Day: March 6, 2026

Two cups of amazake with sakura petals on top.

Amazake: A Sweet Sip of Wellness from Japan

Amazake is one of the most unique traditional drinks enjoyed by Japanese people since the Nara period (710-794). Even though its name includes the word sake (alcoholic beverage), most amazake contains little to no alcohol, so both children and adults can enjoy it together.

A plate of sakura jelly wagashi.

Jelly Wagashi in Japan: Everything You Need to Know

Jelly wagashi brings a touch of elegance to Japan’s confectionery traditions. This dish offers a light and cooling alternative to denser sweets like mochi or festival pastries. Crafted from agar, a seaweed-based gelling agent, these translucent delights capture subtle flavors of fruit, tea, or seasonal blossoms.