Wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets made from ingredients like sweet bean paste, mochi (rice cake), chestnuts, and natural flavors such as matcha or yuzu. These confections are not only delicious but also deeply connected to Japanese culture, tea ceremonies, and the changing seasons.
If you’re visiting Japan in 2025, don’t miss these must-try wagashi treats!
- 🏆 Best Traditional Japanese Sweets to Try in Japan (2025)
- 1. Mochi Ice Cream – A Global Favorite
- 2. Dorayaki – Pancake Sandwich with Sweet Filling
- 3. Daifuku – Soft Mochi with a Surprise Inside
- 4. Taiyaki – Fish-Shaped Sweet Pastry
- 5. Yokan – Elegant Jelly Treat
- 6. Senbei – Japanese Rice Crackers
- 7. Nerikiri – Art You Can Eat
- 🎁 Where to Buy Wagashi in Japan
- 🧭 Bonus: Want to Make Your Own Wagashi?
- 🏁 Final Thoughts
🏆 Best Traditional Japanese Sweets to Try in Japan (2025)
1. Mochi Ice Cream – A Global Favorite
Why it’s popular:
Chewy rice cake filled with flavored ice cream. Available in strawberry, mango, matcha, and vanilla.
Where to try:
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or supermarkets.
Tip:
Great for beginners who want a modern twist on traditional mochi!
2. Dorayaki – Pancake Sandwich with Sweet Filling
Description:
Two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). Also available with custard, chocolate, or chestnut cream.
Why foreigners love it:
Familiar texture + unique Japanese flavor = perfect balance.
Where to buy:
Department stores, wagashi shops, or even convenience stores.
3. Daifuku – Soft Mochi with a Surprise Inside
Popular types:
- Ichigo Daifuku (with a fresh strawberry)
- Matcha Cream Daifuku
- Classic Red Bean Daifuku
Texture:
Soft, chewy, and lightly sweet.
Where to find:
Wagashi specialty shops, airports, and souvenir stores.
4. Taiyaki – Fish-Shaped Sweet Pastry
What it is:
A fish-shaped cake filled with red bean, custard, or chocolate.
Fun fact:
Despite its shape, it has no seafood! Taiyaki is popular at festivals and street stalls.
Instagram-worthy:
Yes! It’s one of the cutest sweets you can find in Japan.
5. Yokan – Elegant Jelly Treat
Made with:
Red bean paste, agar, and sugar.
Texture:
Firm and jelly-like, often sliced into small blocks.
Why it’s loved abroad:
Vegan-friendly, long shelf life, and comes in elegant packaging—perfect as a gift.
6. Senbei – Japanese Rice Crackers
Taste profile:
Crispy and savory with soy sauce, seaweed, or sweet glaze.
Why it’s different:
Not all wagashi are sweet! Senbei offers a satisfying, crunchy alternative.
Great for:
Snacking between sightseeing adventures.
7. Nerikiri – Art You Can Eat
Description:
Hand-shaped wagashi made to resemble seasonal flowers or fruits. Served during tea ceremonies.
Where to try:
Traditional tea houses, Kyoto wagashi shops, or cultural workshops.
Good to know:
They’re almost too beautiful to eat!
🎁 Where to Buy Wagashi in Japan
- Convenience Stores: Great for mochi, daifuku, and ice cream.
- Department Store Basements (Depachika): Best place for high-end wagashi.
- Traditional Shops: Try famous stores like Toraya or Minamoto Kitchoan.
- Klook Tours: Some include wagashi-making experiences or food tastings.
🧭 Bonus: Want to Make Your Own Wagashi?
Check out this hands-on sushi and wagashi-making class in Tokyo:
👉 Traditional Japanese Sweets Making Workshop in Tokyo
👉 Sushi Making Tokyo Cooking Class in Japan
🏁 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a sweet tooth or a culture lover, trying wagashi is one of the best ways to connect with Japan’s seasonal traditions and craftsmanship. Don’t forget to bring some home as gifts!
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