Japan Vegetarian Wagashi Food Experiences(66)
Mochi Making Class in Tokyo
Love chewy mochi? Join this cooking class in Tokyo and learn how to make 4 versions of the beloved Japanese sweet, including ice cream mochi, strawberry daifuku, dango and isobe mochi. Then, savor your sweets with a rejuvenating cup of matcha.
Private Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience
A Japanese cultural practice that originated in Kyoto, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a licensed tea ceremony instructor. Enjoy high-quality Kyoto matcha and intricate Japanese sweets, as you learn about tea ceremony etiquette.
Traditional Japanese Wagashi Making Class in Kyoto
Japan’s cultural capital is the perfect place to learn to make “wagashi,” the traditional Japanese confections made of sweet bean paste and mochi. Join this workshop with an experienced wagashi teacher and make your own artistic and delicious sweets!
Amezaiku Candy Sculpting Workshop in Tokyo
Try your hand at amezaiku, the traditional Japanese art of sugar sculpting, during this special workshop at a studio near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district. Led by an instructor, learn to make an adorable edible rabbit the traditional way.
Shizuoka Tea Farm Tour with Factory Visit and Tea Tasting
Stroll through lush green fields, experience tea leaf picking, enjoy a Japanese tea tasting, visit a tea factory, and more!
Private Mochi Sweets Making Class in Setagaya (Tokyo)
Make strawberry daifuku and hanami dango mochi sweets with a wagashi expert in Setagaya district’s Sangenjaya, a bustling local area with retro shops and cafes near Shibuya. Enjoy your chewy treats in your host’s traditional tatami tea room!
Tsukiji Fish Market Tour with Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of one of Tokyo’s most famous markets: Tsukiji Market. From a variety of seafood vendors and street food stands, your guide will take you to four can’t-miss spots for the freshest seafood!
Solo Friendly! Private Nerikiri Wagashi Class in Tokyo
With the careful guidance of a certified wagashi expert, you can learn how to make nerikiri wagashi, or, as we like to call it, edible art. Shape the dough into a seasonal motif and enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed matcha.
Onigiri Making & Amazake Tasting Workshop Near Tokyo Tower
In this private cooking and tasting experience in central Tokyo, you’ll learn how to make onigiri (rice balls) and take part in an amazake (fermented rice drink) tasting alongside a team of dedicated professionals.
Tea Ceremony and Wagashi Making in Traditional Tea Room
Join this captivating, culturally immersive experience in the heart of Tokyo, in the tranquil setting of a traditional Japanese tea room. Enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony guided by a local expert, and learn about its history and etiquette.
Rolled Sushi Bento-Making Class at Yoko’s Kamakura Home
A popular coastal town and sightseeing location, Kamakura is just a short train ride from Tokyo. Join Yoko in her Kamakura home and learn how to make makizushi (rolled sushi) and 3-4 side dishes. As a bonus, you’ll also join a calligraphy lesson!
Mochi and Traditional Sweets Making with Tea Ceremony
A delicate craft, learn the art of wagashi and transform a mixture of sweet bean paste and mochi into delightfully artistic sweets! These sweet creations are complemented by the cup of matcha tea that you’ll also learn to whip up.
Tea Ceremony, Matcha & Wagashi Making in a Kyoto Home
Join a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto! Learn about the history of Japanese tea, watch a ceremonial matcha demonstration, and make and enjoy matcha and traditional wagashi sweets. You’ll leave with newfound knowledge and unforgettable memories!
Nerikiri-Making and Matcha: the Flowers and Flavors of Japan
Use traditional wagashi molds to form delicate sweets in the form of Japan’s seasonal flowers while you sip hand-made matcha tea.
Sakura Sweets Making & Tea Ceremony in Ikegami Plum Garden
Capture the allure of cherry blossoms in this traditional sweets making class and tea ceremony. You’ll learn to make traditional wagashi confectioneries against the stunning backdrop of Ikegami Baien, a tranquil plum blossom garden in Tokyo.
Osu Street Food Tour in Nagoya
Explore Nagoya’s Osu Kannon Temple and Osu Shopping Street, learning about the area’s history and cultural traditions from a local tour guide. Stop by 5 street food stalls for some tasty local bites, and even draw your omikuji fortune at the temple!
Kimono Experience & Japanese Tea Ceremony Near Tokyo Disney
Dress in a beautiful silk kimono and experience the intricate ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony in this private experience. Sip tea with traditional Japanese confectioneries and learn cultural insights from your host at her home near Tokyo Disney.
Homey Ramen & Gyoza Class with a Japanese Chef in Ikebukuro – Includes Matcha and Wagashi
Prepare and enjoy two of Japan’s favorite dishes, gyoza dumplings and ramen noodles, in this family-friendly class only a few minutes’ walk from Ikebukuro Station! Learn the methods and recipes to make these classic dishes with a pro chef.
Solo Friendly! Nerikiri and Mochi Wagashi Making Class in Bunkyo, Tokyo
A family-like atmosphere makes this lesson more than a way to make sweets – it’s a way to build connections! Make fruit daifuku, colorful dango skewers, and nerikiri confectioneries in a certified wagashi teacher’s home overlooking the Kanda river!
Tea Ceremony & Sweets at Tokyo’s Koboji Temple
Take a break from modern life and enjoy the calming atmosphere of a traditional tea ceremony! Learn the history and etiquette in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo and munch on traditional sweets. A flower arrangement option is also available.
Nerikiri Wagashi Sweets Making Class in Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Easy access from Sapporo Station! Learn to make traditional Japanese sweets with Yuki, a professional cooking instructor. Mold and decorate intricate nerikiri wagashi sweets and elevate your trip with this sweet experience in Hokkaido!
Japanese Tea Ceremony & Matcha with A Master (Tokyo)
Enter the world of Japanese tea in Tokyo! Witness a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, enjoy a fresh bowl of premium matcha, & then learn how to prepare tea as a master would. You’ll also learn about Japanese culture, zen principles, & more.
Hiroshima Hike: Mountaintop Tea Ceremony & Shrines
Embark on a nature lover's dream in Hiroshima with a breathtaking mountaintop tea ceremony & hike! Ascend Mt. Futaba, bask in the forest air, sip on matcha tea with a breathtaking city view, & explore ancient shrines with passionate guides.
Japanese Tea Ceremony & Traditional Music Near Tokyo Disney
A local welcomes you into her home in this private experience near Tokyo Disney. Participate in a tea ceremony with traditional sweets and learn to play the koto, a Japanese string instrument, in this unique introduction to Japanese arts.
Table-Style Tea Ceremony in 150 Years Old Townhouse in Ninenzaka, Kyoto
Experience the serenity of a Japanese tea ceremony and sample matcha and traditional confectioneries in this experience led by a tea instructor near Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple in Ninenzaka.
Hinagashi Traditional Japanese Sweet Making in Tsuruoka
Tsuruoka, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, has a rich and diverse food culture. Come and learn how to make hinagashi, a Tsuruoka specialty that’s made of sweet bean paste and shaped to look like the area’s local specialties.
Shizuoka Tea Farm & Samurai Culture Tour w/ Kaiseki Dining
This one-day exploration of Shizuoka takes you from tea farms to samurai residences to enjoy a tea ceremony and traditional art performances. Taste some of Japan’s finest teas and indulge in kaiseki dining, with all transportation included.
Tea Ceremony w/ a Master in a Traditional Teahouse (Tokyo)
Step inside a traditional tearoom in the tranquil Otaguro Park in Tokyo’s Ogikubo district. Here, take part in a Japanese tea ceremony held by a master and enjoy authentic matcha while learning more about Japanese culture.

Explore the Delicate Art of Vegetarian Wagashi
Wagashi, the traditional Japanese confections, have charmed locals and visitors alike with their intricate designs and delicate flavors. Originating from a centuries-old tradition, these confectionery gems are often enjoyed with green tea during special occasions and tea ceremonies. For those following a vegetarian lifestyle, finding the right wagashi can be a delightful journey. Fortunately, Japan offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly wagashi that embrace the country's culinary artistry while adhering to plant-based principles.
These exquisite creations are crafted from natural ingredients such as beans, rice, and seasonal fruits, making them ideal for vegetarians searching for a taste of authentic Japanese sweets. Common vegetarian-friendly wagashi include mochi (rice cakes), anko-based sweets (red bean paste), and jellied treats known as yōkan. These irresistibly delightful options not only align with a vegetarian diet but also deliver an authentic cultural experience that you won't want to miss while exploring Japan.
Discover Unique Wagashi-Making Experiences
If you're looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, participating in a wagashi-making experience is an absolute must. Many local workshops offer engaging classes where you can learn the intricate art of creating these traditional sweets. Guided by skilled artisans, you'll discover the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Each class provides a hands-on experience that allows you to mold, shape, and fill your own wagashi, all while learning about their historical and cultural significance.
Choosing a vegetarian wagashi-making class doesn't equate to compromising on experience or taste. In fact, it opens a door to understanding the depth of flavors and textures that can be achieved without animal-derived ingredients. From the delicate translucent layers of nerikiri to the satisfying bite of dango skewers, you'll gain firsthand insight into how wagashi can be artistically crafted to suit a vegetarian palate. These educational sessions not only enhance your appreciation for the sweets themselves but also deepen your connection to Japanese tradition.
Savor Vegetation-Approved Wagashi in Japan
When traveling in Japan, seeking out vegetarian-approved wagashi is easier than ever. Many dessert shops and tea houses now offer a wide selection catering to plant-based diets, ensuring you get to indulge guilt-free. Popular options include sakura mochi, a pink rice cake infused with cherry blossoms, and mizu manju, a translucent mochi enveloping a sweet red bean filling. These confections highlight the subtleties of seasonal flavors and showcase Japan's knack for matching simplicity with elegance.
The joy of indulging in vegetarian wagashi is not just restricted to eating. It extends to the entire dining experience – the artistry, the aroma, and the surroundings. Enjoying a plate of wagashi with a cup of matcha tea can turn a simple moment into a ritual of indulgence. Whether at a traditional tea house or participating in a wagashi-making class, savoring these delectable treats ensures that your vegetarian lifestyle harmonizes with Japan's rich culinary offerings.
Whether you’re an avid lover of sweets or a traveler keen on exploring traditional Japanese food culture, the world of vegetarian wagashi offers a deliciously fulfilling experience. Each piece tells a story, crafted with care and precision, offering a nuanced taste of Japan's past and present.