I am enamored with namagashi Japanese confectionaries often served with matcha tea. These handmade sweets change with the seasons, often reflecting nature – maple leaves in autumn or hydrangeas in early summer.
Sachiko Tsuda of Wagashi Kunpu offers hands on classes out of her retail space in the historic Yanaka district of Tokyo. My friends and I attended a class recently where we made jack-o-lanterns and sakura cherry blossom – one of the most classic motifs of spring.
Sachiko sensei was very patient and had clear instructions on working with the soft white bean paste dough and using a wooden tool to add texture. She is very encouraging. I have much more appreciation for the creations I now see in the depachika. I highly recommend this class. It was 8,000 yen (about $50) per person for the hands on class.
If you’re too busy for a class, do stop by when in the area as Wagashi Kunpu has a retail shop. She also makes dorayaki pancakes stuffed with a red bean paste and some fruit, my favorite is her rhubarb. Sachiko sensei is also famous for pairing wagashi with saké.
Wagashi Kunpu
Bunkyō-ku, Sendagi 2-24-5
Food Sake Tokyo 