Vegetarian Wagashi Food Experiences(58)
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.
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!
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.
Friendly Wagashi Making and Tea Ceremony in Central Tokyo
The perfect tea ceremony experience for beginners! Enjoy making seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) and learning the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. The tea master will perform the ceremony, and then you’ll get to prepare the matcha yourself!
Tsukiji & Asakusa: Tokyo Culinary & Cultural Walking Tour
Explore two of Tokyo’s vibrant food scenes on our delectable culinary tour in Tsukiji and Asakusa! Sample the freshest sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, then savor the traditional flavors and street foods of Asakusa, Tokyo’s most historic neighborhood.
Japanese Sweets by the Sea: Wagashi-Making Workshop
Journey to Enoshima Island – a charming coastal town near Tokyo – to learn about and make Japanese sweets alongside a confectionary connoisseur! Cultivate lifelong skills, make unforgettable memories, and satisfy your sweet tooth by the sea.
Wagashi: Make Nerikiri & Enjoy Matcha in Tokyo
Make colorful Japanese wagashi at a hands-on confectionary class in Tokyo (Kitaminemachi). Join Satoko, an instructor from the Wagashi Promotion Association of Japan, to make seasonal nerikiri to enjoy with freshly made matcha tea.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Wagashi Sweets Making & Tea Ceremony in Hida Takayama, Gifu
From classic nerikiri to regional sweets like genkotsu ame and mitarashi dango, this wagashi and tea ceremony class in Gifu’s picturesque Hida Takayama is the perfect introduction to the delicious world of Japanese confectioneries.
Make 2 Kinds of Mochi Sweets in Tokyo: Dango & Daifuku
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.
Flavors of Mt. Fuji Food Tour with Shinkansen Bullet Train
In the foothills of Mt. Fuji, this food tour will introduce you to the delights of Shizuoka. Visit cultural sites like Fujisan Sengen Shrine and 6 food stops, including an 80-year-old soba restaurant and a sweets shop with handmade confections.
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.
Sakura Sweets Making & Tea Ceremony in Ikegami Baien, Tokyo
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.
Organic Tea Tasting in Kagoshima City
In this tea tasting in Kagoshima City, sample a variety of organic teas produced in Northern Kagoshima and discover the area's unique tea culture with a tea master.
Seto Inland Sea Leisure Cruise and Food Tour in Hiroshima
Board a boat and soak in magnificent views of Hiroshima’s Seto Inland Sea and coastline. Enjoy a lunch of local delicacies, your choice of anago (eel) or fresh oysters. After the cruise, try an iconic souvenir sweet from the Hiroshima area.
Making Japanese Sweets Together: Team Building Experience
Foster stronger team bonds during this collaborative Japanese confectionery class! Each group will come up with their own innovative wagashi sweets and be judged on creativity and teamwork, then relax with a cup of tea and the finished sweets.
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!
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.
Tea Ceremony & Mt. Fuji Sweets Making in Ikegami, Tokyo
This experience incorporates mindfulness into traditional Japanese practices. Make Mt. Fuji-shaped confectioneries, meditate and participate in a Japanese tea ceremony against the colorful backdrop of the tranquil Ikegami Baien garden in Tokyo.
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.
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.