15 Dessert Tours in Japan Worth Booking

1.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21Our pick

In Asakusa, an English-speaking host guides you through matcha’s history, quality, and traditional preparation. You whisk your own tea with a bamboo whisk, then enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets. Instructors may include Rino, Shuri, Hiya, or Nama. The one-hour class suits beginners, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed alternative to a formal tea ceremony.

“I had a very enjoyable experience with matcha. I tried making it for the first time, and it was very tasty and the staff was very fun and attentive. I highly recommend it if you are ever in Asakusa, Tokyo.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Matcha Making Class in Osaka with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · from $21

In a one-hour Osaka class, an English-speaking host such as Momo, Fuko, Yui, or Matty introduces matcha history, preparation, and tea etiquette. You whisk your own tea, enjoy Japanese sweets, and receive hands-on corrections in a group capped at six. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

“Enjoyable experience getting to learn a bit more about the production and making of matcha. The host was kind and energetic as she instructed how to make matcha tea and answered everyone’s questions. The matcha and small treats were all delicious!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Matcha Making Experience with Mochi Sweets in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 388 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

In Asakusa, one minute from the station, you learn matcha history through a light quiz, then whisk your own tea with traditional tools and enjoy mochi sweets. English-speaking hosts such as Mana, Ken, Hiyo, and Hayato guide the one-hour, seated class. It suits solo visitors, families, and anyone curious about Japanese tea culture.

“I enjoyed the thoughtful presentation, interaction and tips from the hosts!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 314 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

At a small classroom one minute from Gojo Station, you’ll shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto bean paste, then prepare single-origin Uji matcha. The Japanese-led class uses demonstrations and as much English help as possible. You’ll eat your sweets with the tea, and can buy a take-out box for 100 JPY.

“very well arranged. it was quite some fun to see what you prepare also in the market! the instructor was excellent mastering both japanease and english. thank you.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Matcha Making Experience with Japanese Sweets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

In a one-hour English class near Shinsaibashi, you learn matcha history through a light quiz, then whisk and drink your own tea with Japanese sweets. Guides such as Fujiko, Reika, Yui, Matty, and Serin keep the small group involved. No experience is needed, and the table setup avoids sitting on the floor.

“Matty is a really Nice person. We enjoyed a lot making our own matcha tea, with explanation on origin and so on. Discussions were interesting as well. We recommand!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 118 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

You will shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto bean paste, watch Uji matcha being ground, then prepare and drink your own tea. Instructors such as Maiko and Jun explain the steps in Japanese, with English help available when requested. The class is casual, hands-on, and easy to reach from Higobashi Station.

“we loved the explanation of the representation of Nikiri and the fun making them. Our host was patient and kind and gave clear instructions”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 76 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

In 95 minutes near Nagoya Station, you make two seasonal nerikiri sweets from Kyoto bean paste, then grind and prepare single-origin Uji matcha. Japanese instructors, including Mariko and Saki, offer clear guidance, with English help available on request. The session is hands-on, calm, and suited to families, couples, and first-time visitors.

“I was very interested in taking the class to learn how to make wagashi. The experience was very rewarding and the tea drinking ceremony provide information I didn't know before on proper way to drink matcha tea. I would highly recommend and the sweets were delicious as a snack after class. Thank You.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kyoto Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking Class near Fushimiinari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $79

Spend 2.5 hours in a traditional Japanese house near Fushimi Inari, learning to make three wagashi sweets with an English-speaking licensed guide interpreter. You will cook with a maximum of six people, receive the recipes, and finish with matcha and your handmade desserts. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.

“Wonderful experience where all of mum's cooking went wrong and the teenagers had great results. Lots of laughing, learning, and eating. Perfect host.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 50 reviews · 1h 35m · from $18

At AN TOKYO, a Japanese instructor guides you through two seasonal nerikiri sweets, made with white and red bean paste from long-established Kyoto shops. You will color and shape the sweets, watch a matcha-grinding demonstration, prepare Uji matcha, and enjoy your creations in a tea ceremony. English is supported mainly through demonstrations.

“I liked this activity. I have learned a new skill of making sweets using sweet bean paste. However, I could not remember the name of this technique. Would be good if the organisers wrote the name in the description of this activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Wagashi (Japanese sweets) Cooking near Fushimiinari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 2h 30m · from $84

Spend 150 minutes with Miho at iroHa cooking studio, near Fushimi Inari. In an authentic Japanese home, you will make about three seasonal wagashi, such as mochi, dango, or dorayaki, with clear English instruction. Finish with matcha, sweets, and garden views. The group is limited to six, and vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.

“Being the only person that signed up for the activity that day, I ended up having a private class! Being able to go at my own pace and being able to have discussions about several topics throughout the cooking class made for a great and memorable experience. If you have the slightest interest in Japanese sweets, this is a great opportunity to learn how some are made! And they taste amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha & Sweets in Gion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · 1 hour - 150 minutes · from $22

In Gion, a tea master introduces you to Japanese tea history, Zen ideas, and graceful ceremony techniques. You’ll taste sweets, make matcha with powder from a family-run farm, and take home a simple recipe. Chair seating keeps this one-hour to 150-minute experience comfortable, with an English-speaking instructor and small-group options.

“Our host was extremely approachable, hospitable, knowledgeable and passionate about what she does.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Two Types of Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 26 reviews · 2h 5m · from $28

At AN TOKYO, a Japanese instructor guides you through three hands-on traditions: molded ohigashi sweets made with Wasanbon, two seasonal nerikiri using Kyoto bean paste, and matcha preparation after a grinding demonstration. English help is provided as much as possible. The pace is friendly, but nerikiri takes a little care.

“It was a lovely experience! The instructor was very kind and knowledgeable, and also gave instructions in English which was very kind! I really recommend this experience. Thank you so much!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Tea Ceremony & Japanese Traditional Sweets

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 21 reviews · 1 hour · from $27

Spend one calm hour near Hakusan Station learning matcha from a tea master with more than 10 years of experience. Watch an otemae demonstration, whisk your own tea, and shape seasonal nerikiri sweets. The English-speaking host keeps the ceremony clear and approachable, with groups limited to 10 people.

“Privileged to be able to watch such a beautiful more about cultural importance. ceremony and learn”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Japanese Traditional Sweets making

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 19 reviews · 1h 5m · from $11Best value

At AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience in Tokyo, you will shape two seasonal nerikiri sweets using white and red bean paste from long-established Kyoto shops. A Japanese instructor demonstrates a flower-shaped sweet and a kinton nerikiri, with English translation provided as much as possible. The 65-minute class ends with time to photograph and eat your creations. Take-out boxes cost 100 JPY.

“Very informative and fun. great instructor, value for money and a great way to socialise for solo travellers. regular updates with location information too”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.2 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 2h 5m · from $28

Near Gojo Station, you’ll make wasanbon ohigashi and two seasonal nerikiri sweets using Kyoto bean paste, then grind and prepare single-origin matcha in a casual tea session. Japanese instructors lead the class, with English help available. Maiko has been praised for clear, friendly instruction. Expect a practical culture lesson, not a formal tea-school performance.

“I thought it was good. The presenter translated everything into English which was very helpful. The sweet making was interesting. Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought that we would do an actual tea ceremony but it was more an informative session and we made a cup of matcha tea.”

Check availability →Read our full review