Hello, this is a staff member of The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon. Recently, I joined a hands-on amezaiku (Japanese candy craft) making class at Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, a popular amezaiku specialty store in Asakusa. The store has a workshop behind the display and sales area of exquisite and beautiful amezaiku crafts made by professional craftsmen, where hands-on amezaiku classes are held. Take home an unforgettable memory of your visit to Asakusa with an amezaiku that you make with your own hands!
In the hands-on class, you will try your hand at making a rabbit Amezaiku. Personally, I am not great with my hands, so I was a bit apprehensive at first, but I was reassured by the careful explanations and demonstrations given by the teacher.
The workshop has a bright and relaxed atmosphere, and you can enjoy the challenge with several other participants.
First, the instructor explained in detail while showing a video.
The only tools used were Japanese shears. Alcohol spray for disinfecting hands, toothpicks for painting, and a sample of rabbit candy work were also provided.
The teacher heats the candy to about 90°C to soften it, kneads it a little, lowers the temperature to about 70°C, and rolls it into a ball on the end of a stick. From this point on, it is a race against time! The candy hardens as the temperature drops, so scissors are inserted while the candy is still soft, and the shape is formed with your fingers. For practice, candy that has been repeatedly heated to a slightly brownish candy color is used.
It was supposed to be a rabbit…but my practice round didn’t go quite as planned. Is this a pig…?
After two practice sessions, we tried again with the white candy for the real thing. I think I must have gotten the hang of it because it finally started to look more like a rabbit.
After the candy cooled and hardened, I put red food coloring on the tip of a toothpick and drew a face on it. My hands were shaking with nervousness!
Somehow, I completed it! The slightly misshapen part makes it special. I felt more attached to it knowing that it is my unique creation.
The finished product comes in a box (300 yen for the box-insertion service). This way, you can take it home or display it without worry.
At first, the candy is soft and easy to handle with either a pair of scissors or your fingertips, but it quickly hardens over time and sometimes drips down while it is still soft inside… I was reminded of the high level of skill of professional craftsmen who quickly create beautiful workmanship while the candy is still soft. Try your hand at making your own one-of-a-kind souvenir!
Experience fee
Adults: 3,100 yen (tax included)
Children (high school students and younger): 2,500 yen (tax included)
*Boxing service for finished products is an additional 300 yen (tax included)
Time required
About 1.5 to 2 hours
Children participation: A family discount will be offered for children
For children (high school age and under) and their family members who participate in the workshop together, the fee is 2,500 yen for the parents. For safety reasons, children under elementary school age are not allowed to participate alone. Only preschool children may participate in the class together with a parent or guardian’s experience (3,100 yen) and work together.
*After the second class, the experience is still available!
If you want to try making something other than rabbits, you can try making dog and cat amezaiku. Only available after your second class. Please let us know in advance when you make a reservation.
For more information, please visit the official website of Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin.
If you are planning to stay at The Gate Hotel, we can help you make a reservation. Please feel free to ask our staff for assistance.
SHOP DATE
- Name: Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin
- Address: Hori Bldg. 1F, 2-9-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0033
- TEL: 080-9373-0644 for reservations and contact on the day of the experience
- URL: http://www.ame-shin.com/
- Business hours: 10:30-18:00
- Closed: Every Thursday (occasional holidays)
*For the latest information on business hours, holidays, etc., please contact the store directly.
When you visit Asakusa
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon
R restaurant & bar
Other recommended restaurants and spots in Asakusa
Areas where THE GATE HOTEL is located
