【Factory Tours】 Experience Traditional Craftsmanship and Sweet Culture: Join a Hands-On Wagashi Workshop at a Historic 130-Year-Old Confectionery!

• Table of Contents
• Confectionery Craft Passed Down Through Generations
• Tour Details: Wagashi Workshop in Osaka
• Take a Peek of the Tour!
• Inquiries

Confectionery Craft Passed Down Through Generations

Founded over 130 years ago, this long-established Japanese and Western confectionery brand operates more than 20 stores mainly in Osaka and Wakayama. Offering both Japanese and Western sweets, the company has evolved with the times while preserving its traditional flavors and the craftsmanship of its artisans. The hands-on experience takes place at a facility along the Nankai Railway line, making access from Kansai Airport quick and easy—ideal for business travelers, student groups, and visitors interested in factory tours and cultural experiences.

Today, we will introduce a special program where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and witness artisan techniques at a historic confectionery that continues its journey toward becoming a millennium-old enterprise.

Tour Details: Wagashi Workshop in Osaka

During this hands-on workshop, you will create three types of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) under the guidance of skilled artisans. Watch a live demonstration and then try crafting your own sweets. The wagashi you finish can be taken home on the same day! This is a rare opportunity to experience the depth of Japan’s craftsmanship and the delicate techniques of wagashi artisans up close.

Contents: Wagashi making experience

Price: Group of 1–3 people: ¥23,000 per group

Group of 4–10 people: ¥5,800 per person

Participants: 1–10 people

Duration: Approximately 60–120 minutes

Booking Deadline: At least 10 days in advance

*Please note: The experience may not be available during peak seasons.

*Health & Safety Notice: To ensure a safe experience, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the activity, we may ask you to refrain from participating.

For inquiries, please click here (Japanese, English)

Take a Peek of the Tour!

From here, we will introduce the experience of making traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi).

In this program, you will have the opportunity to make three types of wagashi. All the ingredients and necessary cooking utensils are provided, so you can join us easily without bringing anything. Since this is a hands-on experience involving food, we start by thoroughly washing our hands.

Jo-namagashi (premium Japanese sweets) is a type of wagashi that developed in the mid-Edo period along with the spread of tea ceremony culture. It was created to enhance the flavor of matcha, with delicate attention given to both taste and appearance. One of the highlights of this experience is that the staff will introduce the culture and background related to wagashi in an easy-to-understand way, using photos to make it even more engaging.

Jo-namagashi, crafted with the skill and creativity of master artisans, delicately expresses the beauty of seasonal landscapes through color and form—truly edible works of art. In this experience, before making your own jo-namagashi, you’ll have the chance to watch a live demonstration by a professional wagashi artisan up close.

Anko (sweet bean paste) is difficult to handle as it is, so it needs to be kneaded by hand to adjust its softness. However, if it becomes too soft, it will lose its shape easily, so finding the perfect balance requires years of experience and a delicate touch.

Nerikiri, which reflects the colors of the four seasons, is made by combining white bean paste (shiro-an) from white kidney beans with mochi, yam, and added colors. To reproduce the subtle hues of flowers, even the slightest color adjustments require the artisan’s delicate sense and precision.

In this wagashi-making experience, you’ll get hands-on with traditional techniques. One of these is Hōan—the art of carefully wrapping a smooth bean paste center (koshian) with a layer of nerikiri dough. Creating a perfectly even, seamless finish without the filling peeking through is a skill that demands precision and craftsmanship.

After watching the artisan’s live demonstration, it’s your turn to try making wagashi yourself! Don’t worry—even beginners can enjoy this experience with confidence, as a skilled artisan will be right by your side, offering careful guidance every step of the way.

In Jo-namagashi, even the way a single cut is made can dramatically change the impression of the flower it represents. Every tiny incision reflects Japan’s unique sense of delicacy and the artisan’s unwavering attention to detail.

At last, your three wagashi creations are complete! You can enjoy one of them on the spot with a cup of tea, while the remaining two are yours to take home.

After the experience, you can visit the shop to pick up souvenirs and enjoy some shopping. You’ll find perfect gifts for yourself or for someone special. How about taking home a seasonal wagashi or a handcrafted masterpiece by our artisans as a memorable keepsake of your journey?

Experience the artistry and sensitivity of skilled artisans as you express the beauty of Japan’s four seasons through wagashi—a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the depth of Japanese culture. Overseas visitors are warmly welcome. *An interpreter is required.

Inquiries

1. Please fill out the necessary information in the form below and contact us.

2. We will contact you from "industrial.tourism@nankai.co.jp" within 3 business days.

For inquiries, please click here (Japanese, English)

From consultations about available dates to detailed tour information, please feel free to contact us!