Japan Survival Notes #2 - Workshops: Best way to immerse yourself into the culture

I am an absolute sucker for trying out new hobbies but initially it is a bit intimidating because where do you start from? Do you buy all the supplies first? But what if you wouldn't want to pursue this later? 

Which is why workshops are one of the best days to explore different crafts, learn from the experts themselves and get your hands right into the art without worrying about the long term commitments and just enjoying the experience. This holds especially true when you move into a completely new culture (which we all have moving to Japan). 

Since I've moved my very first workshop was with a trainee of the Art of Tea Ceremony who taught us how to whisk up a perfect bowl of matcha while explaining in great details about the significance of each step and action. When we learn about the reasoning behind every swirl you become more intentional the next time you do it yourself. 
 

After that I wanted to learn about the Art of Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) for which I joined a workshop at MIFA (Meguro International Exchange Association). They organize a variety of workshops with English support. We learnt the basics of Ikebana from teachers of an actual school along with their enthusiastic volunteers. 

Each one of us was provided immense support, encouragement and feedback from the staff to create our very own masterpieces. 

You can find more about their upcoming events on their website - https://mifa.jp/en/ or their Instagram page on which they are quite active - https://www.instagram.com/mifa.meguro/ 

I also wanted to get back to baking but since downsizing kitchen space after moving to Japan we haven't bought an oven yet which was holding me back from pursuing my baking dreams. I come across this site which lists all the cooking classes available for you to join and you can register for them through the same portal - https://cookingschool.jp/ 

 I chose a "Strawberry Melon Pan" baking class which was such a fun experience. The instructor runs a bakery so we made these in her kitchen which ticked off my dream of ever owning a bakery experience. Even though the class itself was in Japanese but the instructor is kind enough to show and tell the whole process so you follow along. 

We also got to sample other treats from her bakery while we waited for the bread to bake.

It is safe to say freshly baked, warm, pillowy soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside melon pan was the best one I've ever had!! 


So do tell me. Did you attend any workshops/classes when you moved to Japan?