Wagashi, the edible artform

Delicate and beautiful to look at, wagashi is more than mere confectionery. An important part of traditional Japanese culture, wagashi is often formed into the shapes of flowers or fruits in keeping with the change of season. Each wagashi requires painstaking skill to create and were once popular gifts between samurai, much like a bottle of wine is today. Wagashi is largely made from natural ingredients such as mochi (glutinous rice), anko (red bean paste) and fruits. A special sugar called wasanbon, developed in the Edo period (1603-1868), is used in its manufacture. Typically served with tea, wagashi's sweet flavour balances the bitterness of the beverage. Visitors to Japan should be sure to taste this delicious piece of tradition.

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