Frequently Asked Questions About Our Wagashi Classes

Q: What is wagashi?
A: Wagashi is a general term for Japanese Sweets. Wa(和）means Japanese and Gashi/Kashi (菓子）means sweets. FYI, Yogashi means Western Sweets as Yo（洋）comes from the word Seiyo（西洋）meaning Western.

Q: What is nerikiri?
A: Nerikiri is classified as Jonamagashi（上生菓子）- High grade fresh confections which are usually served during a tea ceremony. The word Nerikiri（練り切り） Comes from the word Neru（練る）- to knead and Kiru（切る）- to cut as the dough is made by kneading and cutting.

Q: Is nerikiri the same as mochi? 
A: No, the nerikiri dough is made with white bean paste with a small amount of mochi as a binding ingredient.  

Q: Do I need cooking experience?
A: No, most of our guests are complete beginners. 

Q: Are the classes taught in English?
A: Yes. Our wagashi classes are conducted in English by professionally trained bilingual instructors. No Japanese language ability is required.

Q: Can children join the class?
A: Yes, as long as they are 4 years and older. They would need to be able to sit down during the 2 hour class. 

Q: Can I bring along my baby?
A: Children under the age of 4 are not allowed in class due to safety reasons. If you would like to bring your baby, you would need to book a private class and have an adult supervise your baby.

Q: Can a member of my family sit and watch during the experience?
​A: Observers are not allowed to wait in the classroom unless you have booked a private class.

Q: Where is Simply Oishii Wagashi School located?
A: We are located in City Center within walking distance of Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Metro Line. It is only 2 stops away from Shibuya, and 3 min. walk from the station. Please visit this page for access information.

Q: How far is the studio from Shibuya?
A: Meguro Station is only two stops (6min.) away from Shibuya Station. We are 3 min. by foot from JR Meguro Station and 5 min by foot from Metro Meguro Station. Please visit this page for access from major stations.

Q: Are the sweets vegetarian or vegan?
A: All the sweets are plant based and the main ingredients are rice flour, beans and sugar. The mochi ice cream is dairy so if you are vegan or lactose intolerant, please request vegan ice cream made from soy milk. (Mochi Class only)

Q: Are the classes gluten-free?
A: Yes, we only use rice flour and soy powder.

Q: Does the nerikiri class include matcha?
A: Yes, you will be able to make your own matcha and learn the etiquette.

Q: Can I take my wagashi home?
A: Yes, but you need to consume it within 24 hours.

Q: Can I book a private class?
​A: Yes, depending on the availability. Please request a private class through the contact form. You need to pay for 6 seats and 8 seats during high season. (December, March, April) . We also offer special private wagashi classes taught by Miyuki.

Q: Do you offer classes for corporate groups?
​A: Yes, we offer various packages for corporate groups. Please visit this page and contact us for a quotation.

Q: What is the difference between the Nerikiri, Mochi and Combination classes?
A: For the Nerikiri Class we make 3 kinds of seasonal nerikiri with Tea Ceremony Demonstration and experience. For the Combination Class, we make 2 kinds of mochi desserts and 2 kinds of seasonal nerikiri  with Tea Ceremony experience.

Q: I want to make the mochi when I return home. Do you provide recipes?
A: You can download the recipe from the QR code given to you. You will have access to tutorial videos as well.

Q: What if I get lost on the way to class?
A: Please send a message on Whatsapp to the studio and the instructor can assist you.


For other inquiries, please contact us.