Discover the art of traditional Japanese cooking in a compact yet immersive 3-hour Washoku class. Led by an expert instructor, you will craft a seasonal hospitality menu featuring staples like seasoned rice, tempura, and teriyaki chicken. With a maximum of four travelers, this hands-on experience promises an intimate exploration of the balance of flavors, textures, and colors that define Washoku. Depart with both newfound culinary skills and recipes to recreate these delectable dishes at home. What’s the next step in your Japanese culinary journey?
Key Points
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The 3-hour Washoku cooking class focuses on traditional Japanese-style cuisine, with options for a seasonal hospitality menu, Thursday special, or sushi home party.
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The seasonal hospitality menu includes dishes like seasoned rice, tempura, teriyaki chicken, fried egg, and a seasonal dessert, with step-by-step guidance from the instructor.
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The Thursday special class is 2.5 hours and includes oshizushi, Miwa somen, dashi soup, and kinako pudding, with hands-on learning and an opportunity to enjoy the self-prepared meal.
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The sushi home party class teaches participants to prepare nigiri, rolled, and temaki sushi, with miso soup and kuzu-mochi desserts included, and a maximum of 4 travelers per class.
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Participant logistics include a maximum of 4 travelers per class, food restriction accommodations, and disqualification for serious medical conditions, with meeting point details provided 2 days prior to the 10:00 am start time.
Class Description
Although the class focuses on traditional Japanese-style cooking, known as Washoku, you will have the opportunity to create a variety of seasonal and specialty dishes.
The 3-hour class offers three options: a seasonal hospitality menu, a Thursday special, and a sushi home party.
The seasonal hospitality dishes include seasoned rice, tempura, teriyaki chicken, fried egg, and dessert.
The Thursday special features pressed sushi, thin noodles, dashi soup, and soybean flour pudding.
The sushi home party includes nigiri, rolled, and hand-rolled sushi, miso soup, and mochi desserts.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nara Prefecture.
Seasonal Hospitality Dishes
The seasonal hospitality dishes offer a well-rounded Japanese meal experience. For 12,500 yen, participants can enjoy a selection of traditional favorites.
The menu includes seasoned rice, tempura, teriyaki chicken, and a fried egg. Dessert, typically a seasonal offering, completes the set.
These dishes showcase the principles of washoku – the cultural approach to Japanese cuisine. Guests will savor the balance of flavors, textures, and colors that define this culinary tradition.
With step-by-step guidance from the instructor, participants can recreate these flavors at home using the provided recipes.
Thursday Special
On Thursdays, the cooking class offers a special 2.5-hour program for 10,000 yen.
The Thursday special includes:
- Oshizushi (pressed sushi)
- Miwa Somen (thin noodles)
- Dashi-soup
- Kinako (soybean flour) pudding
Participants will learn to prepare these traditional Japanese dishes under the guidance of the experienced instructor.
The class emphasizes hands-on learning, with recipes and instructions provided in both English and Japanese.
At the end, guests enjoy the self-prepared meal accompanied by tea or water.
This shorter, focused session is perfect for travelers with limited time.
Sushi-home Party
A Sushi-home Party is another option offered in the Washoku Cooking Class.
At 12,500 yen, you will learn to prepare various sushi dishes, including nigiri-sushi, rolled-sushi, and temaki-sushi. The class also includes miso soup and kuzu-mochi desserts.
Participants will enjoy the self-prepared meal with tea or water provided. Recipes in English will be sent post-experience to the specified address.
With a maximum of 4 travelers per class, the Sushi-home Party provides an intimate, hands-on experience to master the art of homemade sushi.
Meal Experience
Participants in the Washoku Cooking Class can savor the self-prepared meal in the comfort of the classroom.
Tea or water is provided to accompany the delicious homemade dishes.
The experience offers several advantages:
- Enjoy the fruits of your culinary labor.
- Wear comfortable clothing and aprons supplied by the organizers.
- Receive the recipes in English after the class.
- Cooking instructions are available in English or Japanese.
- The classroom is located in a quiet area, just a 6-minute walk from the nearest station.
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Attire and Recipes
The cooking class provides aprons for participants, allowing them to prepare the Japanese-style dishes comfortably in casual clothing.
Recipes for the dishes are provided in English after the experience, so guests can recreate the menu at home.
Cooking instructions are available in both English and Japanese, catering to participants’ language preferences.
The class aims to offer a hands-on, immersive experience where guests can learn authentic Washoku techniques and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
With this comprehensive support, the cooking class ensures a seamless and rewarding culinary journey for all attendees.
Meeting and Transportation
Though the class meeting point is located in Nara Prefecture, Japan, it’s only a 6-minute walk from the nearest station.
The activity ends at the same meeting point, and the start time is 10:00 am.
Private transportation isn’t included, as the classroom is in a quiet area where cars aren’t allowed.
The meeting point details will be announced 2 days prior to the class.
Some key points:
- Meeting point: 630-0245, Japan
- Activity ends at the same meeting point
- Start time: 10:00 am
- No private transportation included
- Classroom in a quiet area, 6-minute walk from nearest station
Participant Information and Booking
A maximum of 4 travelers can participate in each cooking class.
The class isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation. The host will accommodate any food restrictions if notified at least 2 days in advance.
However, participants with serious medical conditions, such as heart problems, aren’t allowed to join.
Booking confirmation is provided upon reservation. Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the class starts.
The price starts from $67.29 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Classes Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
The classes can accommodate vegetarians and vegans if notified at least 2 days in advance. The chef will adapt the menu to suit dietary restrictions, ensuring all participants can enjoy the authentic Japanese-style cooking experience.
Can the Class Be Booked as a Private Event?
The cooking class can be booked as a private event, though the maximum group size is 4 travelers. Food restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options, can be accommodated if notified in advance.
What Is the Total Duration of the Cooking Class?
The total duration of the cooking class is 3 hours. The class offers options ranging from a 2.5-hour Thursday special to a 3-hour seasonal hospitality dishes class, allowing participants to select the experience that best fits their schedule.
Can Participants Take Home Any Leftover Food After the Class?
No, participants can’t take home any leftover food after the class. The experience is focused on enjoying the self-prepared meal on-site, and recipes are provided instead for participants to recreate the dishes at home.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Local Residents or Students?
Unfortunately, the class doesn’t offer any discounts for local residents or students. The price is fixed at $67.29 per person, with no special pricing options available.
Recap
This 3-hour Washoku cooking class offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of traditional Japanese cuisine. Participants will create a seasonal hospitality menu, guided by an expert instructor. With a maximum of four travelers, the intimate, hands-on experience allows participants to discover the balance of flavors, textures, and colors that characterize Washoku. Participants will receive recipes to recreate these delicious dishes at home, extending the culinary journey.
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