What is "wagashi"?

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet that is typically made from rice flour, sweet bean paste, and other natural ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and flowers. These confections come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, and are often served with tea as a dessert or snack. Some popular types of wagashi include mochi, which is a chewy rice cake filled with sweet bean paste, and yokan, which is a jellied dessert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar. Wagashi is an important part of Japanese culture and is often associated with seasonal events and holidays. It is also a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Japan and is widely available at specialty shops and department stores.