Wagashi Making & Tea Ceremony in Japan for Guests with Dietary Restrictions

Table of Contents

A Guide for Guests with Dietary Restrictions

When traveling in Japan, many guests with dietary restrictions wonder:
“Will I be able to enjoy Japanese cultural experiences safely?”

Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) making and tea ceremony are often considered safe options—but there are a few important details to be aware of.

This article is written for Muslim, vegetarian, and vegan guests, to help you understand what to expect and enjoy these experiences with peace of mind.

Understanding Dietary Restrictions in Japan

Dietary restrictions can vary greatly depending on religion, lifestyle, and personal beliefs. Even within the same category, individual standards may differ.

Below is a general overview to help you understand common considerations in Japan.

Muslim (Halal-conscious guests)

Pork and pork-derived ingredients are not permitted
Alcohol is generally avoided (including mirin, cooking sake, and food alcohol)
Some guests also care about cooking processes and seasonings

Please note:
There is no single “Halal standard” followed by everyone. Some guests are comfortable with fish-based products or alcohol that has been cooked off, while others are not. Personal confirmation is always important.

Vegetarian

Meat and fish are avoided
Japanese dashi (broth) often contains bonito flakes or dried fish, which are not vegetarian
Eggs and dairy may be acceptable depending on the individual

Vegan

Attention to hidden ingredients and cooking methods is important

All animal-derived ingredients are avoided

This includes meat, fish, eggs, dairy, honey, and sometimes sugar depending on how it is produced

Wagashi Making: One of the Most Accessible Experiences

Wagashi are traditionally made using plant-based ingredients such as:

Beans
Rice flour
Sugar

For this reason, wagashi-making experiences are generally suitable for many dietary needs.

However, it is still important to check for:

Gelatin (should be agar, made from seaweed)
Coloring agents (some use insect-derived coloring)
Alcohol-based preservatives

If these points are confirmed, wagashi making can be enjoyed safely by many guests with dietary restrictions.

Tea Ceremony: Why “Tea & Sweets Only” Is the Safest Option

A tea ceremony that includes matcha and wagashi only (called Teicha) is considered one of the most dietary-friendly cultural experiences in Japan.

Why it works well:

Matcha is 100% plant-based
No meals are involved
Only the wagashi ingredients need to be checked

For guests with dietary restrictions, this type of tea ceremony offers a calm and inclusive way to experience Japanese culture.

Important Note About Tea Ceremony with Meals (Kaiseki)

Some tea ceremony experiences include a meal such as kaiseki or bento-style dishes.
In these cases, extra care is required.

Things to be aware of:

Dashi (broth) often contains fish
Seasonings like soy sauce, miso, and mirin may contain alcohol
Cross-contamination during food preparation may occur

If you have strict dietary requirements, we strongly recommend discussing details in advance.

Country & Cultural Backgrounds: Why Communication Matters

Guests often ask whether dietary restrictions are common among travelers from certain regions.

For example:

Guests from Southeast Asia or the Middle East may be more conscious of halal requirements
Guests from India may follow vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian diets
Guests from Western countries may follow vegetarian or vegan lifestyles for ethical reasons

However, individual standards always vary, even within the same country or religion.
Clear communication is the key to a comfortable experience.