We have some exciting news to share! airKitchen was recently featured in an in-depth article by the popular Japanese business and lifestyle media outlet, @DIME.
The article spotlights how everyday home cooks across Japan—especially homemakers and culture enthusiasts—are transforming daily cooking into a rewarding side hustle by welcoming international travelers right into their homes.
👉 Check out the full article on @DIME here: https://dime.jp/genre/2164891/
What the Article Highlights
The feature dives deep into why airKitchen has resonated so strongly with both overseas visitors and local Japanese hosts:
1. Beyond Sightseeing: The Craving for Real Local Experiences
As inbound travel rebounds, a growing proportion of visitors to Japan are repeat travelers who have already visited major landmarks like Shibuya and Kyoto. What they seek now is deeper human connection. Around 80% of our guests are families and couples who want to experience authentic daily life in Japan—starting with home-cooked meals.
2. Everyday Cooking Is World-Class Hospitality
You don’t need to be a Michelin-starred chef to be a wonderful host. Travelers love comforting, everyday classics such as:
- Handmade Ramen & Gyoza
- Home-style Sushi & Onigiri
- Traditional Wagashi & Matcha
- Soul food like Katsudon, Okonomiyaki, and Karaage
Many of our hosts also include charming neighborhood experiences, like taking guests through a local supermarket to pick out ingredients or offering simple origami and calligraphy sessions.
3. An Empowering, Accessible Side Hustle
The feature also focuses on the benefits for our hosts:
- Attainable Income: Active hosts can earn ¥100,000+ per month within their first few months, with top earners reaching up to ¥500,000.
- Low Initial Barrier: Classes take place in the host’s own kitchen, meaning zero overhead or venue rental fees.
- Heart Over Fluency: Fluent English is never a strict requirement. With translation tools, our host phrasebooks, and warm hospitality, hosts and guests always find ways to connect and laugh together.
Our Mission: Bringing the World Together at the Dining Table
airKitchen was founded on a simple belief: the dinner table is where genuine cross-cultural friendships begin. Seeing our community recognized by @DIME is a wonderful reminder of the passion and warmth our hosts bring to every single session.
To all our amazing hosts and international guests: thank you for making airKitchen what it is today.
Whether you are looking to become a host and share your kitchen with the world, or planning your next trip to Japan to learn traditional home cooking, we would love to welcome you into our community!
If you are thinking, “I’d love to host a class!” or “I want to learn how to cook while traveling!”, be sure to check out airKitchen ✨