Make some time in your food adventure for a little something sweet. Wagashi, especially the more traditional and regional variations, can be hard to find outside of Japan. And even during your Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka trip, they can be a little bit daunting to buy.
A cooking class is the perfect setting to get to know a dish or a cuisine well and pick up life-long skills and memories. Wagashi cooking classes are no different! There are dozens of wagashi cooking classes, but here are 14 highly rated experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with a couple of additional recommendations in Nagoya and Enoshima.
What is wagashi?
Wagashi is an umbrella term that encompasses all traditional Japanese sweets, from your classic hanami dango to warabimochi. Like much of Japanese cuisine, wagashi are heavily associated with specific seasons and Japanese regions. For example, sakura mochi is one spring delicacy you’ll only be able to find from February to April.
Certain Japanese sweets are more popular than others, as you’ll soon see from the list below, so let’s define a few usual suspects:
- Daifuku: A type of mochi (soft rice cake) that is filled with sweet bean paste, typically made with adzuki beans.
- Nerikiri: Wagashi made primarily with colored bean paste and sculpted into different seasonal shapes.
- Dango: Small round mochi balls used as a topping or skewered and covered in sweet paste or sweet-and-savory sauce.
The best thing about wagashi? Most wagashi are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making wagashi-making classes and workshops an accessible activity for all.
Best 14 Wagashi Cooking Classes & Experiences
- Try amezaiku candy sculpting in Asakusa, Tokyo
- Join a professional mochi and wagashi cooking class in Tokyo
- Learn the basics of wagashi-making from an expert in Kyoto
- Wagashi and tea ceremony workshop in a Kyoto home
- Make wagashi in Osaka (and enjoy with matcha!)
- Learn how to make nerikiri near Tokyo Tower
- Make seasonal nerikiri in Bunkyo, Tokyo
- Make cute character nerikiri in Tokyo
- Join a mochi masterclass in Tokyo
- Wagashi workshop in a 400-year-old confectionary shop in Tokyo
- Join a private nerikiri masterclass in Tokyo
- Japanese dessert cooking class in Osaka
- Nagoya sweets cooking class
- Wagashi-making workshop in Kanagawa
1. Try amezaiku candy sculpting in Asakusa, Tokyo
Let’s start with the most challenging but also the most unique wagashi workshop in Tokyo, this amezaiku class in Asakusa. “Amezaiku” is the Japanese word for sculpted candy. Candy sculptors use mizuame (a type of thick sweetener) and food dye to create eerie edible art.
Make your very own amezaiku rabbit in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s cultural and traditional food hubs. Follow along with introductory videos and written instructions that share tips and tricks of the trade every step of the way. You’ll get two tries to practice before creating your final rabbit, which you can eat right then and there or pack and take home (for a small extra fee).
Note: This class and demonstrations are primarily held in Japanese, but international guests are given written instructions to follow along comfortably. Videos have English subtitles, too! For many, this was plenty to enjoy the class to the fullest and make a cute amezaiku bunny.
Book this amezaiku candy sculpting class in Asakusa!
2. Join a casual mochi and wagashi cooking class in Tokyo
If you’re an amateur chef, a casual cooking class might be more up your alley. You can learn the history and culture behind the best-known Japanese sweets in this English cooking class in Tokyo. Lifetime tips and tricks are guaranteed!
Certified teacher Yuko will teach you how to make two daifuku and two danko skewers, which you can then enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Held at Yuko’s home, this casual cooking class boasts a cozy atmosphere with stunning views of the Kanda River.
Book this mochi and dango cooking class in Tokyo!
3. Learn the basics of wagashi-making from an expert in Kyoto
As the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is also one of the best places to try and make wagashi. This cooking class is led by a Japanese sweets expert, who will show you how to make nerikiri from scratch. In this particular class, you’ll make “kiku” nerikiri, or chrysanthemum nerikiri. Then, enjoy your wagashi alongside award-winning Kyoto tea.
Bonus: Every participant receives take-home recipes in English and extra sweets as a souvenir!
Book this wagashi cooking class in Kyoto!
4. Wagashi and tea ceremony workshop in a Kyoto home
Truly immerse yourself in Kyoto culture in this wagashi and tea ceremony workshop. Taking place in a cozy Kyoto home near Fushimi Inari Shrine, participants will learn about the history of Japanese tea, Japanese tea ceremony and make traditional Japanese sweets.
During the wagashi-making portion of this workshop, you’ll make seasonal wagashi that will pair perfectly with your cup of matcha (which you’ll also whisk up yourself!).
Book this tea ceremony and wagashi experience in Kyoto!
5. Make wagashi in Osaka (and enjoy with matcha!)
After this two-hour cooking class, you’ll walk out a wagashi expert! Make two pieces of seasonal wagashi and learn to make matcha at home. The idea is that you can recreate this Japanese experience even after you return to your home city or country!
Note: The default experience involves cooking with shrimp-derived ingredients. Make this cooking class vegan, vegetarian, or Halal (no pork or alcohol) upon request!
Book this wagashi cooking class in Osaka.
6. Learn how to make nerikiri near Tokyo Tower
You’re probably already planning to hit Tokyo Tower during your time in the capital. This wagashi class is just 2 minutes on foot from the firetruck-red landmark!
With the help of your savvy instructor, you’ll create a few pieces of edible art and learn about wagashi and nerikiri in particular. This is a casual class, perfect to wrap up your day in this area of Tokyo.
Make some wagashi near Tokyo Tower!
7. Make seasonal nerikiri in Bunkyo, Tokyo
At its core, wagashi is about celebrating the current season. This nerikiri-making class in Bunkyo, Tokyo, embraces this concept to the fullest. Participants make four pieces of wagashi, each inspired by Japan’s most emblematic flowers: plum blossom, chrysanthemum, sunflower and sakura (cherry blossom). These four classic flower nerikiri make use of a variety of techniques and wrap each lovely time of year in Japan into a lovely and expressive parcel of bean paste and art.
This all-inclusive experience includes expert instruction and pre-prepared nerikiri dough, making it easy for complete beginners to form beautiful wagashi!
Book this seasonal wagashi cooking class in Tokyo!
8. Make cute character nerikiri in Tokyo
Nerikiri can be beautiful, but it can also be cute! This wagashi class is all about using traditional techniques to create Instagrammable Japanese sweets.
This experience can be held in a beautiful Japanese garden or a traditional Japanese restaurant. At both venues, you will be immersed in a traditional Japanese setting as you learn how to make 2-3 different types of wagashi sweets.
After your hands-on sweets-making session, you will be able to relax and eat your handmade sweets with an enriching cup of Japanese tea. Its bitterness will cut through the sweetness of the wagashi and complement the textures and flavors of the sweets.
Book this innovative wagashi class in Tokyo.
9. Join a mochi masterclass in Tokyo
Mochi is probably the most well-known wagashi in Japan and abroad, and for good reason! It’s a versatile sweet that looks and tastes delicious and is even nostalgic to some. Mochi lovers looking for a cooking class in Tokyo should consider joining a mochi masterclass, where you can learn to make five kinds of mochi sweets.
Learn all there is to know about mochi from certified instructor Satoko, a bilingual wagashi expert eager to share the beauty of this aspect of Japanese culture and cuisine. You’ll make strawberry daifuku, dango, mochi ice cream, warabimochi and isobeyaki.
Book this mochi masterclass in Tokyo!
10. Wagashi workshop in a 400-year-old confectionary shop in Tokyo
Higuchi Yoshiyuki is a 14th-generation confectioner and owner of the 400-year-old sweet shop, Mannendo. With a long legacy as one of Kyoto's most famous wagashi sweet producers, Mannendo now has a store in Ginza, Tokyo. Their sweets are so renowned that they have been delivered and served to the Emperor! And yes, this is where you can learn to make wagashi yourself.
Make 2-3 wagashi, with the guidance of Higuchi, and sit down to enjoy them with a cup of Japanese tea. There’s nothing like bitter tea to complement the sweetness of Japanese confectioneries.
Ready to surround yourself with history? Book this wagashi workshop in Ginza.
11. Join a private nerikiri masterclass in Tokyo
In this private home cooking course, you’ll learn the history and culture behind traditional Japanese sweets as you make your own.
This lesson focuses on nerikiri wagashi, which are so pretty you may not want to eat them! And they taste as good as they look, too. They’re sure to impress anyone you make them for (even if it’s yourself). After your wagashi are made and perfect, enjoy them with a cup of tea as you take in the views of the surrounding neighborhood.
Book this wagashi cooking class in Tokyo!
12. Japanese dessert cooking class in Osaka
Sweet tooths visiting Osaka will be delighted to know they can indulge their wants and needs in this dessert workshop.
Learn how to make matcha ice cream (yes, ice cream), warabimochi, and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup). Using all of these ingredients, you’ll then put together a delicious parfait. But be quick before it melts — sit back and enjoy your handmade Japanese desserts alongside your classmates and host!
Book this Japanese dessert workshop in Osaka.
13. Nagoya sweets cooking class
If you’re already heading to Nagoya to visit the Studio Ghibli Park, then also add this Nagoya cooking class to your schedule.
What’s special about this wagashi class is that you can harvest seasonal ingredients right from the on-site veggie patch. Every sweet bite will be full of flavor, fresh from that afternoon!
Your host is also well-versed in Chinese herbs and their health benefits, so participants are welcome (if not encouraged!) to ask questions about how they can incorporate these ingredients into their daily lives even after they return home.
Curious? Book this Nagoya wagashi class!
14. Wagashi-making workshop in Kanagawa
Kanagawa Prefecture, located on the south side of Tokyo, is one of the top day-trip destinations for Tokyoites. This wagashi class takes place in seaside Enoshima.
Hosted by Makiko, this cooking class is tailored for those who love the sweeter things in life. You’ll learn about the history of wagashi and its cultural significance before making some pieces yourself! Makiko will gracefully demonstrate and guide you through the process.
Once you’re done, sip on matcha while taking in the views of the Enoshima shoreline!
Book this wagashi cooking class in Enoshima.
Still looking to increase your skills in the kitchen while you’re in Japan? Check out our guides to the best cooking classes in Tokyo and the best cooking classes in Kyoto! That way you’ll return home with so much more than a few fridge magnets.
FAQ on wagashi cooking classes
What is wagashi?
Wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets that are often served with tea. These delicate treats come in various shapes, colors, and flavors, making them a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Learn more about wagashi.
What can I expect from a wagashi cooking class?
In a wagashi cooking class, you can expect to learn the art of making these exquisite sweets, sometimes from scratch or with a focus on sculpting and shaping the dough into intricate shapes. One thing’s for sure: You'll get hands-on experience in creating your own edible masterpieces.
Do I need any prior cooking experience to join a wagashi cooking class?
No prior cooking experience is necessary to join a wagashi cooking class! Instructors will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of wagashi making.
What ingredients are typically used in wagashi?
Wagashi often includes ingredients such as rice flour, sugar, sweet bean paste, agar-agar, and various natural flavorings like matcha or sakura. These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in each sweet. Wagashi are usually vegetarian and vegan-friendly Japanese sweets, though this is always worth checking with your host beforehand.
How long does a wagashi cooking class typically last?
Most wagashi cooking classes last between 2 to 3 hours, giving you ample time to learn the techniques and create several different types of wagashi. It's a fun and immersive experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and inspired.
How can I sign up for a wagashi cooking class in Japan?
To sign up for a wagashi cooking class, simply book from byFood's wagashi cooking class catalog or contact us directly to inquire about upcoming class schedules. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef looking to try something new, we welcome all aspiring wagashi artists to join us for a sweet adventure.
