Stories

Try a Superfood Cocktail Making Class in Sydney This Weekend

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By Tiffany Fung

Master the art of mixology at cocktail making classes in Sydney and pick up the confidence and know-how to add a healthy superfood twist to yourMaster the art of mixology at cocktail making classes in Sydney and pick up the confidence and know-how to add a healthy superfood twist to your cocktails. ...

7 Employee Gift Ideas That Your Team Will Really Want in 2025

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover some of the best company gift cards in Australia that your team is guaranteed to love, from unwinding with clay to shaking up deliciousDiscover some of the best company gift cards in Australia that your team is guaranteed to love, from unwinding with clay to shaking up delicious cocktails. ...

Say Thank You with These Mother's Day Wellness Gifts

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By Annie Symmonds

Ready to help Mum rejuvenate and relax? Discover gorgeous experiences Mum will love with our unique Mother’s Day wellness gifts in 2025.

Share the Love and Gift Sydney Experiences for Two

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By Tiffany Fung

Whether you’re looking for mother-daughter time, date night ideas or anniversary gift ideas, find the perfect gift for two with experience giftsWhether you’re looking for mother-daughter time, date night ideas or anniversary gift ideas, find the perfect gift for two with experience gifts in Sydney! ...

Meet Vanessa Opazo

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By Kellie Maloney

From full-time architect to calligraphy artist, Vanessa Opazo of Bondi Letters wants to share the art of calligraphy and empower you through creativity.

Get Social with Wine and Paint Classes in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Unleash your inner artist at our top Sydney wine and paint sessions. Create beautiful art while savouring drinks in a delightful atmosphere!

Discover How to Take Good Photos with Your Smartphone in Sydney

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By Annie Symmonds

Grab your smartphone and your walking shoes and learn how to take good photos on your smartphone at photography courses in Sydney!

7 Benefits to Trying Out a Photography Course in Sydney (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

See your city through a whole new lens and reap the benefits of photography courses in Sydney!

7 Fun Things to do as a Couple Today

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By Tiffany Fung

Searching for fun date night ideas in Australia? Read our guide to finding the perfect date night you and your loved one will absolutely adore inSearching for fun date night ideas in Australia? Read our guide to finding the perfect date night you and your loved one will absolutely adore in 2023. ...

Make Personalised Gifts for Her with These 7 Craft Classes

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover the art of crafting personalised gifts for her with these 7 unique craft classes. Create cherished memories and surprise her with thoughtful,Discover the art of crafting personalised gifts for her with these 7 unique craft classes. Create cherished memories and surprise her with thoughtful, handcrafted treasures. ...

3 Reasons Why Appreciation Gifts for Employees Are Important

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover the benefits of gifting company gift cards to your employees in 2023, and why you should do it too for your team!

30th Birthday Present Ideas for Your Best Friend in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Chasing down 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney for your bestie? We've highlighted a few great places to help you make this birthday the bestChasing down 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney for your bestie? We've highlighted a few great places to help you make this birthday the best it's ever been! ...

30th Birthday Present Ideas in Sydney for the Hard to Buy For

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By Sam Bowden

Ring in a new decade the right way and discover unique 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney that everyone will love, from glassblowing to cocktailRing in a new decade the right way and discover unique 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney that everyone will love, from glassblowing to cocktail making. ...

Why Creative Classes Make the Best Date Night Ideas

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By Jana Lepojevic

Unleash romance through creativity! Discover why creative classes make the best date night ideas. Dive into shared experiences, laughter and growthUnleash romance through creativity! Discover why creative classes make the best date night ideas. Dive into shared experiences, laughter and growth together. ...

Top Experiences to Give as Gifts for Any Special Occasion

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By Tiffany Fung

Read our beginner guide to unique experience gifts in Australia that will suit every special occasion, from creative birthday presents to fun ChristmasRead our beginner guide to unique experience gifts in Australia that will suit every special occasion, from creative birthday presents to fun Christmas activities. ...

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hen's Party Ideas 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Shake, mix and paint with your favourite people at the best 2025 hens party ideas in Australia!

11 Unique Cooking Class in Sydney

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By John Tabari

Join unique cooking classes in Sydney and add a dash of excitement and flavour to your week!

Gift Ideas for Her to Suit Every Special Occasion

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By Tiffany Fung

Explore unique and thoughtful gift ideas for her. From romantic jewellery classes to relaxing perfumery courses, find the perfect present she'llExplore unique and thoughtful gift ideas for her. From romantic jewellery classes to relaxing perfumery courses, find the perfect present she'll adore. ...

Experience Gifts for Dad Based on His Love Language

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By Tiffany Fung

Do you know Dad’s love language? Surprise him with these thoughtful gifts for Dad in Melbourne that will make him feel truly loved.

Meet MakMak Macarons

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By Charlotte McKewen

Meet founder of MakMak Macarons, Carlos Heng - the creator of Sydney's tastiest award-winning round treats!

Couple Gift Ideas to Make Their Anniversary Extra Special

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By Tiffany Fung

Make it an anniversary one to remember with our heartwarming experience gifts for couples in Australia, from twisting and soldering silver to unwindingMake it an anniversary one to remember with our heartwarming experience gifts for couples in Australia, from twisting and soldering silver to unwinding with clay. ...

Best 40th Birthday Presents in Sydney for the Man in Your Life

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By Sam Bowden

Find the best 40th birthday presents for men with these experience gift ideas in Sydney! Think woodworking, cooking and cocktails for a celebratoryFind the best 40th birthday presents for men with these experience gift ideas in Sydney! Think woodworking, cooking and cocktails for a celebratory occasion. ...

Budget-Friendly Gifts for Mum from Daughter

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By Jana Lepojevic

From cooking to art classes, find budget-friendly gifts for Mum from a daughter across Australia, and strengthen your bond without breaking the bankFrom cooking to art classes, find budget-friendly gifts for Mum from a daughter across Australia, and strengthen your bond without breaking the bank in 2023. ...

Save $5k and Throw Your Dream Wedding on a Budget

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By Tiffany Fung

Planning your wedding on a budget? We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite top tips to save money with DIY and make your special day even morePlanning your wedding on a budget? We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite top tips to save money with DIY and make your special day even more meaningful. ...

Best Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Introverts in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Planning birthday party ideas for introverted kids can be a lot easier than you may first think, and Sydney has a plethora of choices for you andPlanning birthday party ideas for introverted kids can be a lot easier than you may first think, and Sydney has a plethora of choices for you and your little ones. ...

Amazing Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Celebrate every relationship milestone with a different workshop or couples activities in Sydney with these anniversary gift ideas by year.

Incredible Surprise 50th Birthday Ideas in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

In need of 50th birthday ideas for a surprise party in Sydney? ClassBento's workshops and activities make for an incredible surprise milestone birthdayIn need of 50th birthday ideas for a surprise party in Sydney? ClassBento's workshops and activities make for an incredible surprise milestone birthday experience. ...

Floristry Workshops Have Hidden Benefits (2025)

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Discover the wellbeing benefits of being surrounded by flowers at floristry classes in Sydney!

Thoughtful Experience Gift Ideas to Try Together

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By Tiffany Fung

If you’re wondering what to get for your loved ones in 2025, try our thoughtful experience gifts in Australia—guaranteed to put a smile on theirIf you’re wondering what to get for your loved ones in 2025, try our thoughtful experience gifts in Australia—guaranteed to put a smile on their face. ...

I Learned About the Gadigal People on a Dreaming Tour—and You Can Too

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By Kellie Maloney

Curious to know more? Find out everything Content Lead Kellie Maloney and the ClassBento team learned at a walking tour with Dreamtime SouthernCurious to know more? Find out everything Content Lead Kellie Maloney and the ClassBento team learned at a walking tour with Dreamtime Southern X. ...

5 Sydney Experiences That Will Lift Your Mood

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By Sam Bowden

Looking for Sydney experiences that will lift your spirits? From glassblowing to ramen-making, here are five cozy activities to do this weekend!

11 Best Team Cooking Classes in Sydney Your Office Will Love

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By Sam Bowden

Create the perfect recipe for team success with cooking classes in Sydney!

Why Is Everyone Talking About Paint and Sip Classes

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By Jana Lepojevic

Paint and sip class in Sydney have burst onto the social scene. Find out why art and wine is the perfect weekend activity in Sydney in 2023.

5 Reasons Why Gift Experiences for Her Are Better

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover why gift experiences for her are more meaningful than any material gift and help your loved ones feel extra special on their big day.

Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2025

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2023, where you can help them book into their favourite workshop and celebrate theirDiscover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2023, where you can help them book into their favourite workshop and celebrate their big day in style. ...

Creative Gift Ideas for Women Who Have Everything

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By Kellie Maloney

From pouring paint and throwing clay to woodworking, here are 10 gifts the woman who has everything in Melbourne.

5 Creative Activities to Enrich Your Senses

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By Laine Fullerton

That are just as fun as they are beneficial.

9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025

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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. ...

Top Dance Classes in Sydney

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By ClassBento Team

If you've been daydreaming about stepping into a dance studio and unleashing your inner dancer, now is the perfect time to make it a reality!If you've been daydreaming about stepping into a dance studio and unleashing your inner dancer, now is the perfect time to make it a reality! Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, meet new people, or simply have a great time, dancing has something special to offer. Get ready to discover the joy and freedom of moving to the beat. There are so many Sydney dance classes for first timers to try, from beginners courses to more intermediate and advanced level classes. There are even fun dance classes for kids. So, if you’re just starting out, it’s only going to get more exciting and fun from here! If you're a little unsure about dipping your toes into the world of dance or haven't yet discovered which dance style speaks to you, we've got your back! In this guide, we will walk you through all the different types of dance classes that you can sign up for this year. From ballet to salsa, hip-hop to contemporary, there's something for everyone. We want you to explore your options and find the class that truly ignites your passion. Check out some of these courses: •         nf!Beginner’s Dance Class with Rhiannon Blanche This one hour class will teach you the basics of Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical or Contemporary Dance, but don’t be intimidated. Rhiannon has a gift for making dance fun for all ages. The class can accommodate up to 18 students, and it’s recommended that you wear tight, flexible clothes and appropriate footwear (socks, ballet shoes, or Jazz shoes). The class is in Curl Curl, but Rhiannon can also travel up fo 30km to meet you where you’re most comfortable! •         nf!Rumba Fit Dance Class If you’re looking for something more akin to an extreme workout class, head on over to Alexandria for a fun Rumba class. Rumba is a style of Colombian dance that pulls from Champeta, Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Africano, and Samba, and if you don’t know what any of those are, don’t worry about it. Just know that it’s upbeat, fast-paced, and lots and lots of fun. The class will start out with slowed-down instruction and then you’ll get a chance to show your stuff and work up a sweat. This one-hour class is available upon request or when classes are posted. •         nf!Bollywood Dance Class with Garima Rawat If you’ve every watched a Bollywood film, you probably thought about how cool it would be to learn the dance moves. And now, in just one hour, you can! Garima will show you the steps and have you dancing along to Bollywood music in no time! Head on over to Dulwich Hill to start enjoying Bollywood films in a new way! •         nf!Kpop Private Dance Class with Mitchel Yee Kpop is taking over the world with its captivating music and great dance moves. This one-on-one hour-long class is amazing for anyone from beginners to the more advanced who want to learn how to join the kpop craze. All that you need to do is show up with a water bottle, towel, and comfortable clothes because it will definitely be a workout. Mitchel generally holds his classes in Campsie but is willing to travel. Don’t miss out on this great workshop! •         nf!Open Hiphop Dance Lessons with Jeffery Hu Hiphop may feel like one of those things that you’re either good at or not, but Jeffery is an expert at proving that idea wrong. His engaging and pressure-free hour-long workshops allow students to find their own movement through the traditional steps of hiphop. No prior experience required. This class takes place in Campsie or within 7km. •         nf!Beginner Ballet, Tap and Contemporary Dance Workshop with Issy Wright Issy is all about helping you learn the foundations of dance in a wonderful, engaging class. From tap, lyrical, ballet or contemporary, you’ll learn the modern techniques of dance so that your dancing is always improving. This one and a half hour class takes place in North Sydney. •         nf!Basic Steps for Latin Rhythms Dance Class with Fanny Moreno Head on over to Epping to spend an hour and a half learning how to dance to Latin music with Fanny. It’s a great, friendly atmosphere where you’ll learn the basic steps to a variety of Latin-based dance styles. Classes are generally small, with no more than 5 students. •         nf!Salsa Dance Class with Connection Studios Last but not least, you’ll definitely want to check out this high-energy dance class with Connection Studios in Surry Hills. This class can get quite large, with up to 30 people, and that’s because it is two hours of pure fun. With all of these wonderful dance options available, there’s no better time to find your inner rhythm. You’ll have fun, you’ll get a good workout, and you’ll meet great people. Enjoy! ...

5 Unique Present Ideas for Dad

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By Tiffany Fung

From shaking up classic cocktails to getting messy with clay, find the perfect experience gift to get for Dad for his next special occasion.

5 Must-Visit Creative Neighbourhoods in Australia

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By Kellie Maloney

And your guide to the craftiest things to do when you’re there.

Best Experience Gift Ideas for Her in Sydney Delivered to Her Door

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By Sam Bowden

Spoil the lady in your life with our creative range of experiences gifts for her that can be delivered straight to her door!

Golden 50th Wedding Anniversary Gifts in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

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

Best Family Activities in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Keen to spend a little quality time together? We've compiled a list of fun things to do with kids in Sydney! You're guaranteed to love these craftyKeen to spend a little quality time together? We've compiled a list of fun things to do with kids in Sydney! You're guaranteed to love these crafty family activities. ...

Sydney's Best Bucks Night Ideas for the Discerning Buck

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By Sam Bowden

A stag do can be a difficult thing to plan. With these unique bucks night ideas, you'll get the evening just right to ensure you send the soon-to-beA stag do can be a difficult thing to plan. With these unique bucks night ideas, you'll get the evening just right to ensure you send the soon-to-be groom off to married life in style. ...

Best Social Distancing Date Ideas in Sydney

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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. ...

Team Building Ideas in Sydney for Small and Large Teams

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By Susana Aguilera

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

Learn to Make Japanese Sweets in Sydney

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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 ...