Japanese Cooking class in Tokyo

Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo: Authentic Flavors and Hands-On Fun

If you’re heading to Tokyo and want to dive into Japan’s culinary secrets, a Japanese cooking class offered by Morimi’s Home Kitchen might just be the highlight of your trip. With a stellar 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, this experience promises more than just cooking—it’s a glimpse into Japanese home life, complete with personalized instruction from a certified chef. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about Japanese cuisine, this small-group class offers authentic techniques, local ingredients, and a friendly atmosphere.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and adaptable it is; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. The three-course options—Tofu, Sushi, and Curry—cover a broad spectrum of Japan’s beloved dishes, ensuring you’ll leave with new skills and recipes to impress back home. The only thing to consider is that this experience is primarily aimed at those eager to get hands-on and learn in a home-cooked environment rather than a high-end restaurant setting. Ideal for curious travelers, foodies, or anyone seeking an authentic Japanese culinary experience that goes beyond just eating.

Key Points

• Authentic Home-Style Cooking: Experience Japanese cuisine in a cozy, home-like environment with a certified chef.
• Flexible Course Options: Choose from tofu, sushi, or curry—each offering a deep dive into classic dishes.
• Dietary Flexibility: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, especially with tofu and sushi courses.
• Included Recipes & Souvenir: Take home recipes in English plus a small token of appreciation.
• Tasty Add-Ons: Enjoy unlimited green tea and mineral water, with optional sake and wagashi.
• Convenient Location & Duration: Starts at 10:30 am from a centrally located studio with a 3-hour schedule.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Setting: A Cozy Home Kitchen

The class takes place at Morimis Home Kitchen, tucked in Setagaya—a quiet neighborhood not far from central Tokyo. The intimate size of the group ensures plenty of personal attention from the chef, Morimi, who is praised for her welcoming attitude and patience. Reviewers mention that the atmosphere feels more like cooking with friends or family than a formal class, which adds to its charm. The studio is near public transportation, making it easy to reach, and the meeting point is straightforward to locate.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Tofu Course

This is perfect for vegetarians or those interested in exploring Japanese tofu cuisine. The class covers making tofu hamburgers, deep-fried agadashi tofu, tofu salad (shiraae), tofu soup, and rice balls. What makes this course standout is the focus on dashi stock—the fundamental flavor base—and how to cook rice with a simple pot. A reviewer fondly recalls learning how to prepare tofu dishes with seasonal ingredients, describing the experience as “informative, easy to understand, and relaxed.”

Making tofu at home might seem daunting, but Morimi simplifies the steps, teaching you little hacks that make the process fun and approachable. Plus, the recipes are provided in English, so you can replicate them with confidence once back home. The course can accommodate special diets, which is a big plus for travelers with dietary restrictions.

2. Sushi Course

For sushi lovers, this is a dream come true. You start by making your own sushi rice, then select from various sashimi and vegetables to create six types of temari sushi—small, colorful rice balls—and one pressed sushi roll with shrimp and smoked salmon. The emphasis here is on traditional techniques, such as shaping sushi and layering flavors, which reviewers say makes the experience feel very authentic.

One guest mentions that they finally learned how to make sushi, describing it as “a dream come true,” and appreciated the opportunity to learn how to prepare sushi rice from scratch. The gluten-free option makes it accessible for those with dietary needs, and the fun of shaping sushi with your own hands adds an engaging touch.

3. Curry Course

This course showcases Japanese-style curry, which is notably different from Indian or Thai curries. You’ll prepare the roux, cook pork cutlet (tonkatsu), fried shrimp (ebi fry), and a side of Japanese-style potato salad. The class highlights how dashi stock and store-bought roux work together to create a mild yet flavorful curry. Reviewers enthuse about how crispy the tonkatsu is and how the dishes complement each other perfectly, making it a satisfying meal.

As with other courses, recipes are provided, and the experience includes tasting with an optional sake or wagashi. Many find this course particularly practical, as Japanese curry is a staple, and learning to make it from scratch offers a sense of accomplishment.

The Learning Experience: What Makes It Special

Beyond just cooking, the class emphasizes cultural insights and practical techniques. Morimi introduces traditional tools like the suribachi (Japanese mortar) and oshizushiki (pressed sushi mold), which adds a tactile and historical element to the experience. The focus on local ingredients and simple cooking methods means you’ll learn techniques that are both authentic and feasible to try at home.

Several reviewers highlight Morimi’s warmth and patience. One describes the experience as “like cooking with family,” indicating a relaxed, engaging environment that encourages questions and hands-on participation. Since recipes are provided after the class, you can recreate your favorite dishes later, transforming your Tokyo memories into lasting culinary skills.

The Food and Drinks

During the tasting session, you’ll enjoy unlimited green tea and mineral water, with herbal tea available too. There’s an option to add sake or wagashi, which enhances the authentic feel. The food itself is often praised for being delicious, well-balanced, and representative of home-cooked Japanese dishes. Several reviews note how the dishes look beautiful and taste even better, especially when paired with sake, which makes the experience feel like a true Japanese dining occasion.

Price and Value

At $71 per person, this class offers good value considering the detailed instruction, the variety of dishes, the recipes, and the intimate setting. It’s not just a cooking class; it’s an immersive cultural activity that gives you tangible skills and a taste of Japanese home life. Comparing the cost to dining at a restaurant, it provides a more meaningful, educational experience, especially for those eager to learn the basics or master a few dishes.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This class is ideal if you want a personalized, cultural experience that goes beyond eating out. It suits food lovers, curious travelers, and those interested in Japanese home cuisine. The flexibility for dietary restrictions means it’s accessible for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive guests. If you’re short on time but eager to learn some core Japanese cooking skills, this 3-hour experience packs in a lot of value.

It’s also perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities and want a relaxed setting rather than a large, commercial cooking school. The friendly environment, combined with the opportunity to make sushi, tofu dishes, or curry, ensures you’ll walk away with new skills and recipes you can confidently try again at home.

The Sum Up

This Japanese cooking class in Tokyo offers a genuine, fun, and practical way to learn about Japan’s culinary traditions. The focus on home-style dishes, from tofu to sushi and curry, means you’ll get a well-rounded taste of what Japanese families cook at home. The small-group setting, led by a warm and knowledgeable instructor, makes it easy to ask questions, experiment, and enjoy the process.

For travelers who love cooking or want to bring a piece of Japan home in the form of recipes and skills, this class delivers both. Its flexible options and personalized approach make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Japanese cuisine beyond just tasting it.

If you’re after a memorable, authentic experience that’s as educational as it is enjoyable, this class is sure to satisfy. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned home cook, it offers practical techniques, delicious dishes, and a lovely cultural touchpoint in Tokyo.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for this cooking class?
Transportation is not included, but the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

Can I join if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes, the class can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets—particularly with the tofu and sushi courses. Just let them know when booking.

What is the duration of the class?
The class lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 10:30 am, making it perfect for a morning activity.

What dishes will I learn to make?
Depending on your choice, you’ll learn dishes such as tofu hamburgers, deep-fried tofu, sushi rice and temari sushi, pressed sushi, Japanese curry, tonkatsu, fried shrimp, and potato salad.

Are recipes provided after the class?
Yes, you’ll receive all recipes in English so you can recreate your dishes at home.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Confirmation is usually immediate, but if booked within 2 days of the activity, confirmation will be within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Is there an age limit or group size restriction?
It’s a private experience for your group, ensuring personalized attention, but no specific age restrictions are noted.

This class is a fantastic way to add a personal, delicious, and culturally rich touch to your Tokyo trip. Whether you’re eager to perfect sushi or explore new vegetarian dishes, it’s a memorable adventure that combines learning, tasting, and a little piece of Japanese home life.