Stepping into the serene Ikegami Baien garden, one embarks on a captivating journey into the art of Japanese sweets and tea ceremony. The Mindful Wagashi Making experience offers a chance to engage in the delicate craft of nerikiri while immersing oneself in mindfulness practices that awaken the senses. Under the expert guidance of an English-speaking instructor, participants discover the intricate techniques behind these delectable confections, finding opportunities for personal reflection and a deeper appreciation for the present moment. As the handcrafted sweets are savored alongside matcha tea, the experience culminates in a profound connection to tradition and artistic expression. What unfolds is a truly unique encounter that transcends the boundaries of a typical culinary class.
Key Points
- Participants engage in a 2-hour activity exploring traditional Japanese sweet-making (nerikiri) and an authentic tea ceremony in a tranquil Japanese garden setting.
- The experience incorporates meditation and mindfulness practices to enhance self-awareness and appreciation of seasonal sensations through the crafting and tasting of the sweets.
- Participants create two decorative nerikiri sweets and participate in a tea ceremony, culminating in the shared enjoyment of the handcrafted treats and matcha tea.
- The activity provides an English recipe and instructional video for participants to re-create the experience at home, extending the mindful connection.
- The setting and guidelines ensure a calming atmosphere, with restrictions in place to maintain the tranquility and focus of the experience.
Activity Overview
The activity takes participants on a journey to explore the art of traditional Japanese sweets (nerikiri) making and the serene ritual of a tea ceremony, all set within the tranquil surroundings of the Ikegami Baien Japanese garden near Haneda airport.
During the 2-hour experience, guests will craft two unique nerikiri sweets, each adorned with seasonal floral designs, and enjoy a genuine tea ceremony in an authentic tea room.
Priced at $103.97 per person, this private group activity offers a chance to engage all five senses and cultivate mindfulness, with an English-speaking instructor guiding the way.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility.
Mindfulness Experience
Alongside the hands-on crafting of traditional Japanese confections, this experience incorporates elements of meditation to enhance mindfulness and self-awareness.
Participants engage all five senses to appreciate the seasons, atmosphere, and personal sensations. The activities include making seasonal flower-decorated Mt. Fuji nerikiri and enjoying matcha tea.
This mindfulness component encourages a deeper connection with the materials and processes, allowing individuals to be fully present in the moment.
The session culminates in a shared tasting of the handmade sweets and matcha, fostering an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the unique personal experiences.
Inclusions
Strolling through the serene Japanese garden, visitors begin their immersive experience. The activity includes:
- Making two nerikiris, or traditional Japanese sweets, decorated with seasonal flowers.
- Participating in an authentic tea ceremony within the tranquil tea room.
- Tasting the handcrafted sweets and matcha tea to fully appreciate the flavors.
- Receiving an English recipe for the nerikiri and an instructional video to recreate the experience at home.
The experience also covers the usage fee for the tea room and the garden entrance fee.
Visitors are provided with an apron and hand towel, and transportation costs to the site are included.
Important Information
Situated just a minute’s walk from the South gate of Nishimagome station, the meeting point for this immersive experience beckons visitors. Guests are advised to bring a camera and wear comfortable clothing, as the hands-on nature of the workshop requires mobility. However, certain individuals may find the experience unsuitable, including children under 7, wheelchair users, the visually impaired, and those over 95 years old. Plus, the venue has restrictions on pets, baby strollers, smoking, alcohol, and drugs.
| Meeting Point | What to Bring | Not Suitable For | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| In front of LAWSON, 1 minute from South gate of Nishimagome station | Camera, comfortable clothes | Children under 7, wheelchair users, visually impaired, people over 95 | No pets, baby strollers, smoking, alcohol, drugs |
Meeting Point and Attire
The meeting point for this immersive experience is located just a minute’s walk from the South gate of Nishimagome station.
This Japanese sweets-making and tea ceremony class encourages participants to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow easy movement.
- Avoid short skirts, as you’ll be sitting on tatami mats during the tea ceremony.
- Leave your camera at the ready to capture the serene garden and delicate wagashi creations.
- Refrain from bringing pets, baby strollers, or any items that could disrupt the mindful atmosphere.
Dressing the part will ensure you fully learn about this authentic Japanese cultural experience.
Nerikiri Preservation
The delicate nature of the handmade nerikiri sweets requires careful attention, as they’re best savored on-site rather than transported. These intricate Japanese confections, adorned with seasonal flowers, are meticulously crafted to preserve their delicate shape and flavor. Once completed, the nerikiri must be enjoyed immediately to fully appreciate their artistry and fleeting beauty.
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Delicacy | Nerikiri are made with a precise balance of rice flour, sugar, and water, making them fragile in structure. |
| Presentation | The artful floral designs lose their vibrancy and form if moved from the serene tea room setting. |
| Freshness | The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavors are best experienced straight from the preparation. |
| Mindfulness | Savoring the nerikiri on-site allows for a more immersive, meditative experience, connecting with the present moment. |
| Authenticity | Partaking in the tea ceremony and garden stroll enhances the authentic Japanese cultural encounter. |
Restrictions
Maintaining the serene ambiance of the Japanese garden and tea room necessitates certain restrictions. To ensure a tranquil experience, this activity has a few guidelines guests must follow. These include:
- No pets, baby strollers, smoking, alcohol, or drugs allowed.
- The experience isn’t suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, and people over 95 years.
- Participants should dress appropriately for sitting on tatami mats, avoiding short skirts.
- Late arrivals are treated as cancellations and incur a 100% charge.
These thoughtful rules preserve the calming atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy the mindful wagashi making and tea ceremony.
Transportation and Arrival
To reach the serene Ikegami Baien garden and tea room, guests meet at a convenient spot – the front of the LAWSON convenience store, just a minute’s walk from the South gate of Nishimagome station. From there, the thoughtful hosts guide attendees to the tranquil Japanese garden, where the mindfulness experience unfolds.
| Arrival Details | |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | In front of LAWSON |
| Location | 1 minute from South gate of Nishimagome station |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals |
Guests are advised to dress comfortably, as the traditional tea ceremony involves sitting on tatami mats. With the serene setting and expert instruction, the journey to the Ikegami Baien garden sets the stage for a truly immersive and mindful wagashi-making experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Custom Nerikiri Design?
While custom nerikiri designs aren’t typically offered, the experienced instructor can guide participants in creating unique, seasonal flower-decorated nerikiri during the immersive experience. The focus is on mindfully engaging the senses, not individual artistic expression.
How Many Nerikiri Can I Take Home?
While participants won’t be able to take home the delicate nerikiri they create, they’ll receive a recipe and instructional video to make the sweets themselves later. The focus is on the mindful experience of crafting them on-site.
What Is the Experience Level Required to Participate?
This experience is suitable for all levels, from novice to experienced. You don’t need any prior knowledge or skills to participate. The instructor will guide you through the traditional techniques, ensuring an engaging and accessible experience for everyone.
Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
The activity does not explicitly mention vegetarian or gluten-free options. However, you can inquire with the organizer about any dietary accommodations when making your booking. They’ll aim to provide a suitable experience for your needs.
Can I Leave the Tea Ceremony Early if Needed?
Participants can leave the tea ceremony early if needed, though it’s not recommended. The experience is designed as a cohesive journey, and leaving early may diminish the mindful, immersive flow. The host will accommodate reasonable requests, but the full experience is encouraged.
Recap
The Mindful Wagashi Making experience transports participants into the serene world of Japanese confectionary art. Engaging in mindfulness practices while crafting delicate nerikiri sweets allows for a profound connection to tradition and personal reflection. Tasting the handmade creations alongside matcha tea culminates in a truly delightful and immersive exploration of Japanese culture and artistry.
