Choya Ume Studio: A Hands-On Umeshu Syrup Workshop Review

Okay, so you know, I always get stoked whenever there’s like an opportunity to experience another culture in a cool, interactive way. I mean, seeing temples and trying street eats is awesome and all, yet there’s something super satisfying about getting your hands dirty, right? That’s why, very, very recently when I visited Osaka, Japan, I jumped at the opportunity to participate in the Choya Ume Studio’s Umeshu Syrup Workshop. Choya, that is basically a pretty huge name when you think about the umeshu (plum wine) biz, too, so my expectations were definitely set quite high. Here is my experience at their syrup workshop, plus what you should possibly consider prior to giving this cool workshop a go yourself.

First Impressions of Choya Ume Studio

Right, so the studio’s location is super convenient, too it’s in Osaka, that actually is in the heart of Japan. Getting there involved basically like a breeze with the public transportation system. When I got to the studio, you see a sleek, fairly modern building. You know, first appearances totally do matter, and I instantly, also felt welcome. The interior, it gives off vibes that is sort of a cross of modern minimalism plus respect for nature, seeing that this kind of ties in with Choya’s brand as a whole. A very good start, you know?

A Deep Dive into the Umeshu Syrup Workshop Experience

Okay, so the workshop started with an introduction to the history of umeshu, plus like its place in Japanese culture, which you get taught by one of Choya’s instructors. The instructors that I met spoke English somewhat decently, that also made this part like super accessible for people like myself who actually don’t speak a whole lot of Japanese, honestly. Plus, it was also pretty rad to actually hear all about this popular drink straight from, you know, the source, and it definitely showed just how seriously the Choya Company does in fact, take umeshu, honestly.

Anyway, following that, we finally got like, to the fun part – making our own umeshu syrup. You basically have access to a handful of different types of ume plums, plus assorted sugars. Choosing what combinations you want to use lets you alter your end product somewhat to your own unique preference, that’s pretty sweet, you know? We each received our own sterilized jar, then we layered our selection of plums and sugars inside following a specific procedure. All of this happens in an environment which is very sanitary, safe, and like, easy to follow; they take a bit of time explaining, showing, and answering questions about the method.

As a matter of fact, after we got finished with the assembly of the jars, we got told that you want to store them a specific way, then basically wait. Then, patience becomes your ally, because the syrup normally takes about a few weeks, actually for the sugar to dissolve and then the plum flavor to seep in completely. While we can’t really take our creations home because of customs (you know, sad face) Choya, as a matter of fact will store it, then ship your freshly-made umeshu syrup to your home once it’s ready for sipping. The anticipation is, I gotta say, just a little intense.

The Nitty-Gritty Details

Okay, so if you’re really considering signing up for this particular workshop, here, actually are the details which you would like to know. A class usually lasts about ninety minutes (1.5 hours) or so, that, as a matter of fact offers a step by step guide on doing a little umeshu-related crafting yourself.

The workshops, these appear to run multiple times nearly every day, plus a prior booking for these is basically a must. To do that, you can simply head on over to the company’s official web page, pick your date plus the time you actually prefer, then go through with the steps given for reservation, actually.

In the case of pricing, last time I checked anyway, the cost hovered around ¥3,500 per person which seems somewhat reasonable when thinking about how unique of a thing it actually is to experience. Do take note that prices actually can change, yet anyway, you can confirm the current fee when you go on their website to book.

The Store

Choya has got one solid shop inside of their Osaka Ume Studio, too. If there’s one piece of info that may or may not surprise you at all, they sell… umeshu. Like a lot of it. This covers everything from very common (and affordable) options to seriously high-dollar products aimed at fancy connoisseurs. I actually have to say anyway, that you really should dedicate some time after the workshop to simply go through this place, seeing what umeshu types might speak to you.

As well as just straight up umeshu though, I would suggest anyway that you try some of the other items on offer. They can vary somewhat often, however the kinds of options which one would tend to expect usually come as in the form of teas, some snacks, different spreads, plus a wide variety of branded merchandise.

Key Takeaways From the Workshop

• Hands-On Experience: That lets you become more intimately familiar with Japanese culture in an engaging kind of a way.
• Expert Instruction: The Choya people, like, really know the culture plus information about what they’re doing. They also are somewhat articulate enough to provide English instruction to foreigners.
• Lasting Souvenir: That arrives right at your door.
• Store Visit: To possibly open a new passion regarding the umeshu drink as a whole, that’s a big bonus, honestly!