In this bento cooking class in Tokyo, channel all your creativity into making a delicious Japanese-style packed lunch with crispy fried chicken.
Your colorful bento will include karaage (Japanese fried chicken), seasoned rice balls (onigiri), Japanese potato salad, dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet), tsukemono (pickles), and edamame.
During this experience, you will discover the beauty of Japanese home cooking and learn practical recipes that will be emailed to you afterward, so you can recreate your own beautiful and delicious bento at home.
●Highlights
・Prepare a colorful, well-balanced bento the traditional Japanese home-style way
・Master karaage techniques for juicy chicken with a light, crispy coating
・Learn to make onigiri (seasoned rice balls) with proper shaping and seasoning
・Cook dashimaki tamago, the classic Japanese rolled omelet flavored with dashi
・Enjoy cooking in a small-group setting in a real Japanese home kitchen
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.
Japanese fried chicken, karaage is made by marinating bite-size pieces of chicken in sake, soy sauce, ginger and garlic before coating them generously with potato starch. When fried, the starch turns into an ultra crispy shell encasing a flavorful juicy bite of chicken. Absolutely great with beer.
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.
Japanese preserved vegetables, usually pickled in a salt, brine or a bed of rice bran. They are often served to satisfy the balance with other dishes in sensory, authentic and nutritious consideration. Tsukemono are raw vegetables and think of them as a type of salad with the added benefits of lactic-acid fermentation.
●Itinerary
1. Meet at the nearest station and walk to my home kitchen
2. Introduction and overview of the menu
3. Start preparing karaage
4. Make Japanese potato salad
5. Cook dashimaki tamago together
6. Shape the onigiri
7. Fry the karaage
8. Arrange the dishes in your bento box
9. Enjoy the meal together
●Inclusions
・A small welcome senbei (rice cracker) served with Japanese tea upon arrival
・All ingredients for bento
・Use of cooking tools, apron, and indoor slippers during the class
・Presentation slides used during the lesson
・A recipe and slide reference PDF sent after the class
●Remarks
・Guests are welcome to take photos or videos during the class.
・As we change into indoor slippers, please wear socks.
・We recommend allowing a little extra time after the class before your next schedule, just in case.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, where I raised two children. I am a licensed chef, a food education instructor, and a Japanese tea advisor. My journey began in culinary school, and I transitioned to teaching cooking, first at a culinary school and then at home. Driven by a passion for sharing Japanese cuisine, I dedicated myself to learning English. I am friendly, enjoy laughter, and love connecting with people.
The closest station
Heiwadai
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.
Nariman, Canada
★★★★★I really enjoyed my cooking class with Mika. I particularly loved how she gave me an active role in the class by having me prepare the dish, and then try the ingredients, so I could truly understand the menu instead of just reproducing the steps. She explains really well and, more importantly, she is really passionate. I could not recommend her class enough.
Sep 2025
Response from Mika
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Nariman.
Your kind words truly made my day! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the class and appreciated the hands-on experience.
I’m also happy to know that my passion came through. Teaching people like you, who are genuinely curious and enthusiastic, makes it such a pleasure for me as well.
It would make me so happy if this class became one of your good memories from Japan.
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Response from Mika
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Up to 4 people can join Mika's cooking class.
Please go to Heiwadai which takes 10 mins from Ikebukuro station . Then Mika (host) will pick you up there!
Duration of this cooking class is 2.5 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.
