Top Saitama Prefecture Classes & Workshops

This local, immersive food experience offers a warm and personal glimpse into Japanese culture, led by Risa, a passionate local guide who shares her culinary skills and family traditions. From making dashi from scratch to enjoying a homestyle meal in her cozy kitchen, this class feels like being welcomed into a Japanese home in Saitama, a 20-min train ride from Shinjuku station.

You can see the tatami production site with the guidance of tatami artisans. We can manufacture interior mini tatami mats (size 20 x 20 cm, thickness 20 ~ 30 mm). After the experience, there is also a tea break service on the edge of the tatami mat. If you wish, there are souvenirs

A clean room in a public facility just a 5-minute walk from the popular tourist spot Kawagoe's kura-zukuri district is the place to experience the program. You will finish a small Jizo, one of the most popular Japanese Buddhist statue sculptures, by wood carving. It is easy even for beginners as you only have to finish a half-finished piece up to rough carving. The instructor, who has 24 years of experience as an artist, will kindly and carefully instruct you how to hold and use a carving knife. There are two types of Jizo, a small one and a slightly larger one, but you can prepare your favorite one upon prior consultation if you wish.

KenDo!-Spirit is not only about experiencing the traditional Japanese culture of kendo, but also about experiencing the heart and spirit of kendo. Through kendo, we aim to create a peaceful and better society through the characteristics of kendo, such as courtesy, courtesy, and respect for each other. We offer a full-fledged kendo experience under the guidance of a high-ranked instructor to both children and adults in a casual atmosphere! Enjoy the experience! We offer five programs for you to experience kendo. 1. You will hear about the history of kendo. 2. You will actually wear a kendo-gi and kendo gear. 3. You will learn the basics of kendo and actually practice uchikomi. 4. Watching real practice and matches by high-ranked players is a very powerful experience. 5. Participants will take photos with each other, drink tea, and have a good time. We hope you will try kendo as a memorable part of your enjoyable trip to Japan. We look forward to your participation!

[Let's play handmade mini shamisen! Traditional music experience workshop] TOKYO SHAMI EXPERIENCE was newly launched last year as a spot where you can enjoy the shamisen more easily and fun! This reservation site has just started in 2020. A new two-hour workshop where everyone can handcraft a mini shamisen, play a few songs, and enjoy a live concert with tea! You can take the instruments you made home and play them at home. Musical instrument workshops that have been featured on TV, magazines, and on the Web. It is perfect for those who want to start a new instrument that people around them do not do much, or those who are interested in Japanese musical instruments but are unable to take a step because of the high threshold. Not only will you be able to play, but also from the history and explanation of the shamisen, everyone can create a shamisen kit and learn how it sounds. Please enjoy the special experience that can enter the world of deep Japanese! * Price with musical instrument

Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, offers a diverse options of experiences that cater to wellness and mindfulness enthusiasts and it's only an hour away from Tokyo. This unique offering takes you to Takedera in Hanno City, a distinctive temple where the harmonious blend of Shintoism and Buddhism converges with a vast bamboo forest. While immersing yourself in the tranquility of this spiritual sanctuary, meet your instructor, Mr. Aoyama, for a truly unique experience – learning the art of "suizen," or blowing Zen meditation. This practice is so rare that even many Japanese locals have never encountered it. Later, your wellness journey continues to the Kirari Spa Villa by Miyazawa Lake. As one of Saitama's most popular spas, this villa boasts an extensive variety of pools. Spend your afternoon at the spa villa before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. NOTE: Please note that tattoos are strictly prohibited at this particular spa facility.

The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures. These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the creation of this powerfully symbolic sword with Fusahiro, one of the last remaining Japanese swordsmiths.

Experience authentic Japanese tea culture in a hidden lounge just steps from Toki no Kane in Kawagoe. • Grind rare tea leaves from a local Kawagoe tea farm using a traditional stone mill. • Whisk and enjoy your own bowl of premium ceremonial-grade matcha. • Savor seasonal sweets and savory bites carefully paired with your tea. • Enjoy unlimited refills of locally produced Kawagoe black tea and Kawagoe hojicha. • Relax in an intimate setting with small groups of up to six guests.

Dive into the captivating world of sumo wrestling with this exclusive 4-hour Sumo Stable Morning Practice tour! Join a small group (maximum 16 people) led by an expert sumo guide for an intimate look at a real sumo stable’s morning practice. Equipped with audio headsets, you’ll gain insights into training rituals and techniques as you watch these incredible athletes train up-close. After the session, get unforgettable access – converse and share tea with the wrestlers themselves! To top it off, enjoy comfortable seating with ample legroom and savor a delicious Chanko nabe lunch. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into sumo culture, not to be missed!

Our globally experienced, English-speaking Japanese female sushi chef will teach you the art of traditional sushi making in a 140-year-old historic building, now a beloved local cafe. Class Style: Hands-on Experience: you'll create your sushi under the guidance of our expert sushi chef. Can you replicate the Japanese sushi chef's skillful hand movements? What You'll Learn: Learn how to make perfect sushi rice that you can easily recreate at home. Cultural Insights: Did you know nigiri sushi was created in Japan 300 years ago? See the amazing staircase cabinets in our historic building, once a rice wholesale shop. The beautiful ceiling beams will take you back 100 years! Dietary Options: We cater to a vegetarian menu. Please inform us of any allergies in advance. We are unable to accommodate requests on the day of the class.

Enjoy a traditional green tea picking experience in Sayama, the birthplace of Sayama tea, one of Japan’s top three teas known for its rich flavor. Then take a relaxing walk through the historic streets of Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its well-preserved Edo-period townscape. This seasonal day tour from May to November offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history near Tokyo. ・Pick fresh green tea leaves in Sayama, famous for its deep-flavored tea ・Stroll through Kawagoe’s charming old town with traditional warehouse-style buildings ・Experience a unique mix of nature and Edo-era culture on this limited-time tour

Do you like sushi? Visiting an authentic sushi shop in Japan must be one of your most exciting agenda, but what about making your own sushi roll? It’s much easier than you would think. I will teach you all the steps by hands-on instructions. You will learn how to make sushi rice, how to prepare several ingredients from scratch and how to roll sushi! If you are a vegetarian, talk to me first. You will have plenty choices of Japanese vegetables. Besides your sushi rolls, you will enjoy some miso soup. Let’s have fun making and eating the sushi you just made.

Experience how to enjoy the tea ceremony as a guest in a mindful, authentic Japanese Garden in Kumagaya City (Only a 24-min bullet train ride from Tokyo Station)!! Escape the crowds of Tokyo and experience the tea ceremony in a peaceful traditional garden! In this unique session, you will enjoy experiencing thin tea (Usucha) and sweets, as well as the deep art of utensil viewing (Haiken). Enjoy the tea ceremony mindfully with using five senses. Perfect for beginners looking to relax and connect with Japanese culture!

The venue is a 200-year-old traditional Japanese house registered as a national tangible cultural property, with tatami mat rooms. You will finish carving a wooden iphone case with a sharp Japanese carving knife. The soft and light paulownia wood is used to glue the case to the soft clear case, so it is easy to make! The instructor, who has 24 years of experience as an artist, will kindly and carefully instruct you how to hold and use the carving knife. Please let us know in advance which iphone series the case is compatible with. If you have a design request, we can discuss it with you in advance and prepare your favorite design. You can choose between beeswax finish and acrylic coloring.