Master the Art of Wagashi: Discover the Soul of Toyama, Japan

A Mindful Journey into Japanese Aesthetics: Exclusive Hands-On Workshop to create your own edible art (Wagashi) with artisan Mr. Hikiami.
About this Event

Discover Toyama Prefecture, a hidden gem in Japan far removed from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Kyoto, offering untouched nature and profound serenity. From the majestic 3,000-meter (10,000 ft) Tateyama Mountain Range to the 1,000-meter (3,300 ft) depths of Toyama Bay, its dynamic landscapes and pure waters have nurtured a wealth of rich traditional cultures.

For this special event, we are honored to welcome Yasuhiro Hikiami, the 4th generation owner of Hikiami Kogetsudo, a wagashi (Japanese confectionery) maker with over a century of history in Toyama. Join us for a special workshop to deeply experience the world of Wagashi, the edible art that embodies traditional Japanese beauty.

Observe the artisan's remarkable techniques up close, listen to the spirituality of the tea ceremony and the stories of nature infused in each sweet, and craft beautiful wagashi with your own hands. Enjoy a mindful and inspiring time designed to satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

■ Special activations
In addition to the workshop, we have prepared various Toyama experiences for you to enjoy at the venue. We warmly invite you to arrive when the doors open to fully explore the following offerings:

• Traditional Craft Display in the Library: A special display of beautiful traditional Toyama crafts in the adjacent library.
• Lonely Planet 'Love Japan' Exhibition: A special exhibition of Lonely Planet's new book, Love Japan, featuring an interview with Mr. Hikiami.
• A Taste of Toyama: A selection of traditional Toyama confections served as light refreshments.
• Travel Inspiration: The latest travel information to Japan provided by local travel agencies from Japan.
• Special Gifts: Original Toyama souvenirs, Lonely Planet's best-loved "Japan guidebook", an exclusive wagashi recipe, and a promo code to redeem a complimentary copy of Love Japan.

※This event is hosted by the Toyama Prefecture, operated by HIS International Tours and supported by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.

Agenda

🕑: 02:35 PM - 02:55 PM
◆ A Preview of Your Journey to Toyama

Info: Recognized as one of The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2025," Toyama Prefecture is the host of this event. We will introduce the region's unique charms, with a special focus on its nature and traditional crafts. We hope this experience in LA will be the beginning of a journey to discover your own Japan.

🕑: 02:55 PM - 03:45 PM
◆ Master Artisan's Storytelling & Demonstration

Info: Toyama Prefecture boasts one of Japan's most prominent tea ceremony cultures. Mr. Hikiami will personally guide you through the profound history and spirituality of wagashi, which has beautifully evolved alongside chanoyu (the Way of Tea). Inspired by beautiful visuals of Toyama's landscapes, such as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe Gorge, projected on a large screen, the artisan will shape delicate wagashi live on stage. You can admire this beautiful process up close with a live zoomed projection of his handiwork.

🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:55 PM
◆ Exclusive Wagashi-Making Workshop

Info: Receive direct, hands-on guidance from Mr. Hikiami, a recognized "Selected Wagashi Artisan" —a title awarded to highly skilled craftsmen in Japan. You will create two pieces of Jonamagashi (nerikiri) yourself. Spend a serene moment engaging your five senses as you work with high-quality ingredients, including adzuki beans and rice flour brought directly from Toyama.
You may take home the two wagashi pieces you create.
All necessary ingredients and tools will be provided by the organizer, so please simply come as you are.

Special Exhibition

🕑: 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Special Exhibition & Sale of Toyama Products at WAZA Shop

Info: A special exhibition and sale of Toyama Prefecture's traditional crafts will be held at the WAZA Shop on Level 2 of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. We have carefully selected a variety of sophisticated items (such as traditional crafts) that inherit Toyama's traditional craftsmanship while harmonizing with modern lifestyles. Furthermore, for five days from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, we will host the "Toyama Prefecture Fair," welcoming you with special displays. Along with the workshop, please enjoy Toyama's craftsmanship in your daily life. - Period: Wednesday, July 29 – Monday, August 31, 2026 (*Toyama Prefecture Fair is from July 29 to August 2) - Venue: WAZA Shop, Level 2, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles The "authentic" charm of Toyama, nurtured by the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range and the deep sea. We sincerely look forward to seeing you in Los Angeles.