Exploring the Heart of Wagashi: Jun’s Kitchen Visit to Tengudo Confectionery

For Jun’s Kitchen, the allure of wagashi has always been more than just a curiosity—it’s been a lifelong fascination with the artistry and craftsmanship that go into every sweet. With its delicate balance of flavors, intricate designs, and deep cultural significance, wagashi reflects Japan’s rich traditions.

Jun’s Kitchen, always seeking to explore the stories behind food, experienced this artistry firsthand when he visited Tengudo Takarabune Confectionery in Hokkaido. Thanks to our partnership with Jun’s Kitchen, Sakuraco is thrilled to share this journey with you. Through this collaboration, we hope to increase your appreciation of Japanese sweets and the artisans behind them. This offers a unique and personal glimpse into the world of wagashi.

Arrival in Hakodate

Jun’s Kitchen adventure began in Hakodate, a picturesque port city in Hokkaido, known for its panoramic views and stunning sunsets. Hakodate is situated on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, not on Honshu Island. It is located on the Kameda Peninsula, separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait. The city has a rugged coastline and scenic views. Mount Hakodate offers panoramic vistas of the city and the strait.

Hakodate’s unique cultural landscape is reflected in its architecture, which blends Japanese and European styles, particularly in the Motomachi district. This area features colonial-style buildings like the Former British Consulate, highlighting the city’s historical trade connections with the West. The city’s calm yet vibrant atmosphere contrasts Tokyo’s bustle.This makes it a popular destination for those seeking a more relaxed Japanese experience.

The city’s natural beauty is enhanced by its cool climate and stunning twilight views, often painted with hues of pink and orange. This picturesque setting and its distinct cultural heritage make Hakodate a standout destination that showcases Japan’s diverse regional identities.

In Japan, even the subtle differences in geography—from Kyushu to Hokkaido—serve as a reminder of how diverse the country truly is. This variety is reflected not only in the landscapes but also in the local customs, food, and traditions.

Meeting the Artisans of Tengudo

Tengudo’s long history of crafting wagashi showcases the timeless beauty of Japanese sweets. Watching Mr. Chiba and his team at work is like entering a world where tradition is paramount, with every detail holding meaning.

As Mr. Chiba carefully shapes the sweets, Jun is struck by the precision and dedication involved. The process of making wagashi is both painstaking and beautiful. Each piece of art tells a story through its ingredients, design, and texture. Jun is amazed by how simple ingredients like sugar, rice flour, and beans are transformed into intricate creations. These creations reflect the season, region, and culture.

Making wagashi is not just about creating sweets; it’s about connecting people to their heritage, the land, and the seasons. This respect for craftsmanship and tradition is what makes wagashi special. Sakuraco is passionate about sharing this with its community.

The Beauty of Traditional Sweets

One of the most fascinating things about wagashi is how each treat encapsulates the essence of Japan’s culture and history. A simple sweet can evoke memories of festivals, seasonal changes, and family gatherings. For Jun, the experience of tasting wagashi at Tengudo was as much about the story behind the sweet as it was about the flavor itself.

Take the milk mochi, for example. This delightful treat perfectly exemplifies how Japanese confectioners turn humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Wrapped in a delicate film made from potato starch, the mochi’s soft, chewy texture and gentle sweetness perfectly contrast the bold flavors Jun had encountered earlier. The experience of tasting milk mochi was a reminder of why mochi holds such a cherished place in Japanese culture. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about the feeling it evokes: warmth, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia.

Like many other types of wagashi, mochi is best enjoyed with a cup of tea. Its soft, chewy texture and subtle sweetness make it an ideal pairing for the rich flavors of green tea. In Japan, tea and sweets are often served together. As a result, they offer a moment of pause and appreciation, whether in a quiet home or a bustling tea house.

A Journey Through Taste

Jun’s visit to Tengudo wasn’t just about exploring the techniques of wagashi making—it was about experiencing how food can connect people to history and place. Through each sweet, Jun deeply understood Japan’s cultural heritage. This connection makes Japanese confectionery so much more than just a snack. It’s an experience, a story, and a tradition passed down through generations.

The artistry of wagashi is also in the moments these sweets create. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one, a treat to enjoy with friends, or simply a quiet indulgence during the changing seasons, wagashi brings people together. At Sakuraco, we also believe that these moments of connection make food truly special.

Sakuraco’s Role in Sharing the Joy of Wagashi

For those who want to explore Japan’s flavors and experience wagashi’s beauty firsthand, Sakuraco is here to help. Each month, we carefully curate a selection of authentic Japanese sweets, teas, and tableware, all thoughtfully themed to reflect Japan’s seasonal traditions and culinary heritage. Our “Hokkaido Holidays” box, including treats like milk chocolate cookies, pure butter cookies, and milk mochi, was inspired by Jun’s journey and exploration of Hokkaido’s finest confections.

Sakuraco is about experiencing the artistry and craftsmanship behind every piece and the stories that come with them. Our mission is to bring the beauty of Japanese sweets to your doorstep, offering a little piece of Japan with every box.

Why This Collaboration Matters

The collaboration between Jun’s Kitchen and Sakuraco was a deeply rewarding experience for us. It allowed us to share the beauty and complexity of traditional Japanese confectionery with a wider audience, and we’re proud to be a part of Jun’s journey. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire you to explore the rich cultural heritage behind each sweet and appreciate the artistry that goes into every creation.

Whether you’re a long-time Sakuraco subscriber or new to Japanese sweets, we hope this story inspires you to discover the magic of wagashi. We invite you to join us on this journey and enjoy the beauty of wagashi from the comfort of your own home.