Location: Ueno, Asakusa
Top Things to do in Ueno, Asakusa
What to do and see in Ueno, Asakusa, Kanto: The Best Lessons & Workshops
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Tokyo Bon Asakusa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Our company Takafuji Dance Company started from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. We started to provide a few of these services because we have a vision to have this traditional culture being continued like Kabuki which has a history of 400 years, and also have it being experienced by others. We own a facility called 「Cool Japan experience」in Asakusa which is the platform for Japanese Cultural Experience produced by Japan Creative Dance Takafuji. Our theme is 「Dream Experience」, where we hope one gets to experience a dream of their lifetime at our place. We have other Japanese cultural experiences that one can enjoys freely at our Tokyo Bon in Asakusa.
2. Wanariya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Traditional Japanese dyeing and weaving experiences and products. Handkerchief, Japanese towel, Stoles, Bags, Shirts, Sweats,etc.
Reviewed By fionat961 - Brisbane, Australia
We recently spent 2 weeks in Japan - some time skiing in Nozawa Onsen, and then 3 days in Tokyo at the end of our trip. It was my third visit to Tokyo and I had always wanted to learn a bit more about shibori and dyeing. Spending some time at the Wanariya studio, learning about indigo and airzone dyeing, and then having some hands on experience was amazing. It takes about 90 minutes all up so not an all day activity. You choose what you would like to dye, learn about the techniques and then get hands on. You have to e mail and book a time beforehand - no problem doing this in English. The dyeing is apparently run at both the studio and the shop (2 different locations) - we went to the studio which was a 15 minute walk from a subway stop. They sent us clear instructions and suggested getting a taxi from the station but it's an easy walk and with google maps it is hard to get lost these days. The dyeing and merchandise is not expensive and our group of three was delighted with our respective treasures.
3. Chagohan Tokyo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Do you want to make SUSHI ? We, CHAGOHAN TOKYO, offers Matcha and green tea classes, and also Japanese cooking classes like Sushi, Sho-ka-do Bento, Okonomiyaki & Yakitori. You can join these classes with us at CHAGOHAN TOKYO in Asakusa. Our chef will tell you some tips and tricks for cooking Japanese meal. Custom classes are available upon request! Come and enjoy making Matcha and cooking Japanese food with us!! Access : 3-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Line Asakusa Station or 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station. Credit card is accepted.
Reviewed By S6789MZjulieb
My husband, young adult daughter, her friend and I shared a sushi making class on New Year’s Eve in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. The owners are warm, quick witted and deeply knowledgeable about the history and art of sushi making. We learned by doing, using fresh ingredients of excellent quality, and then enjoyed our handiwork with hot sake. It was a first class, fun experience. The owners earn the rave reviews they get.
4. Wakalture Experience -Japanese Calligraphy and Cooking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Wakana teaches you the real Japanese culture such as traditional calligraphy, cooking, Origami, Tsumami-zaiku etc... Wakana is a licensed calligrapher and having over 20 years of experience!! At the calligraphy class, you will write your favorite word with your name in Japanese. Of course, you can take them home as a souvenir:) Udon making class comes with either Calligraphy, Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) making or Origami folding class. You make Udon from scratch! While we let Udon dough sit 1-1.5 hours, you'll experience one more Japanese culture. It's located in my local area close to both Akihabara and Ueno:) More cultural classes are available!! Please check my website for more details or just ask me:)
Reviewed By shawnh92
A fun afternoon for learning Japanese calligraphy that was a highlight of our trip to Tokyo. Gained an appreciation of the discipline and artistry required. Wakana is terrific instructor and patiently corrects mistakes (even if like me you repeat the same ones). We combined with the Udon cooking class which was delicious
5. Photo & Culture Studio Wasabi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Through this excursion, you will find another deep perspective on Tokyo that you never know. This plan offers you unique exploration, experience and some workshops. Tokyo Downtown will be the main area (Akihabara, Kuramae, Ryogku etc).
6. TAIKO-LAB Asakusa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
It's loud. It's powerful. It's SUPER fun! Enjoy the authentic art of Japanese Taiko Drumming, no experience or Japanese required! TAIKO-LAB is one of the largest Japanese Taiko drumming groups in the world, with members who tour internationally and teach over 3,000 students in our studios across Japan. We believe playing Taiko is good for both your body and the mind, so we would like people of all ages from around the world to experience the beat of the drums!
7. Experience Authentic Japanese Zen Culture
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Experience authentic Japanese Zen Japanese Calligraphy culture. English-speaking Japanese Calligraphy Artist can teach you to write your own name in Kanji characters. Create a unique souvenir Japanese scroll with your name in Kanji.
8. CookJPN
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Japanese home cooking class for travelers in Asakusa Tokyo Japan.From2,000YEN（2hours）per person. Our aim is to offer overseas visitors the chance to experience the Japanese lifestyle while enjoying preparing and cooking themselves…and eating the results!
Reviewed By Footprints788743 - Seattle, United States
Matsu was a very kind, generous, and warm host and instructor. He taught us several dishes, all of which were simple to make and delicious: oyakodon (chicken egg over rice), miso soup, tamagoyaki (really fun to cook!), and a cucumber shiso pickled salad (my favorite -- super simple and something I'd never had before). After cooking together, we shared the lunch with Matsu and his daughter. I mentioned to Matsu I was in the market to purchase a Japanese handmade chef knife, and he was so kind as to take us to his favorite shops in the nearby Kappabashi cookware district. Thank you Matsu, we really appreciate it and had lots of fun!
9. Kawara Smash Kawarana
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By smooshy_mooshy
This was a fun activity for everyone from my 14 yr old nephew to my 75 yr old mom. The host is very energetic and speaks English very well. They also record you smashing the tiles on an iPad and AirDrop it to you while you are there. This place is located on a small street, so it's a good thing we took a cab instead of trying to find it ourselves. Also be sure you have cash since they don't take credit cards.
10. Shizu-Kokoro Urasenke Chado (The Way of Tea) School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
1. CHADO (TEA CEREMONY) WORKSHOP 3,800 yen/person (4,100 yen incld. tax) Experiencing the tea ceremony. A 90 min. Chado workshop in English that anyone can enjoy. Participants will experience a meditative and peaceful time in the authentic tea room. In the hands-on experience, not only do participants learn how to prepare a bowl of matcha tea. It includes a cup of Sakura Cha (cherry blossom tea), two kinds of matcha tea (Koicha and Usucha) and three kinds of Japanese confections. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 AM to 6 PM. 2. Matcha Experience Class A 20 min. class. 1080yen/person (incld.tax) . Learn how to make a bowl of matcha tea. 3. Brush Art (Calligraphy) Workshop A 40 min. class. 3000yen/person (incld.tax). Participants will learn how to use a brush and receive a hands-on lesson to make own brush art work. Every Tuesdays.
Reviewed By treesrgreenie - Adelaide, Australia
Mika greeted us in traditional kimono and speaks perfect English. We start with an 8 min video explaining the history behind the tea ceremony, then we take off our shoes, do the cleansing ritual with the water fountain in the corner, then climb up wooden stairs into the ceremony room with beautiful Japanese decor and tatami mats. A kettle is submerged in the floor, and the bowls and furniture chosen by Mika is influenced by what season it is. Mika first explained the ritual behind the tea ceremony and why she is doing what she does with the utensils and silk handkerchief.Then we quietly watched her go through the ceremony. It was incredibly humbling and overwhelming to watch this old traditional ritual that tears were pouring down my face and even my husband said he had a lump in his throat while watching Mika. It was incredible to feel like this but the experience was so beautiful. We drank Mika's tea, then we got to experience making tea for each other. Mika gave us a selection of bowls to choose from that I was to make for my husband and he chose a bowl for me. Mika talked us through making the tea. We also explained to each other why we chose the bowls we did.It was such an amazing interactive experience. The fact that we were taught and experienced making the tea as well and not just watching and tasting the tea ceremony made this an absolute highlight during our holiday around Japan. Loved it and recommend it highly to anybody wanting a traditional experience.
