Authentic Gyoza Experience at a Local Home – Culture & Conversation
Duo of Cold Tofu (Hiyayakko)
・Modern Style: Topped with crunchy garlic chili oil and fresh celery
・Classic Style: Served with bonito flakes and premium soy sauce
Handmade Gyoza & Donabe Rice
Juicy gyoza with a crispy bottom. You will make and cook them together.
(Vegan option available: Soy meat & vegetable gyoza)
Served with premium Koshihikari rice cooked in a traditional clay pot (Donabe)
Japanese-style Dessert
Vanilla ice cream topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and
kuromitsu (black sugar syrup)
In this experience, you will learn how to make authentic Japanese
gyoza in a warm and welcoming local home in Tokyo. Gyoza is one of the
most popular home dishes in Japan, enjoyed in everyday family life.
You will prepare the filling, wrap the dumplings, and cook them
together while learning simple techniques you can recreate at home. In
Japan, most families use ready-made gyoza wrappers, so this is a
realistic home-style experience. You will also receive a simple recipe
so you can recreate authentic Japanese gyoza at home.
You will enjoy the taste of authentic gyoza inspired by professional
techniques learned through Demi’s training under a chef from Hilton
Tokyo.
More than just cooking, this experience is about understanding real
life in Japan. Through relaxed conversation, we will share insights
about Japanese communication, culture, and daily life that are often
difficult to understand from outside.
We create a space where guests can feel comfortable asking questions,
sharing experiences, and connecting on a deeper level. Some guests
stay in touch even after the experience—it is more than just a
one-time activity, but a place to feel at home in Japan.
Gyoza is a dumpling using wrapping thing dough to hold the inner ingredients. Most commonly, minced pork, cabbage, Garlic and Leek. The origin of Gyoza is from China but it has evolved uniquely in Japan and now quite different from the Chinese one.
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.
Gyoza is one of the most popular dishes in Japan, enjoyed both at home
and in restaurants. These delicious dumplings have a juicy filling
wrapped in a thin skin, with a crispy bottom and soft top.
In this experience, you will learn how to make gyoza step by step in a
real Japanese home. First, we introduce the ingredients and explain
how gyoza is part of everyday life in Japan. Then, you will prepare
the filling together and learn how to wrap gyoza by hand.
Even if it is your first time, you will learn simple, professional
techniques that help you make delicious gyoza with ease.
This is a fun and interactive process, and everyone can enjoy making
their own gyoza.
After that, we cook the gyoza together and enjoy them fresh while they
are hot and crispy.
Through this hands-on experience, you will not only learn how to cook,
but also experience the warmth of Japanese home-style dining.
Please arrive at Gakugei-daigaku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. There is only one ticket gate, and we will be waiting just outside holding a “Gyoza Experience” sign. From Shibuya, take a Local or Express train (about 6 minutes). Please note that the Limited Express does not stop at this station. We will then walk together to my home (about 10–15 minutes). On the way, we will pass through a lively local shopping street, so you can experience everyday life in Tokyo. Looking forward to meeting you!
Welcome drink and introduction to my cooking class You can choose a drink such as green tea, coffee, tea, or soft drinks. Feel free to bring your own drinks (BYO) if you like. I will explain what we are going to make and guide you through the recipe step by step. You will also receive the recipe as a gift so you can recreate the dishes at home!
Before making gyoza, we will prepare simple Japanese side dishes together. You will make a refreshing tofu dish (hiyayakko) with different toppings, such as a modern style with chili oil and celery, and a classic style with bonito flakes and soy sauce. At the same time, we will start cooking Koshihikari rice in a traditional clay pot (donabe), just like in a Japanese home.
We will start making gyoza together step by step. First, we prepare the filling using fresh ingredients. Then, I will show you how to wrap gyoza by hand using ready-made wrappers, just as many Japanese families do at home. You will also learn simple tips to make juicy filling and achieve a perfect crispy bottom.
Finally, we will enjoy the meal together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You will taste your handmade gyoza with freshly cooked Koshihikari rice, miso soup, and simple Japanese side dishes. For dessert, enjoy vanilla ice cream topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup). This is also a great time to relax, ask questions, and enjoy conversation about life and culture in Japan. If you're interested, I can also introduce some Japanese sake or whisky during the meal.
Otaguro
My name is Toshi, and I am based in Tokyo. I host warm and authentic
home cooking experiences, sharing everyday Japanese food and culture
with guests from around the world.
I spent over 40 years working at a global company, including time in
the United States, supporting cross-cultural communication. These
experiences shaped my interest in connecting with people from
different backgrounds.
My partner, Demi, supports the experience with her background in
language education and international support. She also trained under a
professional chef from Hilton Tokyo Dynasty, bringing professional
knowledge into our home-style cooking.
Together, we create a welcoming space where guests can relax, enjoy
home-style dishes, and discover real Japan through conversation.
The closest station
Gakugeidaigaku Station
How to get to the station?
From Shibuya Station: 10mins
Free pick up service
This host can pick up you for free from the closest station!
Exact location provided after booking.
Yes, Learn to Make Authentic Japanese Gyoza at a Local Home has a vegetarian option.
Duration of this cooking class is 2 hours.
Up to 5 people can join Otaguro's cooking class.
Yes, Learn to Make Authentic Japanese Gyoza at a Local Home has a vegan option.
It costs 10000 per person.
Please go to Gakugeidaigaku Station which takes 10 mins from Shibuya Station. Then Otaguro (host) will pick you up there!
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.
