Wagashi Japanese Confectionery Making Workshop

The November 18th and December 13th workshops will be taught by Yuki Sakura.Wagashi, or Japanese confections, boast a rich history spanning hundreds of years. Among the most exquisite are nerikiri, hand-sculpted sweets in various flavors and styles, reflecting nature's beauty and often modeled on seasonal scenes. These edible works of art are famous worldwide and accessible to everyone, not just masters.Our classes teach traditional techniques for creating these beautiful confections, from shaping the dough to adding intricate details. Guided by our instructors, you'll gain a deep appreciation for this ancient art form.The November 18th session is a wasanbon session (90 minutes). Wasanbon is a fine Japanese sugar, refined by hand in Shikoku and known for its delicate sweetness and smooth texture. Instead of shaping nerikiri dough, you will press it into carved wooden molds and take home the sweets you make. There is no baking and no cooking.In the December 13th sessions, we will create three types of Nerikiri inspired by the festive beauty and joyful spirit of the winter holiday season—Snowman, Holiday Wreath, and Snow Blossom Temari. As the snowy season arrives, the world is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with warmth, celebration, and cherished moments. The cheerful Snowman brings a sense of playful holiday magic, the Holiday Wreath symbolizes welcome, peace, and seasonal joy, and the Snow Blossom Temari is designed with delicate snowflake-inspired patterns and elegant winter colors, capturing both the beauty of freshly fallen snow and the festive charm of the holidays. Please note that the December 13th sessions run 2.5 hours.You will learn the characteristics of Nerikiri, its ingredients, and traditional techniques while crafting your own original designs. This workshop offers more than the joy of tasting Wagashi; it gives you the experience of creating edible art, engaging your senses of sight, touch, and taste. Simple hand movements— pressing, pinching, layering — become acts of sculpture and painting, turning the creative process itself into an artistic experience. Through this hands-on practice, you will discover the unique beauty of Japanese food culture.At the end of the class, you’ll take home the Nerikiri you lovingly crafted yourself. We hope you’ll share them with your family and friends—revisiting the stories and moments from the workshop as you admire and enjoy the sweets you created with your own hands.What Makes Us Different?Hands-on experience: All the ingredients and materials are prepared, and containers for taking them home are provided. You only need to walk into the classroom and leave with three beautiful wagashi.Personal attention: We believe in providing personalized attention to each of our students, with our instructors offering individualized guidance and support.Community atmosphere: Cooking is always more fun with friends! Our classes offer a warm and welcoming environment where you can connect with other sweet-making enthusiasts and share your love for Nerikiri.-----About the InstructorsMari MatsuoTemari NY specializes in teaching how to create visually stunning and delicious Japanese food art, including decorative sushi rolls and Wagashi (Japanese confectionery). All ingredients can be easily found in New York stores, making it convenient for anyone to try at home. Mari, an instructor at Temari NY, discovered her passion for making cute and beautiful food art while creating bento boxes for her children. She is certified in traditional Japanese sweets and decorative sushi making in Japan and now shares her expertise in New York City, aiming to spread the joy of creating these edible works of art to as many people as possible.Yuki SakuraYuki Sakura originally pursued a career as a pâtissier, dedicating herself to creating Western-style desserts. However, as she reflected more deeply on her identity as a Japanese person, a new desire began to grow within her—a desire to share Japanese culture with the world through her own hands. That realization led her to the path of Wagashi (和菓子).Today, Yuki creates Wagashi for tea ceremonies and matcha specialty shops. Each piece is crafted entirely by hand, infused with the changing seasons and the feelings of the maker. Wagashi are not simply sweets; they are expressions of nature, emotion, and tradition. They are meant to be appreciated with the eyes, felt with the heart, and remembered long after the last bite. Delivering this “multi-layered experience” is the foundation of her Wagashi-making.Looking ahead, she hope to share the joy and depth of Wagashi with people across countries and generations. Her goal is to bring the beauty and warmth of this traditional Japanese art form to a wider audience around the world.

Upcoming dates for Wagashi Japanese Confectionery Making Workshop

Times are New York time. Dates and prices as of 14 Nov 2026, 8:30pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

3 upcoming dates between 18 Nov 2026 and 13 Dec 2026.

• Wed, Nov 18 2026, 7pm-8:30pm (Wasanbon • $80)
• Sun, Dec 13 2026, 1pm-3:30pm (Snowman, Wreath & Temari • $110)
• Sun, Dec 13 2026, 4:30pm-7pm (Snowman, Wreath & Temari • $110)

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