A. Signature Tuna Chirashi-Sushi: Craft your own beautiful "scattered sushi" bowl, a vibrant Japanese classic. It is a special dish traditionally enjoyed at home parties and celebrations in Japan. (Options: Vege-Chirashi-Sushi or Hand-formed Onigiri)
B. Authentic Home-Style Yakitori: Master the secrets of glazing and grilling succulent skewers with our signature Japanese sweet-savory sauce. (Options: Japanese Fried Chicken, Oyakodon or crispy Vege-Tempura)
C. Japanese-Style Tantanmen: Enjoy a gentle, Japanese twist on the classic Dan Dan Noodles—warm, satisfying, and easy to recreate in your own kitchen. (Options: Japanese-Style Pan-Fried Gyoza, Vege-Tantanmen or Vege-Gyoza)
D. Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes: Discover the secret to making these pillowy, light-as-air pancakes that melt in your mouth. (Options: traditional Mochi sweets)
[Important: Customization & Dietary Needs]
We love tailoring our menu to make your experience perfect. If you would like to select an alternative menu from our options, or if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know at least one day in advance. We are happy to accommodate these requests if your booking is private (for one group) or if all guests participating in the session reach a consensus. We look forward to welcoming you into our home!
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.
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.
Onigiri is a Japanese comfort food made from steamed rice formed into the typical triangular, ball, or cylinder shapes and usually wrapped with nori(dried seaweed). Stuffed with a a variety of fillings and flavors, these rice balls make an ideal quick snack and are a fun alternative to sandwitches for lunch.
Master the Art of Japanese Comfort Food in a Real Tokyo Living Space. "We believe the best part of travel isn't seeing a famous landmark, but entering a home. Join us for a 3.5-hour immersion that feels like visiting an old friend."
Experience the Authentic Pulse of Tokyo
This is not a commercial cooking studio. This is an exclusive invitation into a real local home. We invite you to step into the same space where we live, cook, and dream every day.
A Note on Our Space: Our homes are not the luxury mansions you see in movies; they are authentic, cozy, and clever—typical of the "real" Tokyo. Whether it’s a standard house or a compact apartment, you will experience the genuine, space-saving layouts that define modern city living. It is a rare "behind-the-scenes" look at the true lifestyle of a Tokyoite.
The 4-Step Journey
1. Stroll Like a Local & The "Supermarket Safari" (30min)
We meet at a local station to walk through a quiet residential neighborhood far from the tourist crowds. The magic starts at the market! We explore a local grocery store together, teaching you how to read Japanese labels and shop with the wisdom of a local household.
2. Hands-on Culinary Masterclass (90 min)
In our home kitchen, you will learn to cook the city’s favorite "Comfort Foods" from scratch. These are the soul-warming meals we actually eat at home, not restaurant recipes.
3. Dining Party & Cultural Dialogue (60 min)
Enjoy your handmade feast together while engaging in deep conversations about real life in the world's busiest city.
4. Cultural Bonus (30 min)
We host a cozy indoor party. Depending on your host’s expertise, you may enjoy an example of Japanese culture such as Origami, trying on a Kimono (or Yukata), Calligraphy, or a Matcha tea moment.
We meet at a local station to walk through a quiet residential neighborhood far from the tourist crowds. The magic starts at the market! We explore a local grocery store together, teaching you how to read Japanese labels and shop with the wisdom of a local household.
2. Hands-on Culinary Masterclass (90 min) In our home kitchen, you will learn to cook the city’s favorite "Comfort Foods" from scratch. These are the soul-warming meals we actually eat at home, not restaurant recipes. Example Menu: A. Signature Tuna Chirashi-Sushi: Craft your own beautiful "scattered sushi" bowl, a vibrant Japanese classic. It is a special dish traditionally enjoyed at home parties and celebrations in Japan. (Options: Vege-Chirashi-Sushi or Hand-formed Onigiri) B. Authentic Home-Style Yakitori: Master the secrets of glazing and grilling succulent skewers with our signature Japanese sweet-savory sauce. (Options: Japanese Fried Chicken, Oyakodon or crispy Vege-Tempura) C. Japanese-Style Tantanmen: Enjoy a gentle, Japanese twist on the classic Dan Dan Noodles—warm, satisfying, and easy to recreate in your own kitchen. (Options: Japanese-Style Pan-Fried Gyoza, Vege-Tantanmen or Vege-Gyoza) D. Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes: Discover the secret to making these pillowy, light-as-air pancakes that melt in your mouth. (Options: traditional Mochi sweets) [Important: Customization & Dietary Needs] We love tailoring our menu to make your experience perfect. If you would like to select an alternative menu from our options, or if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know at least one day in advance. We are happy to accommodate these requests if your booking is private (for one group) or if all guests participating in the session reach a consensus. We look forward to welcoming you into our home!
Enjoy your handmade feast together while engaging in deep conversations about real life in the world's busiest city.
To wrap up, we’ll share a special cultural moment together. Depending on your host’s expertise, you may enjoy activities such as Origami, trying on a Kimono (or Yukata), Calligraphy, or a traditional Matcha tea experience.
Daytours
Member of beautifuldaytours.
Ms. Ayaka:
The Global Storyteller & Master of Modern Tokyo Living
With a professional background as an English news writer and translator for NHK World and The Asahi Shimbun, Ayaka has spent years sharing Japan’s stories with the world.
As a busy professional in the heart of Tokyo, she has mastered the art of balancing a demanding career with the tradition of "Home-cooked Bento." She specializes in practical yet authentic techniques—showing you how a modern Tokyoite prepares a high-quality, healthy meal from scratch without spending all day in the kitchen.
Combining her exceptional English communication skills (STEP Eiken Grade 1) with her warm hospitality, she offers a "Masterclass" in the true daily life of a Tokyoite. You won't just learn recipes; you'll discover the secrets of how modern Japanese families actually live, eat, and stay healthy in the world's busiest city. You will feel like you are visiting an old friend who knows everything about Japan.
The closest station
Hikawadai station
How to get to the station?
From Ikebukuro station : 10mins
Free pick up service
This host can pick up you for free from the closest station!
Exact location provided after booking.
Yes, Step Into a Tokyo Home: Market Tour & Cook Local Comfort Foods has a vegetarian option.
Please go to Hikawadai station which takes 10 mins from Ikebukuro station . Then Daytours (host) will pick you up there!
Up to 4 people can join Daytours's cooking class.
Yes, Step Into a Tokyo Home: Market Tour & Cook Local Comfort Foods has a vegan option.
Duration of this cooking class is 3.5 hours.
It costs 8000 per person.
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.
