Sushi, dashi, and calligraphy—an intimate hands-on workshop tucked away in Hyogo, just outside Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Step into a quiet studio and explore the essence of Japanese UMAMI through this immersive, hands-on journey guided by true craftspeople.
To reach the experience, head to the park side near 17-18 (not the front entrance at 17-12) in Iwazono-cho and step the small staircase. Once you're at the top, turn right, and you’ll find the building on your left – that’s where your journey begins, in room #B-12, this is Umami station.
Your experience begins with dashi—the soul of Japanese cooking. You'll watch as the chef draws this foundational broth from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito), releasing a delicate aroma that fills the room. It's a subtle, almost meditative process that sets the tone for what's to come.
From there, the focus shifts to sushi. A professional former sushi chef prepares each piece in front of you, demonstrating decades of technique in every cut and placement. As the sushi is plated, that same freshly made dashi is transformed into a comforting bowl of miso soup—served alongside the sushi you just watched come to life.
To close the experience, you'll step into the quiet art of Japanese calligraphy. Under the guidance of a certified instructor, you'll write your name in kanji using a traditional brush and paper. It's a mindful, tactile moment—and a personal piece of Japan to take home.
More than a class, this is a full-sensory encounter with Japanese flavor, form, and philosophy. Perfect for curious travelers, thoughtful foodies, and anyone who believes the best meals come with meaning.
And don’t worry—little hands are more than welcome. Just a heads-up: your fingers might get delightfully blackened by ink, but that’s all part of the fun and memories you'll take home.
To reach the experience, head to the park side near 17-18 (not the front entrance at 17-12) in Iwazono-cho and step the small staircase. Once you're at the top, turn right, and you’ll find the building on your left – that’s where your journey begins, in room #B-12, this is Umami station.
Dashi made from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) is called shiro dashi, or white dashi. There are other types too—iriko dashi, made from small dried fish, and ago dashi, made from dried flying fish. Plus, dried ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, scallops, and shrimp can also create deeply flavorful broths. All of these are packed with umami—the savory “fifth taste” that makes Japanese cuisine so irresistible.
Today's meal, everyone, is none other than... Sushi!!! Your host, a seasoned professional sushi chef, will prepare and serve hand-formed sushi right in front of you. I promise—it’ll be better than any sushi you’ve had at a restaurant. Why? Because it comes with the most delicious miso soup you’ll ever taste.
The chef will make the ultimate miso soup right in front of you, using a delicate white dashi made from kombu and katsuobushi. Miso soup is loved all over the world, but when it’s made with top-quality dashi, it’s a whole new level. Enjoy it alongside your sushi and savor the amazing aroma of the dashi.
Get ready to enjoy freshly made sushi, hand-crafted by a former professional sushi chef! We’ll be serving around 8 different types of sushi—including everyone’s favorite: the California roll. Don’t worry—there’s plenty of fish and rice, so you might even go back for seconds. It’s going to be a delicious experience, so enjoy every bite!
Our chef will write each guest’s first name using traditional Japanese brush calligraphy. All names will be translated into kanji and beautifully written—making a unique and memorable souvenir to take home from Japan. Now it’s your turn! Our host will guide you step by step, so you can create your own brushstroke masterpiece.
Try writing the name of someone you love—or a favorite word—using traditional brush calligraphy. It might be tricky to make it perfect, but don’t worry—as long as it’s readable, that’s what counts! Of course, you can take your artwork home with you. It might even make a wonderful gift for a friend.
The three hours have flown by, and now it’s coming to an end. Saying goodbye is always a little hard… so instead, let’s whisper “until we meet again.” Take a deep breath, soak in the laughter, the smells, the stories, the smiles… These moments don’t just leave your memory—they leave a little piece of your heart behind. With that, we’ll wrap up the tour. We hope today’s experience becomes one of your most unforgettable memories of Japan, a story you’ll carry with you forever.
Hi, I’m Keitaro!
I’m a former sushi chef with experience both in Japan and the US, and now I’m here to share the real Japanese sushi experience with people from all over the world.
My kitchen is just a quick 20-minute train ride from Osaka’s Umeda Station. It’s clean, cozy, and the perfect spot to roll up your sleeves and make sushi in a safe, fun setting.
I love experimenting with ingredients, pairing sushi with local sake, and swapping travel stories. But here’s the serious part—sushi isn’t just food. It’s tradition, technique, and a way to connect people. That’s the part I want you to experience most.
Beginners? Totally welcome. I’ll guide you step by step, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make beautiful nigiri.
So come hungry, bring your curiosity, and let’s create some delicious sushi and unforgettable memories together!
And hey, just so you know—I’m officially licensed too:
I hold a National Chef License (Japan’s official government certification for chefs),
Fugu Handling Registration Certificate,
Japan Sommelier Association–certified Wine Sommelier,
and I also hold certifications in Japanese whisky.
Nothing you need to worry about, but it’s nice to know your sushi is in safe hands!
Thank you all!
The closest station
Hankyu Shukugawa Station
How to get to the station?
From JR Ashiya Station: 15mins
Exact location provided after booking.
Up to 6 people can join Keitaro's cooking class.
It costs 35000 per person.
Duration of this cooking class is 3 hours.
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.
