Travelers passing through Kyoto Station will soon be able to add a hands-on cultural experience to their itinerary, thanks to a new workshop combining traditional Japanese sweets and matcha. From March 3rd, 2026, small-group sessions will be held twice weekly at the KIWA Teahouse of Light, an art-focused space inside the station's cultural lounge NIWA. No end date has been announced, suggesting the experience will run on an ongoing basis.
Organized by NAKED, INC., a Tokyo-based creative company known for immersive art installations and projection mapping events, the workshop reflects the group's signature approach of blending traditional culture with contemporary design. NAKED has produced large-scale digital art exhibitions and cultural projects across Japan, often reimagining traditional spaces through modern visual experiences.
The one-hour program invites participants to experience Japanese culture beyond sightseeing by making, preparing, and tasting for themselves. Held every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm to 3pm, the session includes shaping a seasonal nerikiri sweet by hand and learning the basics of the matcha tea ceremony with guidance from an instructor. Guests can then enjoy their handmade confection with freshly prepared tea and take photos to mark the experience.
Designed with beginners in mind, the workshop requires no prior knowledge or equipment, and sessions are limited to six participants to create a relaxed atmosphere. While instruction is conducted in Japanese, English explanation materials are available.
The experience takes place in the immersive KIWA Teahouse of Light, a space that blends tea ceremony traditions with modern art elements, offering visitors a contemporary introduction to the cultural heritage of Kyoto right at the gateway to the city. Reservations are required in advance, with bookings closing two days before each session. English booking information can be found online here.
