10 Best Japanese Traditional Sweets (Wagashi) in 2024

Warabimochi

Warabimochi is one of Japan’s traditional Japanese sweets and is made primarily from warabi flour. Warabi mochi is simply made by combining warabi flour, sugar, and water, heating the mixture, and cutting the hardened mixture into pieces. The texture is glutinous and elastic, and when you put it in your mouth, you will enjoy its moderate sweetness and smooth texture. It is usually eaten with kinako (soybean flour) or kuromitsu (brown sugar), but it also goes well with matcha green tea and fruits, so there are many variations to enjoy. It can be purchased not only at tourist spots and Japanese confectionery stores, but also at supermarkets and online stores. We hope you will enjoy this traditional Japanese flavor.

Mitarashi dumplings

Mitarashi dumplings are one of Japan’s traditional Japanese sweets, characterized by their sticky texture and unique salty-sweet sauce. The main ingredients are: Kamishinko flour, shiratama flour, sugar, soy sauce, water, potato starch, and bamboo sticks. To make the dumplings, first mix joshin flour and shiratama flour, add water and sugar, and knead. Then, the dumplings are formed into small dumplings, put on bamboo skewers, and boiled. Finally, the dumplings are dipped in a sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, water, and potato starch. Mitarashi dumplings are served all over Japan and are widely popular, especially at summer festival stalls where they are purchased by everyone from small children to adults.

Anmitsu

Anmitsu is one of Japan’s traditional Japanese sweets and is a combination of agar, anko (red bean paste), fruit, and molasses. Kanten (agar) is a food made from seaweed, low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Anko, made by boiling azuki beans and sweetening them with sugar, is one of the standard ingredients for Japanese sweets. Fruits offer different flavors depending on the season. Strawberries, mandarin oranges, melons, and other colorful fruits are used. Kuromitsu is a rich, sweet syrup made by boiling down brown sugar. Anmitsu, made from a variety of ingredients, is beautiful and looks like a jewel box. It is a cold sweet recommended for summer.

Yokan

Yokan is one of Japan’s traditional Japanese confections, made from azuki beans, sugar, agar, and water. There are several types of yokan: kneaded yokan, mizu-yokan, and steamed yokan. The texture of yokan varies depending on the type. For example, kneaded yokan is dense and firm. On the other hand, mizu-yokan has a high water content, so you can enjoy its soft texture. It is a confectionery loved by all generations for its mouth-watering taste and smoothness. Especially among Japanese confections, mizu-yokan is one of the healthiest, and is favored for eating as a teacake or as a gift.

Daifuku

Daifuku is a Japanese wagashi (Japanese confectionery) characterized by its mochi (glutinous rice cake) texture. The procedure for making daifuku is simple: mix shiratama flour, sugar, and water to make dough. The dough is then wrapped with anko (sweet bean paste) and further rolled into a shape to complete the process. Daifuku is widely popular throughout Japan for its soft texture and gentle sweetness. There are many variations, such as bean daifuku, fruit daifuku, and cream daifuku, to suit your taste. You can enjoy a wide variety of types. There are many arrangements depending on the season and region, and many designs have a lovely appearance. Daifuku is also an ideal Japanese sweet for celebrations and souvenirs.

Zenzai

Zenzai is a traditional Japanese wagashi made with azuki beans, sugar, water, and white bean flour. Azuki is a healthy food with high nutritional value and high fiber content. Zenzai is popular throughout Japan, and can be enjoyed as a tea snack, dessert, or a warming and comforting treat. This Japanese confectionery is also popular during the summer months, and the cold zenzai is called “Shiratama chilled zenzai” and is well-loved. The gentle sweetness of the azuki beans, the glutinous texture of the shiratama, and the cool, sweet flavor soothe the summer heat. It is a simple yet traditional Japanese dish that can be easily made at home.

Senbei

Senbei is a traditional Japanese snack, the main ingredient of which is rice flour. Rice flour or wheat flour is kneaded, the dough is rolled out, and baked on a griddle. They are characterized by their crunchy and chewy texture, and are available in a variety of flavors, including salty, soy sauce, and sweet with sugar sprinkled on top. They are eaten daily as an easy snack. Eating them with a cup of warm tea is a relaxing experience. They are popular all over Japan, and the 40- to 50-size generation in particular enjoy eating senbei. Sweet rice crackers made for children are also very popular, as they are perfect for small hands. Because senbei can be preserved, they are also convenient as emergency rations.

Kompeito

Made from sugar and primed water, kompeito is a small spherical shaped scarecrow. Its surface has bumpy protrusions and is shaped like a star. It is believed that this candy was introduced to Japan from Portugal during the Warring States period and spread to Kyushu and western Japan. Kanpeito is made by pouring a small amount of sugar liquid over a single piece of granulated sugar, and it takes a long time to finish. Its colorful appearance and crisp texture, which is different from candies, are appealing and recommended for people of all ages. They are popular as souvenirs and gifts, and are also a great way to refresh yourself when you are tired.

Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese wagashi, a disk-shaped confection consisting of sponge cake dough with anko (red bean paste) sandwiched in between. There are various theories as to the origin of Dorayaki, but it is said to have originated as a honey-based Japanese confectionery. The characteristic disk shape of Dorayaki is said to resemble a gong, a musical instrument, and the name “Dorayaki” was derived from this shape. Made with sticky dough and sweet red bean paste, dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery loved by all generations. It is also known as the favorite food of famous Japanese anime characters. Dorayaki is an ideal souvenir for those who love Japanese sweets and its unique history and flavor is a reminder of Japanese culture.

Castella

Castella is a Japanese confectionery made by whisking chicken eggs and mixing them with flour and syrup, then baking the dough in an oven. It is based on the Nanban confectionery introduced from Portugal and developed uniquely in Japan. Many variations exist, such as adding matcha (powdered green tea), brown sugar, cheese, and chocolate. The texture is fluffy and similar to sponge cake. Because of the variety of flavors available, they are loved by a wide range of people, from those who love Japanese sweets to those who love Western sweets. Generally, they are baked in a square shape. They are also appreciated as a gift for birthdays and for visiting guests.