1. Introduction
1-1. what is the nerikiri experience?
The Nerikiri Experience is an activity that allows visitors to experience making nerikiri, a traditional Japanese confectionery.
The shapes are made by kneading fine white bean paste with sugar and pigments to express seasonal flowers and animals.
The beautiful appearance and delicate taste are the attraction of this activity.
In recent years, as the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has increased, the nerikiri experience has become increasingly popular.
The ability to experience Japanese culture and make one's own original Nerikiri is appealing to foreign tourists.
1-2. Reasons for the Popularity of the Nerikiri Experience for Foreigners
There are several possible reasons for the popularity of the Nerikiri experience for foreigners.
You can experience traditional Japanese culture.
Nerikiri is a traditional confectionery that has developed along with the Japanese tea ceremony.
Through the Nerikiri experience, visitors can experience the spirit of the tea ceremony and the Japanese sense of beauty.
Sharpen your senses and exercise your creativity
Making nerikiri requires a delicate touch and creativity.
Through the process of adjusting colors and shapes, you can sharpen your senses and exercise your creativity.
You can create delicious and beautiful kneaded dough.
The finished kneaded dough looks beautiful and tastes elegant.
It will be an exceptional pleasure to eat the nerikiri you made yourself.
A memorable experience
The nerikiri experience is a precious experience that allows you to create a unique and original work of art.
You can take a picture of it or bring it home as a souvenir, making it a memory that will last a lifetime.
2. Attractions of the Nerikiri Experience
2-1. you can experience traditional Japanese culture
Nerikiri is a traditional confectionery that has developed along with the Japanese tea ceremony.
The tea ceremony is one of the spiritual cultures of Japan, and visitors can learn how to set up a tea room, use tea utensils, and brew tea.
Through the Nerikiri experience, visitors can experience the spirit of the tea ceremony and the Japanese sense of beauty.
2-2. you can sharpen your senses and exercise your creativity
Making nerikiri requires a delicate touch and creativity.
Through the process of adjusting colors and shapes, you can sharpen your five senses and exercise your creativity.
2-3. you can make delicious and beautiful Nerikiri
The finished kneaded dough looks beautiful and tastes elegant.
Nerikiri are made by kneading fine white bean paste with sugar and dyes, so they are smooth to the palate, not too sweet, and have an elegant taste.
2-4. to have a memorable experience
The nerikiri experience is a valuable experience that allows you to create a one-of-a-kind original work of art.
You can take a picture of it or bring it home as a souvenir, making it a memory that will last a lifetime.
3. contents of the Nerikiri experience for foreigners
3-1. flow of the experience
The general flow of the kneading experience for foreigners is as follows.
Instructor's Explanation:
Instructor explains the history of Nerikiri, types of Nerikiri, and how to make them.
Demonstration:
Observe the instructor making Nerikiri.
Making the Nerikiri:
Participants actually make the Nerikiri.
Tasting:
Taste the kneaded dough.
3-2. tools and materials used
The following tools and materials are required for making kneaded dough.
Tools:
spatulas, knives, molds, etc.
Ingredients:
white bean paste, sugar, dye, matcha green tea, gold leaf, etc.
3-3. types of Nerikiri you can make
The types of nerikiri you can make vary depending on where you experience it, but in general, the following types are available.
Flowers:
cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, plums, etc.
Animals:
Rabbit, carp streamer, chick, etc.
Fruits:
Strawberries, peaches, grapes, etc.
3-4. teacher's instruction
At most experience sites, instructors who can speak Japanese will provide guidance.
If you do not understand the language, they will teach you carefully with gestures.
4. recommended places to experience Nerikiri
4-1. Tokyo
･Toraya Asakusa Wagashidokoro, Shinbashi Branch
･Wagashi Workshop Nagomian
･wagashi academy Tokyo An
4-2. Kyoto
･Nakamura Tokichi, Kyoto Wagashi Shop ･Suehiroan Kyoto Confectionery
･Kasho Kitcho Kyoto Main Store
･Tsujiya Honten
4-3. Osaka
･Osaka Kurashi no Konjikan: Naniwa no Suzuno
･Naniwaya Sohonten Wagashidokoro
5. points to consider when making a reservation for a nerikiri experience
5-1. confirm the content of the experience
Prices and time required vary depending on the experience. Check the content of the experience in advance and choose the one that suits you best.
5-2. check the price
Fees vary depending on the location and content of the experience. Check the fees in advance and choose one that fits within your budget.
5-3. confirm the reservation method
Reservation methods vary depending on the location. In most cases, reservations can be made online or by phone.
6. related information
6-1. history of nerikiri
History of Nerikiri
Nerikiri is a traditional confectionery that developed along with the tea ceremony during the Muromachi period (1333-1573). Initially, they were served as tea sweets in the tea ceremony.
In the Edo period (1603-1867), it became popular among the general public, and today there are many varieties of nerikiri made.
6-2. types of kneaded dough
There are two main types of nerikiri.
Kami-gashi
These are confections made from nerikiri.
They are often decorated with motifs of seasonal flowers and animals, and are beautiful to look at and delicately flavored.
Ochigan
A type of confectionary made of thinly stretched and molded pieces of kneaded rice cake. It is a type of dried confectionery and is eaten as a tea-time snack.
6-3. how to make Nerikiri
To make nerikiri, fine white bean paste is kneaded with sugar and pigments to form a shape.
The process of adjusting the color and shaping requires a delicate touch and creativity.
7. Q&A about Nerikiri Experience for Foreigners
Q: Is it OK if I don't speak Japanese?
A: At most experience locations, instructors who can speak Japanese will guide you. If you do not understand the language, they will carefully teach you with gestures.
Q: What kind of clothing should I wear?
A: Many places will lend you an apron and gloves, so just wear comfortable clothes.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?
A: There is nothing in particular that you need to bring.
Q: Is it possible to take pictures?
A: Photography is allowed, but be careful not to disturb other participants.
8. impressions of the experience
I recently had a Nerikiri experience in Kyoto. Thanks to the instructor's careful guidance, I was able to successfully make Nerikiri even for the first time.
The Nerikiri I made by myself were beautiful to look at and very delicious. It was a very valuable experience for me to get in touch with traditional Japanese culture.
9.summary
The Nerikiri experience for foreigners in Japan is a valuable experience where you can experience Japanese traditional culture and make your own original Nerikiri. Why not give it a try?
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