Siraya National Scenic Area Headquarters

The Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park was inaugurated on May 5, 2011, featuring natural views and historic buildings. Popular among both locals and Japanese visitors, it is a platform for cultural and tourism exchange between Taiwan and Japan. To more effectively renew and reuse this heritage site, the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration invited Tsutacho Wagashi Studio to hold activities together through an open selection plan. On Sept. 18, 2018, a ceremony was held to mark the opening of the studio in the park. The nostalgic Toyo residence is such a perfect new home for wagashi.

Wagashi originates from the Tang Dynasty in China. Today, it becomes an important legacy of Japan, just like kimono and way of tea. Wagashi-making skills were passed down a thousand years ago and they remain the same today. The dessert is alluring exactly because it is hand-made. Other than a few small tools such as bamboo chips, a wagashi artisan mostly uses his or her own hands to shape the dessert, bringing out its most unique qualities.

The Akahori Residence in the Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park has a strong Japanese style. It is a perfect match for holding wagashi-making classes. What’s more, wagashi is 100% vegan, without butter, milk, and eggs. Making wagashi will not cause any smoke in the kitchen either. Thus, holding the classes shall not bring any harm to the house. The Administration cordially invites all visitors and residents of Tainan to join the classes, other than exploring the park. The wagashi, which looks like a work of art, will be served along with thick matcha tea. In this house full of old-time charm, the attendants can get away from work pressure and life’s boredom, finding peace of mind as breezes blow by, taking away fatigue and worries.