Yanaka Bento-Making Class & Calligraphy Workshop (Tokyo)
Step into Tokyo’s traditional district of Yanaka near Nippori and Ueno and become immersed in Japanese traditions with a bento-making class and a calligraphy workshop led by passionate local hosts.
Highlights
Discover the timeless allure of Yanaka, a district of Tokyo’s “shitamachi” that retains its old-town, nostalgic charm
Learn to make a traditional Japanese bento lunch with rice balls and a seasonal selection of foods from local shops
Enjoy your cutely homemade bento lunch with miso soup
Try your hand at calligraphy guided by a pro instructor, and take home a unique calligraphy artwork created by you
Easy-to-access location near Nippori and Ueno
10 meals
Experience Details
Only a few blocks away from the bustle of Nippori Station you’ll feel transported into a different time and place in Tokyo’s Yanaka area. A prime example of the capital’s “shitamachi” — a traditional, slow-paced working-class neighborhood — the nostalgic streets of Yanaka retain the charm of Old Tokyo. Easily accessible from Ueno and Nippori, this is a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for a destination with fewer crowds that’s still close to Tokyo’s most popular tourist areas.
But don’t just stroll through Yanaka when you can also immerse yourself in its traditions — like cooking and calligraphy. Led by local hosts, you’ll first learn to make Japanese home cooking staples in a cooking class. You’ll learn to shape onigiri rice balls and complete your meal with side dishes (okazu) from popular neighborhood shops and assemble your bento and customize it for maximum cuteness. You’ll then enjoy your meal with a warm bowl of miso soup.
After lunch, you’ll take part in a Japanese calligraphy workshop. A calligraphy master will teach you how to write basic characters, and you’ll then choose your favorite one to write on colored paper, a unique artwork you’ll get to keep as a souvenir. If you’d like, you can also have your calligraphy artwork transferred onto a T-shirt or bag for an additional fee.
This experience allows you to experience the traditional culture and home cooked foods of Yanaka, learn about Japanese calligraphy and spend time with friendly locals.
Inclusions
Bento box lunch and rice ball making
One drink
Calligraphy workshop with a licensed instructor
All tools and materials
Certified English-speaking guide
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
The meeting point will be "ko hi ko jo" Cafe in Yanaka, less than 10 min on foot from Sendagi and JR Nippori Stations. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Guests are asked to please arrive 10 minutes before the experience start time.
Please don’t wear strong perfume or cologne.
Guests under the age of 18 must join with an adult participant.
The host cannot speak English fluently, so a co-host will assist with communication in English.
Dietary restrictions may be accommodated. Please inquire upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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10 meals
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