Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confectionery & are often served with tea, especially the types made of mochi, azuki bean paste, and fruits.

Wagashi is typically made from natural based (mainly plant) ingredients. The names used for wagashi commonly fit a formula — a natural beauty and a word from ancient literature.

Generally, the confectionery that was introduced from western Europe after the Meiji Restoration is not included in wagashi. Most sorts of Okinawan confectionery and those originated in Europe or China that use ingredients alien to traditional Japanese cuisine, e.g., kasutera, are rarely referred as wagashi.