Stories

Learn to Make Japanese Sweets in Sydney

---

By ClassBento Team

A typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sizedA typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sized sweet Japanese treats. As you peruse your options, it will be difficult to pinpoint just one tantalizing option: there are small, soft green balls, dense, chocolate-like squares, intricately molded hard candies, and more, all delicious and delicate and exciting. Learn how to make them from scratch at Japanese cooking classes in Sydney.    After deliberating for a long time between the wide selection, you may just have to sample more than one. Don’t worry if you don’t find your favourite treat on your first pass. Japanese sweets are available at virtually every Japanese establishment in Australia, including restaurants, department stores, food carts, and convenience stores (1). Make sure that you have an open mind and a cup of green tea with you as you begin your wagashi journey. To understand wagashi, you must first learn the ancient art of tea ceremony.   You’ve probably heard of Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that automatically conjures up images of delicate tea sets, the precise and talented movements of a tea master, and the serene greenery of a tea garden. Historians have written a great deal about this highly structured and difficult-to-learn cultural practice, from its introduction to Japan in the 700’s to today’s tea ceremony revival in younger generations. Everyone can agree that tea ceremony holds a special place in Japan’s national identity, invoking pride in citizens and absolute awe in tourists.   What you may not have heard, but will be excited to learn, is that tea ceremony has a sweet secret: Wagashi, or Japanese sweets.   This facet of tea culture deals specifically with the sweet accompaniments to green tea, made up mostly of sweet bean pastes and rice flour. They come in an endless variety of colors, shapes, tastes and textures, and have become a cultural staple in their own right.   Dessert-lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike are anxious to sign up for Japanese confectionery classes, in which students learn the preparation method and serving technique of the tasty morsels. Try making your own sweet treats with ClassBento's friendly and expert teachers, or dive deeper into a workshop that focuses on Japanese arts and culture.   Once you’ve signed up for your beginner’s course, you may want to brush up on your Japanese tea history before your first class. Here are a few key things to remember about this special practice:   •       In the 14th century, tea ceremony was created by Zen Buddhists as a religious practice emphasizing the four integral notions of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility (2). Because of this, tea ceremony is a fundamentally spiritual practice and has retained sacred status for seven centuries. •       The most important name associated with tea ceremony is Sen Rikyu (3), a tea master who set the standard for tea ceremony by codifying the entire process, from the technical process, to the utensils, to the setting. He is credited with developing the notions of wabi (a commitment to simple, everyday living) and sabi (an aesthetic tendency towards the old and worn.) The overall intention is to find beauty in ordinary objects. •       Tea masters dedicate their entire lives to perfecting their craft, and a full tea ceremony can last up for four hours, with multiple renditions of green tea, a meal, sake tasting, and wagashi (4).   Now that you have a foundational knowledge of the main show, let’s pivot to one of the key players of the ceremony: wagashi.   Wagashi can be broken down into three separate categories - togashi, tenjin and nanban-gashi - each with its own taste and cultural history(5).   •       Togashi is the rarest form of Japanese confectionery and is made from the kneading of wheat flour or bean paste into various shapes. It is then deep-fried and has a long tradition of being served at aristocratic banquets. •       Tenjin is the type most closely associated with tea ceremony as it was introduced with by the zen buddhists who popularized the custom. It is characterized by jellied and bun-like sweets, although traditional versions were more savory than sweet. •       Nanban-gashi was radically different from other forms of wagashi when it was introduced by Portuguese immigrants in 1543. Unlike its savory relatives, this unique form utilized sweet ingredients and eggs, which were previously uncommon on the islands.   If such distinctions are not enough, wagashi gets more complicated - and more exciting! For, the creation of Japanese sweets are not simply shaping sweetened bean paste into random shapes. Instead, each wagashi creates a balance of the senses which enhances its role as part of the Zen Buddhist’s tea ceremony(6):   •       Sight - each wagashi is perfectly crafted to be aesthetically pleasing and thought provoking •       Taste - wagashi is a showcase of its natural ingredients, allowing the person tasting the treat to admire traditional Japanese crops such as beans and grains •       Texture – the sweets come in a vast variety of textures, from soft to crispy to light to dense •       Scent - a key aspect is subtlety - in fragrance, especially. Each morsel compliments the other scents of the ceremony, like the all-important green tea •       Sound - wagashi invoke an auditory response as a result of its unique and significant labels. Many refer to natural elements or traditional poetic works   When sifting through all of the information, you may feel a little bit overwhelmed. This is normal; tea ceremony and Japanese sweets boast of long and meaningful histories that are difficult for foreigners to understand.   But wagashi can be a beautiful and accessible hobby, in which students learn about and gain an appreciation for an incredibly complex culture while also exploring the creative process of wagashi-making.   As a student of wagashi, you can benefit just by learning the basics, or you can fully lean into the practice, tapping into an extensive and well-established tradition of sweet-making. Learn about the amazing health benefits of matcha here.  References:   (1)  japan-guide.com (2)  mightyleaf.com (3)  britannica.com (4)  shibuiswords.com (5)  kikkoman.com (6)  toraya-group.co.jp ...

Tune Into Something New

---

By Charlotte McKewen

Switch up your routine and engage in sensory experiences that will inspire and invigorate you.

Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet

---

By Kellie Maloney

Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!

How to Find the Best Practical Gifts for a Dad-to-be

---

By Annie Symmonds

After practical gifts for a dad-to-be? Help him become the best first-time Dad ever with these fun creative experiences, from cooking to coffee makingAfter practical gifts for a dad-to-be? Help him become the best first-time Dad ever with these fun creative experiences, from cooking to coffee making and more! ...

How to Enhance Team Motivation in Sydney

---

By Sam Bowden

Discover the fun side of team building in Sydney! Elevate work culture and performance effortlessly with these corporate activities for team motDiscover the fun side of team building in Sydney! Elevate work culture and performance effortlessly with these corporate activities for team motivation. ...

Unique Anniversary Gifts in Sydney They'll Love

---

By Sam Bowden

Treat your partner to an experience they'll love with these anniversary gift ideas in Sydney. For romance and connection you can't go past an experienceTreat your partner to an experience they'll love with these anniversary gift ideas in Sydney. For romance and connection you can't go past an experience gift. ...

Team Building Ideas in Sydney for Small and Large Teams

---

By Susana Aguilera

Discover unique and creative ways to connect with your colleagues and increase wellness at these team building activities in Sydney!

Why a Terrarium Workshop for Sydney Corporates Is a Good Idea

---

By ClassBento Team

On one fine Wednesday afternoon, we were contacted by the Sydney office of a prominent legal firm, hoping to do a creative terrarium workshopOn one fine Wednesday afternoon, we were contacted by the Sydney office of a prominent legal firm, hoping to do a creative terrarium workshop for their hardworking team of 40. We quickly got one of our favourite terrarium teachers to fit their budget, and the date was set! Everyone was eagerly anticipating the class.   Our teacher, Pamela, has been giving informal arts and crafts classes over last few years on a variety of topics, ranging from terrarium making to Kokedama making, to jewelry making and even watercolour. She's a lady of many talents!   The team was presented with a beautiful range of materials, including soil, moss, pebbles, mini figurines, and of course, some petite succulent plants and some glass jars to house them in.  Everything was set up previously, so they could just show up and enjoy!   With some guidance from Pamela, the team strapped on their gloves and dug into the task at hand, constructing their cute mini garden landscapes, layer by layer, some meticulously, others somewhat whimsically and chaotically. It was run at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for questions and curiousities to be satisfied, and for everyone there to bond and get to know each other better. The atmosphere was fun and buzzing. They were transported into another world, where they could really forget about their daily work, disconnect, and rejuvenate their minds for a few hours.     Each team member brought their own unique style to the table, choosing the ingredients that caught their eye, and combining them in a way that spoke to them. With their little scissors and brushes, they trimmed and curated their little kingdoms to their heart's content.     And the best part? Everyone got to keep their proud creations, a nice living reminder of the great time they spent together (and easy to take care of too!) Intrigued? Get in touch and we can set you up with a creative workshop for your next event, or, just fly solo (or with a partner) and join one of our public terrarium classes on the weekend or any other time that suits you. Be blown away by Australia's largest terrarium here.        ...

Meet Zara Avila

---

By Laine Fullerton

Colourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in theColourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in the fun! ...

9 Crafty Experience Gift Cards for Teens

---

By Kellie Maloney

Check out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something forCheck out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something for everyone! ...

Best DIY Pottery Kits 2025

---

By Sam Bowden

You don't need a studio to master pottery! With these incredibly crafty DIY pottery kits, you can play with clay your own home!

Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Women in Sydney

---

By Sam Bowden

Finding eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney for women is easy. With ClassBento's range of workshops you can go green with minimal effort, next timeFinding eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney for women is easy. With ClassBento's range of workshops you can go green with minimal effort, next time gift season comes around! ...

How to Keep Your Brain Young

---

By Courtenay Turner

We unpack the simple lifestyle changes you can make in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond to keep your brain sharp and your mind malleable.

Make Vegan Shortbread with Caroline Rowe

---

By Courtenay Turner

Meet Caroline Rowe, the passionate foodie inspiring everyday Aussies to get creative in the kitchen and uncover the joys of cooking for one.

9 Heartfelt Gifts for Your Stepdad in Australia

---

By Annie Symmonds

Soak up quality time with your stepdad and get creative together with these gifts for Dad in Australia, from terrarium making to BBQ cooking classes.

Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2025

---

By Annie Symmonds

Spoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas forSpoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas for Mums. ...

3 Team Building Exercises to Help Bond Your Team

---

By Annie Symmonds

Stop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build strongerStop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build stronger relationships! ...

Best Social Distancing Date Ideas in Sydney

---

By Sam Bowden

Try these online activities for couples and find unique at-home date night ideas in Sydney! From cocktail shaking to painting, staying in has neverTry these online activities for couples and find unique at-home date night ideas in Sydney! From cocktail shaking to painting, staying in has never looked better. ...

Killer Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney to Help You Be the Best Best Man

---

By Sam Bowden

Just been appointed the role of Best Man at your mate's impending nuptials? With these unique bucks party ideas in Sydney you can avoid the tropes,Just been appointed the role of Best Man at your mate's impending nuptials? With these unique bucks party ideas in Sydney you can avoid the tropes, cliches, and dodgy traditions of the stag do... ...

5 Reasons Wine and Paint Workshops Are Trending

---

By ClassBento Team

Find out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend inFind out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend in 2025. ...

Stop Searching and Discover the Perfect Gift for Your Father-in-law in Australia

---

By Annie Symmonds

Nail the perfect present for your father-in law with these creative gifts for Dad in Australia, from cocktail making workshops to cooking classeNail the perfect present for your father-in law with these creative gifts for Dad in Australia, from cocktail making workshops to cooking classes. ...

Untraditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts They'll Love

---

By Annie Symmonds

Defy convention with these untraditional wedding anniversary gift ideas and shine a spotlight on quality time and romance.

Surprise Your Partner with Gift Experiences for Couples

---

By Annie Symmonds

Wondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugiWondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugi and more! ...

Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Him in Sydney

---

By Sam Bowden

Searching for sustainable presents for the special man in your life? ClassBento has an array of eco friendly gifts for him in Sydney that are perfectSearching for sustainable presents for the special man in your life? ClassBento has an array of eco friendly gifts for him in Sydney that are perfect for birthday experience gifts. ...

Unique Gifts for Women (Or Men) in Sydney

---

By Susana Aguilera

Here's 9 gift experiences for her or him in Sydney that will make the next birthday, Mother's Day or any special occasion they won't forget...

Why a Paint 'n Sip Party Is the Ultimate Way to Celebrate

---

By ClassBento Team

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party inIf you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party in Australia. ...

Make Turkish Mosaic Lamps with Art Masterclass

---

By Laine Fullerton

From Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of culturalFrom Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of cultural connection. ...

Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas in Australia

---

By Annie Symmonds

Celebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour conCelebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour connection. ...

Fun Corporate Team Building Activities That Promote Employee Wellbeing

---

By Laine Fullerton

Spice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee welSpice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee wellbeing! ...

Unique Gift Experiences for Him (Or Her) in Sydney

---

By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Get him what he really wants with these 5 experience gifts for him in Sydney. From leather to fire and broken ceramics, these gift ideas will blowGet him what he really wants with these 5 experience gifts for him in Sydney. From leather to fire and broken ceramics, these gift ideas will blow his mind. ...

Craft Gift Experiences for Dad in Sydney

---

By Iain Wang

Our co-founder, Iain, shares his favourite crafty gift experiences for dads in Sydney!

The Best Cooking Classes in Australia for Travel Lovers

---

By ClassBento Team

Enjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch thatEnjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch that travel itch! ...

Explore Your Inner Artist with Paint and Sip Classes in Australia

---

By ClassBento Team

Channel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experienceChannel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experience to join! ...

Create a DIY Project at These Cool Art Classes

---

By ClassBento Team

If you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes inIf you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes in Australia! ...

Last Minute Experience Gifts for Sydneysiders

---

By ClassBento Team

Spoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops andSpoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops and much more! ...

How to Build Better Boundaries If You WFH

---

By Courtenay Turner

Discover how to relieve stress, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.

6 Feel-Good Workshops to Boost Your Mood

---

By Courtenay Turner

Feeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to helpFeeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to help you feel good. ...

9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025

---

By Annie Symmonds

Find the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes andFind the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more. ...

Hands-on Birthday Party Ideas and Gifts for Gardeners

---

By Annie Symmonds

If you’re struggling to find birthday party ideas and gifts for gardeners, expect to find inspiration right here among our gardening classes inIf you’re struggling to find birthday party ideas and gifts for gardeners, expect to find inspiration right here among our gardening classes in Australia! ...

Best Anniversary Gifts for Men in Australia

---

By Annie Symmonds

Uncover the best anniversary gift ideas for men in Australia this year and surprise your lover with an unforgettable experience gift.

Best Experience Gifts for Her (Or Him) in Sydney

---

By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Throw clay, spice rum, pipe macarons and so much more with these creative experience gifts for her in Sydney and give her a unique present she’llThrow clay, spice rum, pipe macarons and so much more with these creative experience gifts for her in Sydney and give her a unique present she’ll really love! ...

Why Clay and Sip Is the New Friday Night Drinks

---

By ClassBento Team

Discover why pottery classes in Australia are becoming one of the most popular ways to relax and unwind after work!

Why Art Courses Are Good for Stress Relief

---

By ClassBento Team

Relax, unwind and enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of art classes in Australia, where you can learn to paint, draw and much more!

Nourishing Experience Gifts for Women Who Need a Little Me Time

---

By ClassBento Team

If you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experienceIf you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experience gifts for women. ...

Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia

---

By Annie Symmonds

Whether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience giftsWhether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience gifts in Australia! ...

Golden 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts in Sydney

---

By Sam Bowden

Keep the love blossoming with 50th wedding anniversary gift ideas in Sydney.

8 Environmentally Friendly Workshops in Sydney and Beyond

---

By Sierra Elise Joseph

Get back to the basics and start your journey toward sustainable living with these eight environmentally friendly workshops in Sydney and MelbouGet back to the basics and start your journey toward sustainable living with these eight environmentally friendly workshops in Sydney and Melbourne... ...

Team Building Activities

---

By Julia Carr-Catzel

Learn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with teamLearn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with team workshops. ...