Escape to the tranquil mountains of Sado Island and experience the joy of cooking with sansai (山菜) – wild, naturally foraged mountain vegetables. This 3-hour hands-on cooking class takes place in a cozy mountain homestead surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and authentic setting for learning traditional Japanese countryside cuisine.
Menu Highlights
- Udo Kinpira – Stir-fried fragrant udo with soy sauce, mirin, and sesame.
- Seasonal Sansai Tempura – Lightly fried mountain vegetables showcasing the flavors of the season.
- Sansai Gohan – Wild vegetable rice steamed with dashi.
- Miso Soup with Sansai – Comforting and full of natural flavor.
- Pickled Wild Greens – A crisp and refreshing side dish.
- (Optional, seasonal) Yomogi Dango – Mugwort rice dumplings for dessert.
Tempura (天ぷら) is a classical Portuguese dish brought to and popularized by Japan, consisting of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried. Tempura is a typical home-style cooking in Japan. It is often referred to as a representative dish to Japan. Although there are various theories, it is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu, the general of the Edo period, liked tempura so much that he allegedly died from eating too much.
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.
*What You’ll Do
- Begin your day by joining me on a guided foraging walk through the nearby forest.
- Learn how to identify and prepare ingredients such as "udo", "warabi", "kogomi", and "fuki no tou".
- Join us in cooking a full meal using these seasonal, pesticide-free ingredients.
- After cooking, relax and enjoy your handmade meal in the mountain homestead.
*Location
This experience takes place in a peaceful mountain cabin located in the rural village of Hamochi on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture. The setting offers breathtaking views and a real taste of rural Japan.
*Duration
Approximately 3 hours
*What to Bring / Wear
- Comfortable walking shoes (we are in a hilly mountain area)
- Clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty – this is a hands-on experience!
- An open heart and curious appetite
Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, or someone looking to experience the slow life of rural Japan, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy healthy, sustainable, and truly local traditional Japanese cuisine.
Yuko
★★★★★ (1)Hi I'm Yuko from Sado Island in Niigata!
I love foraging for wild edibles in the forest and harvesting fresh veggies from my garden. I would like to cook local food with you.
I will be hosting cooking classes at our rustic homestead in the rural mountain village of Hamochi on Sado Island. I'm fluent in Japanese and English!
I look forward to sharing some of our traditional family-favorite dishes with you!
The closest station
Hamochi Oosaki
How to get to the station?
From Ryotsu Port: 60mins
Exact location provided after booking.
Weronika Morin, France
★★★★★I spent a wonderful time with Yuko and her dad. They opened the doors of their beautiful family cabin, and taught me a lot about wild vegetables. It was really great spending some time with them, they were really warm and welcoming ! I left with a full stomach, and a full heart ! If you are looking for a unique activity in Sado, don’t hesitate, this is the one !
May 2025
It costs 6500 per person.
Yes, Sado Island Mountain Vegetable Workshop: Forage & Feast with Us! has a vegetarian option.
Duration of this cooking class is 3 hours.
Up to 5 people can join Yuko's cooking class.
Yes, Sado Island Mountain Vegetable Workshop: Forage & Feast with Us! has a vegan option.
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.
