The Spirit of Wagashi Sweets

from $280.00

Taste the tradition of Japanese wagashi sweets in private workshop near Ise Jingu.

People:

Taste the tradition of Japanese wagashi sweets in private workshop near Ise Jingu.

  • 1.5 hour private experience

  • Location: Ise City, Mie Prefecture

  • Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language

  • A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate

Meet the Master

 

What you’ll do

Learn how to make three different kinds of wagashi sweets with a professional confectioner. Whisk your own matcha to pair with your wagashi sweets. Then, enjoy your wagashi treats paired with matcha for a full culinary adventure.

Availability

Everyday except Mondays
Session 1 (10:30 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 15:30)

Who can attend

Children must be 4+

What’s included

  • 3 kinds of wagashi sweets, one dried sweet, and matcha tea

  • a wooden serving platter to take home

What else you should know

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at checkout, including allergies

Access

5 minute drive from Ise Jingu Outer Shrine

 

Sweets & Shrines

Enshrined just minutes away stands Toyouke-no-Omikami, the goddess of food, shelter, and industry, and the steadfast attendant of Amaterasu, Japan’s most sacred deity. While Amaterasu resides in the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, Toyouke-no-Omikami watches over her from the Outer Shrine, ensuring her comfort and provision. Food has long held a central role in Shintoism, with rice at its heart, but shrine offerings span seasonal fruits, fresh catch, katsuo-bushi blocks, and even delicately crafted wagashi. These confections—like those made at this third-generation Ise sweet shop—are considered worthy even of the divine. Originally a Western-style confectioner, the shop halted operations during wartime sugar shortages. When it reopened, it blended Japanese and Western traditions, creating a beloved local flavor that continues to evolve with modern tastes. Learn to craft Japanese wagashi just steps from Ise Shrine with the shop’s third-generation master, and savor a culinary tradition that has both welcomed pilgrims along the historic Tokaido road ,and continues to enchant today’s travelers seeking a deeper connection to Ise’s heritage.

 

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 5 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.