Hinagashi Traditional Japanese Sweet Making in Tsuruoka
Learn how to make Hinagashi, a one-of-a-kind confection in Japan’s first ever UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Tsuruoka City.
Highlights
Learn about the significance of the Kitamae bune
Hear the fascinating story and history of the Hinagashi
Make two unique Hinagashi alongside a master confectioner
Taste your handmade confections with a cup of hot Japanese tea
10 meals
Experience Details
Designated in 2014 as the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Tsuruoka is nestled amongst the three sacred mountains of Dewa in northeastern Japan. Known for its seasonality and unique topography, which has shaped the gastronomy of the area to be something not found elsewhere.
During this experience, learn how to make one of Tsuruoka City's most ancient sweets, the Hinagashi. This sweet was brought to Tsuruoka all the way from Kyoto via the Kitamae bune, merchant ships that sailed from Osaka to Hokkaido along the Sea of Japan from the 1700s- to the early 1900s. This confection is a product of a mixture of both Edo (old Tokyo) and Kyoto culinary culture, which has since distinguished itself from its former roots to become something very "Tsuruoka" in both shape and flavor.
Learn how to make colorful and unique nerikiri style Hinagashi alongside a master confectioner. Make local favorites such as the "maki-dai" (sea bream), considered a good luck charm, and the "mikan" (mandarin orange), which is so realistic you might forget it's made out of white bean paste! Since each Hinagashi is made by hand and not with any presses or molds, each person's distinctive style can be seen as they create a truly one-of-a-kind confection every time.
Once you have finished making your Hinagashi, enjoy a cup of hot Japanese green tea as you indulge in the subtle sweetness and taste this confection has to offer.
Inclusions
Insights and instruction from a master confectioner
Japanese-English interpretation
Necessary ingredients and tools required
English recipe
Japanese green tea
Exclusions
Transportation to the venue
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
The meeting point will be Shonai-jinja inside Tsuruoka Park. Address: 4-1 Babacho, Tsuruoka, Yamagata. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Not available from July to September and January to February
The venue will be a traditional Japanese style room (tatami flooring) with no chairs available. If you require a chair please notify us in advance
Please arrive at the venue by 13:30
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Shonai Shrine is located in the heart of Tsuruoka Park, named one of the top 100 spots for cherry blossom viewing in all of Japan, and developed on the ruins of the Sakai clan owned Tsuruoka Castle. This area, rich with history, also has a variety of other historical monuments that date back to the rule of the Sakai clan.
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10 meals
At a stunning traditional restaurant located at the base of Mt. Fuji, join this class and make a range of delicious nigiri sushi using ingredients like shrimp, tuna, and egg; plus a hand-rolled sushi.
Delve into Japanese home cooking at a family house located only 10 minutes from the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Guided by a local cooking instructor, you’ll prepare an appetizing lunch using seasonal and organic ingredients.
Join a local tour guide for a deep-dive into the kawaii, colorful world of Harajuku and Omotesando! Explore trendy Takashita Street, tasting the most Insta-worthy treats, then visit a special Japanese shop featuring traditional treats from Niigata.
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.