Immerse Yourself: Top Japanese Culture Classes & Workshops to Take During Your Tokyo Trip

Biku Designs, run by British expat Victoria Close, offers a unique experience where you can create your own custom jewelry inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. Under the guidance of expert artisans, you'll learn about the intricate techniques used in Japanese jewelry making and design your own pieces using materials like pearls, gemstones, and precious metals. This hands-on workshop is perfect for those looking to take home a personalized and elegant souvenir. Workshops also include gel printing, other crafts and kimono art.

• BikuDesigns

Ikebana, the ancient art of Japanese flower arrangement, is a serene and meditative practice that emphasizes harmony, balance, and simplicity. Join a class to learn the fundamental principles of Ikebana from a master instructor. You'll discover how to create stunning floral arrangements that reflect the natural beauty of each season, using flowers, branches, and leaves. It's a wonderful way to connect with nature and bring a piece of Japan's beauty into your home.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Otonami Wabunka
• Ohararyu
• Studio F
• Atelier Soka

Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, is a beautiful metaphor for resilience and embracing imperfections. In a Kintsugi class, you'll learn how to piece together broken ceramics using a special lacquer mixed with powdered gold. This traditional craft not only teaches valuable skills but also imparts a deeper appreciation for the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in the imperfect and the impermanent.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Maker’s Base
• Kintsugi Workshops Tokyo

For food enthusiasts, a miso-making class offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Japanese cuisine. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is a staple ingredient in many Japanese dishes. During the class, you'll learn about the fermentation process, different types of miso, and how to make your own batch from scratch. This hands-on experience is both educational and delicious, providing you with a new culinary skill to take home.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Food Experiences
• Miso Making Class

Bonsai is the art of growing and shaping miniature trees in containers, a practice that requires patience, precision, and an eye for detail. Join a bonsai workshop to learn about the history and techniques of this ancient art form. Under the guidance of experienced bonsai masters, you'll get to shape and style your own bonsai tree, learning about the care and maintenance required to keep it healthy and beautiful.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Tree Creation and Tea Ceremony
• Bonsai
  

Miniature food making is a delightful and intricate craft where you create tiny replicas of Japanese dishes using clay and other materials. These adorable miniatures can be turned into keychains, magnets, or simply kept as charming collectibles. In a class, you'll learn the meticulous techniques required to create realistic miniature foods, from sushi to ramen, and enjoy the satisfaction of producing incredibly detailed and tiny culinary art.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Foods and Shops
• Japanese Fake Food: Food Sample Making Workshop in Tokyo 
• Japanese Plastic Food Sample Art Experience in Tokyo

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets often enjoyed with tea. These confections are not only delicious but also visually stunning, reflecting the seasons and natural beauty of Japan. In a wagashi-making class, you'll learn how to craft these delicate sweets using ingredients like rice flour, red bean paste, and agar. The class often includes a tea ceremony where you can enjoy your handmade sweets with a cup of matcha.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Wagashi Confection
• Simply Oishii Wagashi Classes

The Japanese tea ceremony, or "sado," is a profound cultural practice that involves the ceremonial preparation and consumption of matcha, a powdered green tea. Join a tea ceremony class to learn about the rituals, etiquette, and philosophy behind this traditional practice. You'll have the opportunity to participate in a formal tea ceremony, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality, mindfulness, and aesthetics.

Some options for classes in English are:

• Tea Ceremony Tokyo
• Chado Workshop Shizukoro

There are plenty of other options from Edo Kiriko, Origami, Washi paper making, lantern making, mochi making, soba making, ninja training experience, Shibori dying and more. Below are a few links that didn’t make the cut for the first round of this list but would certainly make the 2nd round.

Edo kiriko can be etched into many types of glassware including sake glasses, tea cups and even flower vases. At Sokichi, you can try crafting a kiriko glass after being inspired by the samples provided.

• The art of paper folding
• Making washi paper
• Mizuhiki Knots and Washi Paper Wrapping
• Make your own paper lantern
• Mochi making
• Lacquerware
• Ninja Training Experience
• Shibori dying
• Taiko Drumming

Conclusion

Taking a cultural class in Tokyo is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the traditions and artistry of Japan. Whether you choose to craft jewelry, arrange flowers, repair pottery, ferment miso, cultivate bonsai, create miniature foods, make traditional sweets, or participate in a tea ceremony, each experience offers a unique and memorable insight into Japanese culture. These classes not only provide a hands-on learning experience but also allow you to take home a piece of Japan, whether it's a skill, a handcrafted item, or a cherished memory.

For other options check out Klook and Rakuten Travel Experiences