While in Japan, there are numerous experiences one can enjoy as a way to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique things you’ll see and do in Japan. Japanese wagashi is a luxury item that is typically part of ceremonial tea services. Wagashi is a soft sugary dough of rice paste of different colors that is kneaded and shaped into a ball with sweet bean paste in the middle. It has a soft texture with delicate and delicious taste. You will often see wagashi for sale in upscale department stores.
Fortunately, you can participate in a class and make your own wagashi and perhaps enjoy a short tea ceremony thrown in for good measure. We did such a thing while in Yokohama by booking a class with Master Tea Ceremony expert Yukiko. She graciously met us at the train station in her kimono (after we arrived late, having taken the wrong train) and walked us to her home wherein she has a tatami floored room dedicated solely to offering classes of this type.
We reclined and sat around the low table as she placed three sets of dough in front of us and showed us what we were going to attempt to create. I say “attempt” because mine didn’t come out quite looking like hers. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun as we went through the process of kneading the dough, rolling it into balls, then flattening other small parts into leaves, flower petals and such. We even decorated one of the wagashi with gold leaf.
After taking the requisite photos of our handiwork, Yukiko showed us how to whip up the green tea (matcha) into a frothy concoction and then how to properly drink from the large cups while enjoying small bites of our wagashi. The sugary sweetness of the wagashi was balanced by the somewhat bitterness of the matcha.
It was a delightful experience and an opportunity to gain access into the private lives of a local resident. After all, how often does a foreigner get to step inside a private home in Japan? Years ago, we participated in a private soba making class with our sons in Tokyo where we learned the complexity and skill required to make good soba noodles. You too can experience a similar class as there are many offerings, some in private homes and others in retail shops. Just do a google search and take your pick, I’m confident such an experience will be a hidden gem experience while in Japan that you will long remember. Thank you Yukiko for teaching us how to make wagashi!
