Discover a hands-on cultural experience at BUB Asakusa Activity Center in Tokyo. Join a fun and creative food sample making activity with friendly staff, and bring home your own handmade Japanese curry display.
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4月 18, 2025
A Weekend Adventure in Asakusa
Last weekend, my husband and I tried something new and fun… we joined a food sample making activity at BUB Asakusa Activity Center in Tokyo! I’ve always been curious about those realistic fake foods you see displayed in restaurant windows, and it turns out there’s a place where you can actually make your own.
Since BUB Asakusa Activity Center is quite far from where we live, we left early in the morning to make it in time for our 12:00 PM reservation. Luckily, the location is really convenient. Once we got off at the nearest station, it was just a short walk to the center.
Warm Welcome from the Staff
When we arrived, we were greeted by the kind and welcoming staff, including Ken and Nao. Both of them had lived abroad, so they were fluent in both English and Japanese. They gave us our name tags and chatted with us a bit about where we were from and how we found out about BUB Asakusa Activity Center. It didn’t feel like a formal check-in. It felt more like a warm welcome.
There were two other foreigners at our table, and we all started with a short introduction about the history of food samples in Japan. The staff explained that these samples are used in front of restaurants to give customers a clear idea of what the dish looks like. That kind of display is something Japan is known for, and it was nice to learn more about it directly from the team at BUB Asakusa Activity Center.
Getting Started with Our Curry Creations
We were each given a spoon, a piece of clay, glue, and small clay toppings to create our own Japanese curry. The first step was massaging the clay until it was soft enough to shape into the spoon. Then we added the “rice,” made from tiny plastic pellets, and glued everything in place.
After that, we were given brushes and a paint set to make the curry. There were smaller clay pieces to represent toppings like carrots, meat, and potatoes. It was fun deciding how to paint everything. Even though we were working on the same activity, everyone’s design turned out completely different.
While we were creating, Ken and Nao kept talking with us. It was relaxed and felt more like a conversation than a lesson. There were also two staff members going around taking photos and videos. They captured moments from start to finish, which made the experience feel even more special.
From Paint to Finish: The Final Touch
Once we finished painting, the team helped us apply resin to the surface and placed our work under a UV light to harden. A few minutes later, we were given our finished food samples — a cute and realistic curry spoon that we could take home.
I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. It wasn’t just about making a fake meal. It was the whole atmosphere. The staff were great, the instructions were clear, and the process was both relaxing and creative. The team at BUB Asakusa Activity Center really knows how to make people feel welcome and comfortable.
We were both really happy with how our food samples turned out. They wrapped our work nicely so we could carry them home safely. Now we have a small souvenir to remember the day, and it’s something we actually made ourselves.
Why You Should Try BUB Asakusa Activity Center
If you’re visiting Tokyo or living here and looking for something unique to do, I highly recommend BUB Asakusa Activity Center. They don’t just offer food sample making. They have a variety of hands-on activities that let you experience a fun side of Japanese culture. Just don’t forget to check their website and book in advance, since spots can fill up quickly.
BUB Asakusa Activity Center is a great option for couples, families, or even solo travelers. You don’t need any experience or artistic skill. Everything is provided, and the staff are always there to help you out. It’s a great way to do something creative, learn something new, and take home a little piece of Japan that you made yourself.
Key Takeaways About The Experience
We left the center with our little curry spoons in hand and big smiles on our faces. It was a wholesome, hands-on experience that reminded me how much joy there is in simply creating something. I’m really glad we tried it. If you’re looking for something fun, light, and memorable during your time in Tokyo, make sure to visit BUB Asakusa Activity Center. You might surprise yourself with what you can make — and how much fun you’ll have doing it.
If you want to check out other experiences I have had in Japan, feel free to click the links below!
- Joining a Pottery and Clay Ceramics Class in Chiba – Tokyo Room Finder Blog
- A Magical Night at the Sky Lantern Festival in Tochigi – Tokyo Room Finder Blog
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