Enjoy the Flavors of Japan: A Cooking Experience with a Former Japanese Chef Making Three Types of Sushi and Matcha in Tokyo
You will enjoy the following content:
1. History of sushi and tools: Learn about the origins and development of sushi, as well as the tools and seasonings used to make it.
2. How to make sushi rice: Learn how to make sushi rice, the basis of sushi, using special sushi vats.
3. Demonstration of how to handle fish: Observe a professional chef demonstrate how to handle fresh fish.
4. Make Nigiri Sushi: Make eight pieces of nigiri sushi. As sushi ingredients vary according to the season, you can enjoy nigiri sushi made with seasonal fish.
5. Make a Gunkanmaki: Make a single piece of gunkanmaki. Gunkanmaki is a sushi roll with the topping on top, providing a pleasing visual treat.
6. Make a thin roll: Use a bamboo mat to make one thin roll. Hosomaki is sushi wrapped with ingredients, allowing students to learn the art of rolling.
7. Preparing matcha tea: Experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony by preparing your own matcha tea.
8. Japanese sweets and miso soup are included.
9. Lending aprons: You can come empty-handed.
10. Picture present during the lesson
## Note##
・Minimum number of participants: 2
・On the day of the class, you can enjoy the following drinks for an additional 500 yen each, payable in cash:
- Sake: Hakkaisan (180ml)
- Beer: Kirin Ichiban Shibori (350ml)
・Please be aware that we do not offer vegetarian or halal menu options.
・As a thank you to everyone participating, we’ll give away the photos.
・We also provide aprons, so please come empty-handed.
Sushi (寿司, 鮨) is a Japanese dish of specially prepared vinegared rice (鮨飯 sushi-meshi), usually with some sugar and salt, combined with a variety of ingredients (ネタ neta), such as seafood (most commonly and often raw), vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits. Styles of sushi and its presentation vary widely, but the key ingredient is "sushi rice", also referred to as shari (しゃり), or sumeshi (酢飯).
Rice is a staple food in Japan. In all most every family, there is a rice cooker. There is variety of Japanese rice brands such as Koshihikari and Hitomebore.
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup. It's base is "dashi" (Japanese fish stock) and Miso paste. Common added ingredients are Tofu, Green onion and deep‐fried tofu but differs by personal preference. The type of miso is different from region. In western and Easter Japan white miso is mostly used.
Japanese popular alcoholic drink must be Sake, or called Nihonshu, made from fermented rice. The foundation of good sake is quality rice, clean water, koji mold and yeast. Premium sake differentiates itself in quality of ingredients and production process, so that flavors ranges light and crisp to richer, fruity notes.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a centuries-old tradition closely tied to Zen Buddhist principles, and a popular way to experience Japanese culture. There are several variations on this ritual. At its base, powdered green tea (matcha) is prepared and served in accordance with strict rules. Oftentimes, wagashi (Japanese sweets) is served alongside the bitter green tea.
Our experienced chef will guide you carefully, ensuring even beginners feel comfortable. Enjoy a comprehensive lesson where you will learn to make sushi and experience traditional matcha. We also provide miso soup and wagashi.
In our class, you'll enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere with a small group setting, where you'll receive personalized support as you learn about Japanese cuisine and culture. You can comfortably chat and ask questions about Japanese food and cooking in a relaxed environment. An English-speaking guide will provide clear explanations of ingredients and cooking techniques, and offer support for communication, making it easy and enjoyable to master the skills of Japanese home cooking.
【Location and Access】
The classroom is located in Zoshigaya, which is just one train ride away from Shibuya on the Fukutoshin Line. Along the way, you'll pass by Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku. The nearest station, Ikebukuro, offers shopping areas with Animate, Pokémon Center, and electronic stores. Additionally, near the classroom is the beautiful Kishimo Shrine, adorned with red torii gates, which is perfect for a stroll after your lesson.
The classroom is just a 3-minute walk from Zoshigaya Station (Fukutoshin Line). If you are coming from Zoshigaya Station, please contact us in advance and we will arrange to pick you up. Additionally, it is a 15-20 minute by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a major terminal.
The instructor is a former Japanese cuisine chef. After a brief self-introduction, the instructor will explain the details of today's experience lesson. Following this, we will introduce the history and types of sush.
How to fillet fish demonstration. We will introduce the different types of sushi toppings, tips for making sushi, steps for making nigiri sushi, steps for making gunkan-maki, and points for making sushi well. Participants will make 8 pieces of nigiri sushi and 1 piece of gunkan-maki using the sushi toppings themselves.
Demonstration on the traditional use of a bamboo sushi rolling mat. Demonstration on how to make thin rolled sushi. Practical session: Participants will make one thin rolled sushi. Fillings for thin rolls vary depending on the season.
Enjoy the sushi you made yourself to the fullest. Alongside delicious dishes, you can also savor miso soup prepared by the chef. Have a wonderful time!
At the end, let's enjoy preparing matcha ourselves! The experience of whisking matcha is quite rare, even among Japanese people. While savoring the rich aroma and flavor of matcha, enjoy its perfect pairing with seasonal Japanese sweets. Have a wonderful moment of relaxation and rejuvenation!
SHUNICHI
I bring over 10 years of experience in Japanese cuisine from a prestigious traditional restaurant frequented by business elites. Passionate about showcasing seasonal, fresh ingredients, I teach a variety of dishes beyond Japanese cuisine in my classes, offering easy-to-follow recipes for home cooks. My goal is to share the joy of creating simple yet delicious meals.
Our journey began with a deep-seated desire to share Japan's home-cooked and traditional dishes with people worldwide, inviting them to experience wonderful flavors. I find immense joy in bridging cultures through culinary experiences.
Located in bustling Ikebukuro, Tokyo, our home is where we host lessons. Ikebukuro is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring popular spots like the Pokémon Center and Animate, making it a hub for shopping and entertainment.
At our school, we offer hands-on practice in ramen, gyoza, sushi rolls, and nigiri sushi. Participants can also learn the art of preparing matcha and savor traditional Japanese desserts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, our classes provide a pathway to mastering authentic techniques and creating delicious Japanese cuisine with confidence.
The closest station
Zoshigaya Station
How to get to the station?
From Ikebukuro Station: 15mins
Free pick up service
This host can pick up you for free from the closest station!
Exact location provided after booking.
Please go to Zoshigaya Station which takes 15 mins from Ikebukuro Station. Then SHUNICHI (host) will pick you up there!
Duration of this cooking class is 2 hours.
It costs 17000 per person.
Up to 5 people can join SHUNICHI's cooking class.
You will receive the confirmation within 24 hours.
We accepts these cards on airKitchen.
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the class begins will be fully refunded by the airKitchen cancellation policy.
