Small-group workshops for international guests seeking authentic Japanese culture

Japanese Cultural Experiences at the Tokyo National Museum

A quiet, small-group program at the Tokyo National Museum. Experience nerikiri wagashi, tea ceremony, and kumihimo strap making through the stories, materials, and techniques that give Japanese craftsmanship its depth.

View available sessions Why this experience
Venue Kujo-kan, Tokyo National Museum
Dates July 7, July 9, and July 17, 2026
Price JPY 10,000-15,000 per person
Format 60 minutes / up to 10 guests / English

The design principle

Authenticity is created when place, person, and context meet.

Place

Kujo-kan, a wooden building in the museum garden that is not usually open to the public, gives each workshop a rare setting.

Person

Each session is led by a practitioner connected to the craft.

Context

Participants learn why each form exists and how it connects to Japanese aesthetics, craft, and daily life.

Programs

Two small-group workshops in Kujo-kan.

Wagashi and Matcha

Traditional Wagashi & Tea Ceremony Workshop

Make one seasonal nerikiri confection, watch a tea ceremony demonstration, whisk your own matcha, and taste what you created. This 60-minute workshop is conducted in English for guests seeking a genuine, small-group cultural experience.

ProgramTraditional Wagashi & Tea Ceremony Workshop
InstructorMomoko Sazawa / Wagashi & Matcha class sakura
Duration60 minutes
Capacity10 guests per session
PriceJPY 15,000 per person
LanguageEnglish
01Introduction

Meet the instructor and learn the theme of the session.

02Make nerikiri

Create one seasonal confection with support from the instructor and assistant.

03Tea ceremony

Watch a tea demonstration, then whisk your own matcha at your seat.

04Tasting

Taste your nerikiri with matcha and a small dry sweet prepared by the instructor.

Kumihimo

Traditional Kumihimo Strap Workshop

Learn the history, uses, silk colors, and hand movements behind kumihimo, then make a strap using a marudai braiding stand and the Nara-gumi technique. Your finished strap can be taken home as a keepsake.

ProgramTraditional Kumihimo Strap Workshop
InstructorDomyo / Kumihimo Experience by DOMYO
Duration60 minutes
Capacity10 guests per session
PriceJPY 10,000 per person
LanguageEnglish
01Context

Hear about Domyo, founded in 1652, and the role of kumihimo in Japanese culture.

02Color and silk

Choose from prepared colors and feel hand-dyed silk threads used in real products.

03Demonstration

Watch the marudai and Nara-gumi technique before beginning your own work.

04Make and finish

Braid and finish a strap with support, then take the completed piece home.

For guests who want to encounter Japanese culture through place, material, and their own hands.

A cultural activity with depth

Each gesture, material, and story invites guests into the quiet depth of Japanese culture.

Small and attentive

Each session is limited to 10 guests for careful guidance.

Connected to the museum

The value is in making, tasting, carrying home a finished piece, and understanding the meaning behind the form.

Booking

Available sessions

Wagashi and Matcha

Tokyo National Museum Kujo-kan / JPY 15,000 / 60 minutes

Kumihimo

Tokyo National Museum Kujo-kan / JPY 10,000 / 60 minutes

Details

Before joining

VenueKujo-kan, Tokyo National Museum
Main audienceInternational guests interested in Japanese traditional culture, craft, art, history, and authentic small-group experiences
AgeKumihimo is open to elementary school-age guests and above.
Check-inPlease arrive 10 minutes before the session begins.
BookingPlease use the online booking link shown for each available session.
Late arrivalLate guests may not be able to join once the session has begun.
Kumihimo noteParticipants work seated with the braiding stand held between the legs. Very short skirts are not recommended.
NotesSchedule and operating details may change depending on museum conditions.