A Hidden Experience Spot in Asakusa: Authentic Taiyaki-Making at Asakusa GURAKU

 

Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese sweet that has been loved for over 100 years.

It’s baked in a metal mold shaped like a sea bream, with fillings like sweet red bean paste wrapped in wheat-based dough. Its nostalgic aroma and warm, comforting taste have made it a favorite for generations.

Did you know that you can make your own taiyaki at a hidden gem tucked away in Asakusa? It’s easy to miss from the street, but once you step inside, a special hands-on taiyaki experience awaits.

From choosing the filling to making the batter and baking it in a taiyaki maker, you get to experience every step yourself.

But when you hear “taiyaki-making experience,” you might wonder:
“Is it difficult to make?”
“Is there an English menu?”
“How long does it take?”

If you’re feeling unsure, don’t worry.
We joined this taiyaki-making experience as three generations of our family — grandparents, myself, and my child — and had a fun, exciting time from start to finish.

In this article, I’ll guide you as your “friend in Asakusa,” sharing tips on how to fully enjoy your experience at Asakusa GURAKU and easing any concerns you might have!

1. Is English support available?

As Asakusa is a popular area for international visitors, Asakusa GURAKU is well prepared to welcome foreign guests with clear English support.
When you arrive, you’ll immediately notice an English menu sign in front of the shop, which makes it easy to feel comfortable even before entering.

In addition to the taiyaki-making experience, you can also buy freshly baked taiyaki to enjoy on the spot. Even if you don’t have time to join the workshop, it’s still a great place to try authentic taiyaki.

Before the experience begins, the staff shows a video with English subtitles explaining the history of taiyaki and how to make it.

Thanks to this, you can understand the process in advance and join the experience with confidence, even if you don’t speak Japanese.

Before making taiyaki, you watch a video with English subtitles.

2.How to Make Taiyaki

Even if it’s your first time making taiyaki, there’s no need to worry.

Once the experience begins, the staff makes taiyaki together with you, guiding you through each step one by one. They guide you through each step with demonstrations, so the process is very easy to understand.

If you have any questions, they are always nearby to support you, so you can feel at ease.
You can enjoy making taiyaki in a relaxed and warm atmosphere from start to finish.

➀Put water into a bowl and measure taiyaki mix

②Sift the taiyaki mix

③Mix the batter with a whisk and  scoop it with a ladle and put it into a chakkiri(batter dispenser)

④Use the chakkiri to pour the batter onto the mold and spread it evenly with a spoon.

⑤Add red bean paste or your chosen filling on top of the batter.

⑥Pour batter onto the other side of the mold.

⑦Close the two halves of the mold and start baking

⑧After about 3 minutes, open the mold and place the taiyaki on a stand — it’s ready to enjoy!

3. How long does it take?

The taiyaki-making experience takes about one hour in total.

From preparing the batter to baking the taiyaki, the staff guides you through each step, so you can enjoy the process at a relaxed pace, even if it’s your first time.

If you’d like to take your time and enjoy eating your freshly made taiyaki on the spot, it’s a good idea to allow around one and a half hours.

Tasting taiyaki that you made yourself is one of the highlights of the experience.

If you can’t finish everything, you can take the taiyaki home with you, which is a nice bonus.

It’s an easy experience to fit into your sightseeing schedule and a perfect break during your walk around Asakusa.

Before the experience begins, you are offered Japanese tea to help you relax.

My Experience

▼ Taiyaki Making Experience Fee

・Adults: 6 taiyaki / ¥3,850

・Children: 3 taiyaki / ¥2,750

・Observation only: ¥2,200 (no ingredients / at least one participant required)

※Advance reservation is required.

▼ Choose Your Filling
There are 11 fillings to choose from, both sweet and savory:
red bean paste, custard cream, matcha paste, sweet potato style, apple pie style, spicy keema curry, tuna mayo, hot dog style, kimchi cheese, cheese, and okonomiyaki style.
They also had a seasonal limited milk cream filling.
This time, I chose sweet flavors: red bean paste, custard, and apple pie style ✨

Red bean paste

Custard cream

Apple pie style

▼ My Thoughts & Helpful Tips

When mixing the batter, the key is to stir well until smooth and no lumps.

Once you pour the batter into the taiyaki mold, it’s a race against time!
After adding the batter with the dispenser, don’t forget to spread it evenly with a spoon.
Be careful — it’s hot!
Add all the filling generously, then close the mold and wait.

For the filling, I recommend adding everything generously and not holding back.

Freshly made, piping-hot taiyaki tastes absolutely amazing ✨

The taiyaki is thin and light, so you can easily eat one after another!

▼To-go & Storage Tips
If you take your taiyaki home, reheat them in the microwave for 20 seconds, then in a toaster oven for 2–3 minutes (no plastic wrap needed) to enjoy them at their best. 

If you want to enjoy them the next day or later, you can freeze the taiyaki for up to one week.

This was the perfect experience for making fun memories in Asakusa.
If you’re interested, definitely check it out 😊

Basic Information

🏠 Name: Asakusa GURAKU（浅草 求楽）

📍 Address: 2-3-2, Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘To-go: 11:00–18:00
🕘Tatami cafe: 11:00–18:00
🕘Taiyaki-making experience: 9:00–22:00 (Reservation required)

💤 Closed on irregular days

🚃 Access: A 4-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station

If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!