Japan Vegetarian Wagashi Food Experiences(69)
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.
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.
Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour in Uji with Lunch
Calling all matcha lovers! Uji, Kyoto is famed for its high-quality green tea. Tour the tea-making district, enjoy a tasting of various matcha teas, enjoy tea-flavored ice cream and wagashi sweets, and have a lunch of traditional Japanese dishes.
Sugamo, Tokyo: Jizo Dori Shopping Street Food & Culture Tour
Immerse yourself in the retro atmosphere of Sugamo, a laidback area near Ikebukuro in Tokyo. Stroll Jizo Dori Shopping Street with a local guide and savor snacks and sweets at local shops and explore shrines and temples like Koganji Temple.
Flavors of Japan Food Tour with Wagashi
This Tokyo food tour features 8 stops, showcasing the variety of Japan’s regional and seasonal foods. From the oldest and most expensive fruit store in Japan to a handmade Japanese sweets shop, you’ll witness the diversity of Japanese food culture.
Wagashi: Japanese Sweets Making Class in Tokyo (5 Options)
Try your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets in Setagaya, Tokyo! Choose from 5 classes and make your wagashi of choice: fruit daifuku, nerikiri, hanami dango skewers, and more, with certified wagashi instructor Kaoru.
Mochi Making Class in Yokohama: Make Japanese Sweets
You might have tried mochi, but do you know how to make it? Stop by this mochi-making class for a demonstration on how to make delicious traditional mochi sweets, and discover the connection between mochi and Japanese history and culture.
Solo & Family-friendly! Make Different Kinds of Mochi Sweets in a Lesser-Known Tokyo Neighborhood
Make colorful Japanese wagashi at a hands-on confectionery class in Tokyo (Kitaminemachi). Join Satoko, an instructor from the Wagashi Promotion Association of Japan, to make seasonal fruit daifuku and sanshoku dango.
Two-Day Japanese Sweets Making Course in Tokyo (12 Hours)
Discover the craftsmanship of Japanese confectioneries in this multi-day, 12-hour course created by a Japanese wagashi artisan. You’ll learn to make eight types of steamed and baked wagashi sweets following original recipes and authentic techniques.
Intensive Nerikiri Sweets Making Course in Tokyo (13 Hours)
Become a nerikiri expert in this multi-day, 13-hour course created by a Japanese wagashi artisan. Practice making 18 nerikiri motifs inspired by the seasons, hone your skills and deepen your understanding of these intricate Japanese confectioneries.
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.
Nagoya Sweets Making Class with Tea Ceremony
During this wagashi making class in your instructor’s traditional Japanese home, you’ll stroll through a veggie patch and charming Japanese garden, make Nagoya-style sweets, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
Private Japanese Tea Ceremony With a Tea Master (Okayama)
Experience a private Japanese tea ceremony with a Tea Master in Kurashiki, a charming city in Okayama. Witness a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy fresh matcha and wagashi, then make matcha yourself under the guidance of your Tea Master.
Wagashi Sweets-Making Workshop at Tokyo’s Koboji Temple
Take a step back in time at this Japanese sweets (wagashi) making experience at Koboji Temple in Tokyo. You’ll learn how to make nerikiri, a type of moist wagashi with delicate motifs, and sip on matcha prepared by a kimono-clad host.
Downtown Osaka Foodie Bike Tour
Breeze your way through Osaka’s colorful streets, exploring local neighborhoods and sampling unique foods along the way in this customizable bicycle tour with an English-speaking guide that will be designed according to your preferences.
Ginza Wagashi Sweets-Making Workshop w/ Master Yoshi
Discover the Japanese art of sweets-making with a 13th-generation wagashi artisan at Mannendo, a confectionery shop in Ginza with a history spanning over 400 years. Learn to make two or three types of wagashi and enjoy your sweets with matcha tea.
Yanaka Bento-Making Class & Calligraphy Workshop (Tokyo)
Escape the crowds in Tokyo and relax with a local calligraphy workshop and bento lunch-making class in Yanaka, a district near Ueno that retains its retro charm.
Yanaka Food Tour, Bento-Making & Cultural Workshop (Tokyo)
Discover Yanaka, a Tokyo gem near Nippori and Ueno, in this unique experience led by locals. On this day tour, you’ll explore the area, visit Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza, try local snacks, make your own lunch and take part in a cultural workshop.
Sweets Making in Kyoto: Mitarashi Dango & Matcha Shiratama
Learn to make two traditional Japanese sweets in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. Guided by locals, you’ll learn to make mitarashi dango skewers and matcha shiratama, two beloved delicacies with a fascinating history and surprising flavors.
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!
Vegan Ginza Tour
Explore the vegan scene in glitzy Ginza! Join us for an exclusive, 4-hour walking tour featuring traditional Japanese sweets, a tasty plant-based ramen, and more. Perfect for vegans, friends of vegans, or anyone who wants to try something new!
Tea Ceremony (Sado), Matcha, & Wagashi-Making in Tokyo
Make wagashi (traditional Japanese desserts), matcha, & enjoy a tea ceremony (sado) demonstration in Tokyo’s quaint Setagaya neighborhood. This experience includes an expert, English-speaking guide & a take-home souvenir.
Sweet Vegan Asakusa Dessert Tour
Looking for a vegan food tour in Tokyo? This dessert tour in Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic district, features four different Japanese treats that are 100% plant-based. Learn all about traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets), from an English-speaking guide.
Solo Friendly! Gluten-Free Japanese Desserts Making Near Waseda (Tokyo)
Discover the tantalizing world of Japanese sweets in this fun class. Join Yuko in her cozy home near Waseda and the Kanda River to make taiyaki fish-shaped sweets and a Japanese-style parfait with seasonal fruits, all gluten-free and vegan!
Make Hanami Dango, Daifuku and Nerikiri Wagashi in Mitaka
Learn how to make two different types of mochi sweets: fruit daifuku and three-color dango skewers, and mold delicate nerikiri wagashi confectioneries. Then, enjoy your sweet creations in this class with a professional instructor in Mitaka, Tokyo!
Tea Ceremony Class or Local Tea Tasting in Kagoshima City
Learn how to serve matcha in the traditional style of a Japanese tea ceremony or learn to serve and taste five different kinds of Kagoshima tea in this unique tea experience in Kagoshima City.
Japanese Sweets Class in Yokohama: Make Nerikiri Wagashi
The perfect accompaniment to matcha, nerikiri wagashi are traditional Japanese confectioneries. Learn to make these sweet delicacies with a certified instructor and enjoy a delectable tea time in this private class in Yokohama.
Recent Reviews from GuestsExplore 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.