May 29, 2017
By Yuri Nonaka, Karen Takeda, Mayu Kuwahara
“Wagashi” are Japanese traditional sweets. The continental culture of Tang China was introduced to Japan by special envoys during the Nara period. At that time so Tang cakes were introduced to Japan. The Tang cake was used as an offering and they became popular among the Heian aristocrats because the cakes were so beautiful. The Tang cake was deeply related to the Imperial Court and it developed forms that were peculiar to Japan. Confectioners who made “wagashi” polished their skills and created graceful wagashi. They named each wagashi after the beauties of nature. Besides, when tea was introduced to Japan by Eisai, a Zen priest who founded Kenninji Temple, “kyogashi” (Sweets made in Kyoto) were already developed here. Kyogashi sweets were made with high-quality water and natural ingredients of Kyoto, so they were praised by Japanese people.
We went to Kanshundo (甘春堂) confectionary on November 14th to make kyogashi and interview wagashi makers. It took one hour and fifteen minutes to make four different wagashi cakes. One of them was higashi, which is made of sugar and has little moisture. I made one that was in the shape of a maple (momiji) leaf. The others were jyonamagashi, which contains candies, creams, jam, or jellies, and is very moist. Each wagashi reflects the changing seasons, therefore, we made autumn ones. These days, wagashi makers are taking in Western holidays such as Halloween and Christmas.
〜 Interview 〜
Q : What kinds of customers do you deal with? Do foreigners also come here?
A : Many high school and junior high school students and families. And recently, foreign customers have been increasing. They are also great at making wagashi, because some of them learn waka and haiku.
Q : How many customers come per day?
A : The number of customers depends on the day, but the maximum is 180 people per a day.
Q : How much does each wagashi cake cost?
A : From 100 yen to 1000 yen. An assortment is usually between 2000 yen and 5000 yen.
Q : What is your recommendation?
A : “Chajyu no utsuwa,” which is a cake shaped like a Japanese tea cup. You can pour drinks in the cup and eat it too.
〜 Information 〜
Stores:
in Higasiyama・Kiyomizu
in Arashiyama ・Sagano
Open: 9:00
Close: 18:00
Timetable for making wagashi
1. 9:15-10:30
2. 11:00-12:15
3. 13:00-14:15
4. 15:00-16:15
Please book a few days in advance.
Charge for wagashi-making class: 2160 yen
