Imagine yourself back home, craving that authentic Japanese flavor you experienced on your trip. Now imagine reaching into your kitchen, pulling out the ingredients, and recreating that very dish, all thanks to a hands-on lesson from a real Japanese chef. It’s more attainable (and affordable!) than you think.
When you visit Japan, beyond the iconic sights, it’s the immersive experiences that truly resonate. And for food lovers, there’s no better way to connect with the culture than through engaging with Japanese cuisine. Joining food tours, cooking classes, and sake tastings will give you memories that will last far beyond your vacation.
Some of my best connections with former students were established when my wife showed them how to make Japanese food. Those students made better soups, gyoza, and other Japanese food than I could then, and we made some great memories in the process.
The Benefit of Taking a Tour
I’ve walked through open markets in many places around Japan. My walk-throughs have been interesting and I’ve taken some photos I really like. Just be mindful that photography may be restricted in some areas. Yet, there is nothing like joining a tour to see what’s going on behind the scenes.
If you are visiting Kyoto, you must see the Nishiki Market. Affectionately nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it’s a lively place full of fragrant pickles and other seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, Kyoto’s famous tofu, and the lively banter of vendors hawking their goods. On a guided tour of Nishiki Market with a local guide, you’ll get hidden insights about what’s for sale, how everything is prepared, and sample delicacies not available to casual shoppers.
How about a Bowl of Ramen?
Ramen shops around Japan are popular and often crowded. My favorites are usually small and have a long line wrapped around the building. Customers have to quickly order, quickly eat, and quickly get out. Don’t get me wrong – a good bowl of ramen is worth it.
But, what if you could learn from a ramen chef what specific ingredients you need and make it together with a small group of people? You could then enjoy eating an absolutely delicious bowl of ramen, perhaps with a side of gyoza or other local favorite, and have the experience of knowing how to make it again when you get home.
These cooking lessons can range in price from low (about double the cost of the meal) to upwards of about $200 (USD). Expect to be there for 2 to 2 1/2 hours and to pay at least $100 (USD) for a good ramen school experience.
Despite the cost, there’s a reason they call it the “Ikea effect” – the satisfaction of building something yourself, from the foundation up, is unparalleled. And when that ‘something’ is a steaming bowl of authentic ramen, carefully crafted under the guidance of a master chef, the rewards are even greater.
The same goes for learning how to cook something that you eat at a Japanese cooking school. These cooking schools are incredibly easy to learn from because the chefs explain simply the step-by-step process while helping you do it. Many provide lessons in English for travelers to enjoy.
If you want to add one of these experiences to your travel itinerary, I recommend looking for options here:
- Cooking Sun – Cooking Sun offers a wide range of cooking classes across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, from sushi making to traditional sweets.
- Cookly – Cookly connects you with local chefs in Tokyo, with some offering cooking experiences in their own homes.
How about a Drink?
If Japan is known for anything, it is known for green tea and sake. A visit to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without taking part in a green tea ceremony.
The green tea ceremony is a journey into the heart of Japanese aesthetics – a carefully choreographed dance of precision and grace. From the gentle whisking of the matcha to the delicate flavors of the accompanying wagashi (Japanese sweet), every detail has meaning. Just be prepared for the inevitable leg cramps from sitting on the tatami floor – even that’s part of the experience! It has given me a deeper appreciation of the values of Japanese culture.
Touring a factory that makes sake is also a must-have experience. For visitors to Kyoto, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is the place to learn about the history and the process, as well as get taste samples. After immersing yourself in the history and flavors of sake at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, take a stroll nearby through the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, a seemingly endless tunnel of red torii gates that wind their way up the mountainside.
For visitors to Hokkaido, the Sapporo Beer Museum is a great tour to include because they offer free and paid tours.
Depending on where you travel in Japan, you can find places that offer tours of the facilities. I have recently found out that there is a small brewery not far from our cabin that offers free tours and a taste sample of the local beer they are so proud of. I can’t wait to take that tour soon.
Experiences Make Great Memories
When our son was small, we loved going to Adventure World, the marine and safari park in Wakayama. When we found out that we could get a behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee, we jumped on it. We were able to personally feed the dolphins, the baby hippo, and learn much more about so many of the animals. The tour guide was so kind and helpful and we had a much more memorable experience. Just as that behind-the-scenes tour at Adventure World unlocked a deeper understanding of the animals, a guided food tour can reveal the secrets and stories behind Japan’s culinary treasures.
Adding a food tour or learning experience into your travel itinerary will do the same. You’ll get to learn much more from your visit than other travelers and make memories that will last.
I’d love for your trip to Japan to be deeply fulfilling, which is why I’m recommending these immersion experiences. Start exploring food tours, cooking classes, and sake tastings in your chosen destinations. You might be surprised at the skills you gain and the pride you’ll feel as you cook these delicious meals yourself! Oh, and don’t forget to invite me! 😃