You may wear any clothing you like, and there is no need to bring anything with you.
As this experience involves handling food, handwashing will be required. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time. If multiple reservations are made, the experience will begin promptly at the scheduled time.
If you do not arrive by the start time without prior notice, it will be considered a no-show, and a cancellation fee will apply.
This plan will proceed even in rainy weather. However, in the event of severe weather that disrupts the instructor’s transportation, the experience may be canceled at short notice. In such cases, no cancellation fee will be charged.
We kindly ask for your cooperation in taking any trash you produce back with you.
Matsue City, one of Japan’s top three wagashi regions, is deeply rooted in tea ceremony culture, which influences its wagashi. The sweets embody a Japanese sense of beauty and delicate craftsmanship, reflecting seasonal changes through their designs and specialized tools. This historic connection ensures each wagashi piece showcases traditional techniques passed down through generations, making them true edible art.
In this experience, participants learn to create nerikiri and kinton, which are premium seasonal Japanese sweets. You'll be guided by a veteran confectioner to use specialized tools, mastering traditional techniques that bring out the beauty and intricate details unique to each season. This hands-on process allows you to understand the delicate craftsmanship involved in authentic wagashi.
Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture is renowned as one of Japan’s top three wagashi producing regions, largely due to its flourishing tea ceremony culture since ancient times. This rich history means wagashi in Matsue are not just sweets, but an integral part of the tea ceremony tradition, reflecting refined tastes and seasonal aesthetics passed down through generations of artisans.
Wagashi, especially jo-namagashi like nerikiri and kinton made in the experience, are best enjoyed fresh due to their delicate ingredients and artisanal nature. While exact shelf life can vary, it is generally recommended to consume them within 1-2 days after creation for optimal taste and texture. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is important.
The Matsue wagashi-making experience focuses on creating jo-namagashi, specifically nerikiri and kinton. These are premium, artistic Japanese sweets designed to reflect the current season through their intricate shapes and colors. Participants learn to shape these beautiful confectionery types using specialized tools and traditional methods under expert guidance.
Specialized tools are crucial in the Shimane / Matsue wagashi-making process, enabling artisans and participants to sculpt delicate, intricate designs. These tools allow for precise shaping and detailing of sweets like nerikiri and kinton, reflecting the season. The use of these traditional instruments ensures authenticity and enhances the artistic expression of each wagashi piece created.
The Shimane / Matsue wagashi workshop is led by a veteran confectioner with over 40 years of experience. This artisan possesses deep traditional skills passed down through generations. Despite their true artisan status, the confectioner is known for being warm and friendly, making the learning experience enjoyable and accessible for all participants, including children.
Participants in the Matsue wagashi experience will learn traditional techniques for making premium seasonal Japanese sweets like nerikiri and kinton. You'll gain insight into the Japanese sense of beauty and delicate craftsmanship, understanding how specialized tools and seasonal designs are used. The experience also highlights Matsue's historical connection to wagashi and tea culture.