Japan · Dining Experience

5-Hour Cultural Food Experience in Sakai with Tea and Wagashi

5 Hours Round trip from 日本、大阪府堺市堺区甲斐町東２丁堺山之口商店街 Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Learn about the historical tea ceremony and enjoy matcha under the guidance of a professional instructor
02 Join a world-renowned wagashi artisan to create traditional Japanese sweets
03 Create a traditional Japanese craft known as Tsumami-zaiku
04 Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the retro and serene Japanese-style interior of Cafe Lapin

Indulge in the authentic cuisine of Cafe Lapin, then experience a traditional tea ceremony at The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko. Learn about the legacy of Sen no Rikyu, make matcha under the guidance of a tea master, and discover the art of creating traditional Japanese wagashi. You will also take part in a Tsumami-zaiku crafting experience, making a delicate handmade piece to take home.

Learn about the legacy of Sen no Rikyu, make matcha under the guidance of a tea master, and discover the art of creating traditional Japanese wagashi.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Osaka, Sakai

Languages English, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Lunch at Cafe Lapin

First, we will have lunch at Cafe Lapin on Yamanokuchi Shopping Street.
You can enjoy a leisurely and delicious meal in the retro and serene Japanese-style interior.

Day 02

Tea Ceremony at The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko

About a 10-minute walk from Cafe Lapin, you'll find The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko.
This museum is dedicated to the legacy of Sen no Rikyu, the grand tea master who greatly influenced the Japanese tea ceremony.
Here, you will learn the etiquette and techniques of tea preparation from a tea master and have the opportunity to make tea yourself.

Day 03

Wagashi Making with a Renowned Artisan

We will then return to Cafe Lapin for a hands-on Japanese sweets (wagashi)-making experience.

Each participant will create two pieces and enjoy tasting them. The instructor is the third-generation owner of a renowned wagashi shop in Sakai, and he will personally guide you through the process. His expertise, recognized internationally, beautifully captures the changing seasons through the art of wagashi.

Day 04

Tsumami-Zaiku Crafting Experience

At Cafe Lapin, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a Tsumami-zaiku crafting experience.
You will carefully pinch and fold small pieces of fabric using tweezers to create delicate flowers.
Tsumami-zaiku is a traditional Japanese craft that involves making intricate designs, often used in hair accessories or decorations.
Once you complete your piece, you can take it home as a hair ornament, headband, or brooch.

Where this trip takes you

Cafe Lapin, Yamanokuchi Shopping Street, The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from 日本、大阪府堺市堺区甲斐町東２丁堺山之口商店街 2 cities · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Lunch
Instruction fees
Material costs
Facility fees

What's Not Included

Travel expenses to the location
Kimono rental is available as an optional extra (please note that the meeting time will be earlier for those who choose this option).

What to bring

Drinks, if needed, during the activity
A handkerchief or towel for wiping hands
Comfortable shoes for walking, as it's about a 10-minute walk to the museum (the path is flat and concrete, so sandals are also fine).

Know before you go

Information about facilities and amenities: Cafe Lapin does not have facilities for infants, such as baby chairs, beds, or diaper changing stations. Please also note that the restroom is not accessible to people with disabilities. The restroom at The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko is more accommodating for such needs, but you will only be there during the tea ceremony.

Duration of the experience: The entire experience, from lunch to the end of the activities, is expected to take around 5 hours. However, the schedule may vary, so we kindly ask that you allow some flexibility in your plans.

Travel and access information: Cafe Lapin is a 3-minute walk from Oshoji Station on the Hankai Tramway and a 5-minute walk from Shukuin Station on the Hankai Line. We will meet you at the station. During the experience, we will walk to The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko for the tea ceremony.

Dress code and what to bring: There are no specific dress requirements. As it is a long experience, bringing drinks is recommended, though they can also be purchased at the cafe. Since it will be a fun experience, don't forget to bring your camera!

Notes for participants with children: Children around 6 years old can participate on their own (at the same price as adults). You are welcome to bring younger children, but please note that we do not offer childcare services during the activities. We recommend bringing toys or activities to keep them entertained.

Weather-related information: There will be a short walk from the cafe to The Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko. While part of the shopping street is covered, you will need to cross an uncovered street at a traffic light. If it is raining, you will need an umbrella.

Booking and cancellation policy: To secure the instructors' schedules, we appreciate it if you can book 1 to 2 weeks in advance. For cancellations, you will receive a full refund if canceled 3 days before the experience, 50% the day before, and 100% on the day of the experience.

Meal information: The lunch at Cafe Lapin is a daily special. If you have any allergies or preferences, we will do our best to accommodate them, so please let us know in advance. However, please understand that we may not be able to fulfill all requests.

Language support: An English-speaking guide will accompany the experience. If you require a guide in another language, we can try to arrange one, so please consult with us in advance. However, we may not always be able to meet your request, so we appreciate your understanding.

Logistics