience for you. Swap the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a waterfall meditation experience on Mt. Takao. You won’t have to worry about navigating in the wilderness as your instructor will meet you at Takaosanguchi Station and lead the way on a roughly 20-minute mountain trail. Once at Biwa waterfall, you’ll change into white clothes and learn about Buddhist purification rituals before standing under the waterfall.

Creative, craft-loving travelers will love the opportunity to make their very own Daruma dolls in the Chofu neighborhood of Tokyo. These cute, round dolls are considered to be good luck charms, and you can write your own wish on the doll to help it come true. Decorate the doll to your own tastes, and have a unique and personalized souvenir to take home with you.

Create your own quintessentially Japanese gift—scented omamori—during this charm-making workshop held in Tokyo’s 1,000-year-old temple of Gionji. Select from multiple omamori bags, and learn the special meanings behind each one. Then, get hands-on instruction in blending scents from the wife of the temple priest, giving you unparalleled access to Japanese cultural traditions. Courses include a complimentary cup of Japanese tea at the end of the workshop.

【OUTLINE】 Although Ninja has a long history and its name is widely-known, its existence has long been vailed in mystery. This plan enables you to deeply understand the history and the role of Ninja and to try hands-on Ninja training. After getting sweat from doing Ninja training, you can soak in a natural hot spring in a mountain village rich in nature. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 Try an authentic Ninja experience in a historical Samurai residence Listen to a lecture and learn a lot about Ninja having a long history but still being mysterious Receive hands-on training of drawing and sheathing a sword, blowgun and Ninja stars Relax yourself in a natural hot spring abundant with nature and peaceful atmosphere of a mountain village Spring quality expected to make your skin smooth and beautiful

【OUTLINE】 A new style of paper making that fits the urban lifestyle---KAMISUKI. You can experience a series of creating washi art, from preparing raw materials for paper to painting a picture without a brush. You will pour colored kozo (mulberry) fibers into a string-framed mold and create a picture. From children to adults---everyone can enjoy this new style of kamisuki. 【Highlights】 ・You will experience a real Japanese paper making from raw materials, kozo, in the rich natural surroundings located in Nishitama ・A professional Japanese paper maker will teach you a new technique of paper making different from existing methods ・With an ample imagination, you will create your original washi art ・You can draw a unique picture using the paper making method, without a brush ・You can create a colorful washi paper by pouring colored kozo (mulberry) fibers into the frame.

【Outline】 A new style of paper making that fits the contemporary lifestyle---KAMISUKI. Kamisuki is a method of paper making which you lay kozo bark fibers side-by-side and wait for them to dry up and become a paper. Based on that traditional method, a method called “paper making with a towel” was invented. Copying down the pile fabric of a towel to the paper, a distinct designed washi (Japanese paper) can be made. In this plan, you will make a small-sized LED washi candle using the towel washi paper. 【Highlights】 You will experience a real Japanese paper making from raw materials, kozo, in the rich natural surroundings located in Nishitama A professional Japanese paper maker will coach you as an instructor A unique method of paper making with a towel You can make a stylish lamp shade with towel washi paper Washi candle created combining the lamp shade with a small LED lamp can be taken home on the very day.

Be a Ninja for the day on this ultimate Ninja Experience in Hinode-machi. You won’t have to worry about bringing anything with you, as Ninja costume rental is included. The experience will teach you about the duties of Ninja, as well as skill such as drawing and sheathing a sword, using a blowgun, and throwing shuriken. It’s a great way to learn more about Ninja in an authentic Samurai house.

*OUTLINE Let's make a lucky charm with your wish, the experience only available in Hinode-machi! Japan has lucky charms named "Gomafuda," a wooden board with a prayer that one's heartfelt wish will come true. Hinode-machi is surrounded by the mountains and its main industries are forestry and woodworking. The town ranks first in the production of gomafuda and soboba (stupa), which have been produced since the Edo period (1603-1868). Why not make your gomafuda, traditional Japanese culture from the Edo era, containing your wish? After the experience, you can buy "smoked cheese" (648yen) which is a specialty of Hinode-machi. Please try it.　

Immerse yourself in the culture of tea ceremony at a serene Tokyo temple. Enjoy the hands-on experience of learning wagashi making (traditional Japanese sweets) and preparing matcha (specialty green tea) with an expert guide. Participate in a tea ceremony led by a head priest. An experience for those who prefer to do as well as see.