7 Sweets & Dessert Tours in Kyoto We Would Put a Day Against

1.Japanese Traditional Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony

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

At a small Kyoto classroom near Gojo Station, you color and shape white bean paste into two seasonal nerikiri sweets, then prepare single-origin Uji matcha. The Japanese instructor gives English help when possible. Expect a hands-on cultural lesson rather than a formal tea ceremony, with your sweets and tea enjoyed at the end.

“It was a nice class introducing you to a Japanese desert. The tea ceremony was good as well. Classes are taught in both English and Japanese..”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $79Top rated

In a traditional Japanese-style house near Fushimi Inari, Miho and her English-speaking instructor team show you how to prepare three wagashi sweets. You will cook in a small group of up to six, receive the recipes, then enjoy your sweets with matcha while looking onto a garden. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.

“We had a great time at this cooking class with Miho. Her studio was easy enough to find, space is nice and clean. Had one of my favorite bites of the trip with one of the desserts with black sesame, I had never had it before and now obsessed. We enjoyed our learning and eating from this experience. Thanks Miho!”

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3.Wagashi (Japanese sweets) Cooking near Fushimiinari

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

Spend 150 minutes with English-speaking instructor Miho in a traditional Japanese home near Fushimi Inari. You will make about three seasonal wagashi, such as mochi, dango, or dorayaki, with hands-on guidance, then enjoy your sweets and matcha in a tatami room overlooking the garden. Small groups are limited to six.

“Miho was amazing and really gave a personal touch to our experience. We had a nice time chatting and she was able to give us a really great recommendation for areas to visit based on our interests. She even gave us a quick matcha lesson, which was very appreciated. Even though you could probably find the recipes online, or attend a group class, I highly recommend Miho’s personal touch.”

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4.Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha & Sweets in Gion

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

In Gion, an English-speaking tea master explains Zen, tea history, and ceremony manners before preparing matcha up close. You then taste traditional sweets and whisk your own bowl using tea from a family-run farm. Chair seating keeps the experience comfortable, and a simple recipe helps you repeat it at home. Some options include kimono rental.

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

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5.2 Types of Japanese Sweets making and Tea Ceremony

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

Near Gojo Station in Kyoto, you will make wasanbon ohigashi, two seasonal nerikiri sweets using Kyoto bean paste, and your own matcha. The Japanese instructor, including Maiko in some sessions, explains each step with English help when possible. The 125-minute class ends with time to eat, drink, and take photos.

“Maiko was attentive and informative. She did a wonderful job. Sadly the room full of tourists were rather disrespectful and noisy.”

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6.Japanese Traditional Sweets ”Nerikiri” making

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 17 reviews · 1h 5m · from $11Best value

At AN Japanese Culture Experience near Gojo Station, you make two seasonal nerikiri sweets, a flower shape and a kinton style, using white and red bean paste from long-established Kyoto shops. A Japanese-speaking instructor guides the 65-minute session, with English help available when requested. Eat your creations on the spot, or add a takeout box and matcha.

“Easy to do. Beautifully presented. A relaxing way to immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine”

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7.Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $22

In Kyoto’s Gion district, a tea master such as Mitsune or Yuki introduces you to chanoyu, its Zen roots, and the spirit of omotenashi. You’ll watch a formal tea preparation, taste artisan sweets, whisk premium matcha from a family farm, and ask questions. The one-hour session uses chairs and welcomes beginners.

“Had the best experience. The ceremony was wonderful. Very informative and educational. The matcha was delicious.”

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