Japanese Sweets: Make Wagashi & Seasonal Nerikiri in Tokyo

Join Marimo, a professional Japanese cooking instructor, for a seasonal wagashi and nerikiri-making class in Tokyo! Learn how to make two Japanese sweets, learn about Japanese confectionary & culinary customs, then enjoy your treats with matcha tea.

Itinerary:

A warm welcome with Japanese tea

A brief class introduction

Learn about the history of Japanese confectionary and ingredients

Cooking demonstration by an English-speaking instructor

Make then enjoy wagashi, nerikiri, and matcha tea

Wagashi are traditional Japanese confectionaries that hold both artistic and culinary significance. These delicate sweets, crafted with precision and attention to detail, reflect the changing seasons and cultural themes. Typically made from plant-based ingredients like sweet bean paste and rice flour, wagashi encompass a wide array of shapes, colors, and flavors. Each wagashi tells a story, from the iconic sakura mochi in spring to the warm tones of yōkan in autumn.

In Marimo’s seasonal wagashi-making class, you’ll delve into this centuries-old craft, learning to mold and shape these delicacies into intricate designs. You’ll acquire hands-on experience and gain insights into the cultural significance of each creation. This class is a sensory journey, allowing you to appreciate the subtleties of flavor, texture, and form. Upon completion, enjoy your handmade treats with freshly made matcha tea.

As this is a seasonal class, the menu and ingredients will rotate according to availability. Take a look at a sample menu below to give you an idea of what’s to be expected:

Spring: Sakura Mochi (cherry blossom rice cake ) and Seasonal Nerikiri

Summer: Milky Way Yokan (jelly with agar and sweet bean paste) and Seasonal Nerikiri

Autumn: Ohagi (mochi covered in mashed sweet bean paste) and Seasonal Nerikiri

Winter: Warabi Mochi (bracken-starch dumplings) and Seasonal Nerikiri