Join our unforgettable Halal Japanese sweet making in Kyoto!

Japanese beauty in sweets.

Wagashi, which literally means Japanese sweets, are traditional confections often made with red bean paste. Although the ingredients are usually similar, their appearance varies greatly. The shapes often represent the seasons—one of the most important values in Japanese culture—and wagashi are commonly served during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

These sweets are crafted into forms such as flowers, traditional Japanese motifs, and even animals or insects. Why not explore the philosophy behind traditional Japanese sweets when you are in Japan?

World of "Wagashi" Japanese sweets, which ones are Halal?

Wagashi can be enjoyed only while in Japan, but did you know there are some sweets with alcohol and pork ingredients? Here are tips for Muslims.

paulonia.tokyo

2023.05.07

What is Wagashi made of?

Wagashi come in many varieties, but when people refer to wagashi, they are usually talking about sweets made with red bean paste. The red beans can be prepared in two main ways: koshian, where the beans are completely mashed and the skins are removed, or tsubuan, where the skins are left intact. In traditional Japanese sweets, koshian is more commonly used.

To represent seasonal flowers and traditional motifs, wagashi often incorporate nerikiri—a white sweet bean paste typically mixed with glutinous rice flour. Because nerikiri is naturally white, it can be colored freely to express the delicate beauty of each design.

So, is Wagashi Halal?

Although people may have different interpretations of what qualifies as halal, traditional wagashi made with red bean paste and nerikiri is generally considered halal. However, recipes can vary, and some packaged or non-fresh products may contain gelatin to extend shelf life—so it’s always best to check the ingredient label to be safe.

This wagashi-making class is completely Muslim-friendly. Only halal and Muslim-friendly ingredients are used in the kitchen, and all products are entirely free from animal-derived ingredients and alcohol.

Details of the class

The Wagashi class is not only designed for Japanese participants, but also for foreigners. This means the lesson will not be conducted in English, however, as they are ready with English guidance paper and teachers will show the class how to make a sweets directly, it is not a problem at all.

The class is about 1 hour.