Why Making Wagashi Calms the Mind

Announcement for the Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossom Event: "Go to the Gyoen!"

The time spent making wagashi
has a mysterious power to calm the mind.

Rolling the bean paste, wrapping it, and shaping it,
carefully finishing a single sweet.

It is just that, but
before you know it, you stop thinking about unnecessary things,
and your mind becomes quiet.

I have been holding
wagashi classes at Shinjuku Gyoen for 12 years,

and to date, I have taught
over 800 peoplefrom Japan and abroad
how to make wagashi.

Through that, I have seen many times
that by making wagashi,
even those who were initially anxious, wondering if they could do it,
find their expressions softening as they work with the sweets.

In our busy daily lives,
to stop for just a moment
and spend some quiet time.

I believe that is a time
that calms the mind more than one might think.

When making wagashi in class,
I often hear words like these.

"This is somehow very calming."

"I was able to clear my mind."

Even those who were a little nervous at first
gradually change their expressions
once they start making the sweets.

A time to concentrate,
be quiet,
and move your hands carefully.

It is almost like
a time of small meditation.

Have you ever had an experience like this?

Being so busy that
you realize the day is already over.

Without time to look up at the sky,
or the luxury of feeling the seasons.

I was the same way.

When I was chased by classes and work,
the days would pass by in the blink of an eye.

At such times,
the time spent making wagashi
helped me find my inner peace.

Cooking the bean paste, wrapping it, and shaping it.

It is just that, yet
mysteriously, it calms my heart.

Making wagashi
is not just about making sweets.

It is

a time to center the mind

as well, I believe.

Moving your hands with care,
focusing on the sweet in front of you.

Then,
the busy thoughts in your head
become a little quieter.

That is why this spring,
I have planned a small event
to enjoy such a time.

It is an "adult picnic"
spent at Shinjuku Gyoen among the cherry blossoms.

The event schedule is as follows.

・Wagashi making in the classroom (5 pieces total)
・Special cherry blossom viewing bento from Kappo Gyoenmae Seo
・Picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen under the cherry blossoms
・Outdoor tea ceremony experience with the wagashi we made

The time spent making wagashi.
The time spent enjoying a bento under the cherry blossoms.
The time spent having matcha in nature.

Stepping away from your busy daily life,
it is a day to feel the season at a leisurely pace.

Wouldn't you also
like to spend some time like this?

Spring at Shinjuku Gyoen is
one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Enjoying Japanese sweets under the cherry blossoms,
having a bento box, and whisking matcha.

I would be delighted if we could spend
such a relaxing time together.

This is recommended for those who:

・Want to try making Japanese sweets
・Want to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen at a leisurely pace
・Want to experience a nodate-style (outdoor) matcha tea session
・Want to take a break from their busy daily lives and refresh
・Want to spend some quality time as an adult feeling the seasons

As this will be a small group event,
if you are interested,
please sign up as soon as possible.

*Please note that in case of rain, food and drinks will be served inside the classroom.

🌸 Event Details
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossom Event - Let's Go to the Garden!

Click here to apply