Yokohama: Shopping Experience and Cook Healthy Japanese Food

Yokohama offers visitors a unique shopping and culinary experience unlike any other. Within the bustling 300-meter district, over 130 specialty stores showcase a diverse array of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food items. Travelers can explore vibrant 100-yen shops, charming flower shops, and gain insights into local shopping traditions. But the real highlight lies in the hands-on cooking class, where an expert instructor guides participants through the preparation of mouthwatering traditional Japanese dishes. With the perfect blend of culture and hands-on learning, this tour promises to tantalize the senses and leave a lasting impression on all who partake.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Shopping Tours In Yokohama.

Key Points

1. Explore a vibrant 300-meter shopping district in Yokohama with over 130 specialty stores offering Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food items.

2. Participate in a 1-hour hands-on cooking class to learn the techniques and flavors of four classic Japanese dishes, including teriyaki chicken and maki sushi.

3. Discover a diverse array of Asian food stores, household items, and lifestyle stores catering to the needs of locals and travelers in Yokohamabashi.

4. Receive personalized guidance from an experienced instructor to hone your culinary skills during the food preparation activities.

5. Enjoy a fully accessible tour with transportation provided between the shopping and cooking locations, rain or shine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour combines shopping and cooking Japanese cuisine in the city of Yokohama, lasting around 4 hours.

It starts at the Yokohamabashi Shopping District, a massive 300-meter shopping area with over 130 specialty stores featuring Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food items, as well as 100-yen stores and flower shops. This provides an authentic glimpse into local Japanese shopping habits.

The tour then transitions to a 1-hour hands-on cooking class where participants prepare four classic Japanese dishes: teriyaki chicken, fried chicken, dashimaki tamago (Japanese omelet), and maki sushi (sushi rolls).

After cooking, there’s a 30-minute lunch to enjoy the prepared dishes.

The tour ends near the JR Ishikawamachi Station.

Shopping in Yokohamabashi

The tour starts at the Yokohamabashi Shopping District, a massive 300-meter shopping area with over 130 specialty stores.

Visitors can explore a variety of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food items, as well as 100-yen stores and flower shops. This shopping experience provides a unique insight into local Japanese shopping habits and traditions.

Strolling through the bustling district, guests can observe how Japanese consumers interact with merchants, select produce, and haggle for the best deals. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of products offer a captivating glimpse into the heart of Japanese consumer culture.

This shopping adventure sets the stage for the cooking class to follow, allowing participants to enjoy the culinary traditions of Japan.

Variety of Specialty Stores

The Yokohamabashi Shopping District boasts an impressive variety of specialty stores, ranging from Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food purveyors to bargain 100-yen shops and charming flower vendors. Visitors can enjoy the diverse offerings, observing local shopping habits and traditions as they browse the bustling 300-meter commercial area.

Store Type	Examples
Asian Food	Sushi, Japanese confections, Korean spices, Chinese herbs
Household	100-yen stores, kitchen supplies, stationery
Lifestyle	Flower shops, boutiques, artisanal crafts
Services	Banks, salons, restaurants

The variety of stores caters to the diverse needs and interests of both locals and travelers, providing a rich and engaging shopping experience in the heart of Yokohama.

Cooking Class Experience

Following the tour’s shopping portion, participants embark on a hands-on cooking class to prepare a delectable spread of traditional Japanese dishes.

The 1-hour class focuses on crafting four quintessential recipes: teriyaki chicken, fried chicken, dashimaki tamago (Japanese omelet), and maki sushi (sushi rolls).

During the class, guests will:

• Receive step-by-step guidance from an experienced instructor
• Actively participate in rolling dashimaki eggs or maki sushi
• Learn the techniques and flavors that make Japanese cuisine so beloved

Participants will savor the fruits of their labor with a 30-minute lunch of the prepared dishes.

This cooking experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the culinary wonders of Japan in an intimate, interactive setting.

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Hands-on Food Preparation

Participants get hands-on as they learn to prepare the Japanese dishes under the guidance of the expert instructor. They’ll master techniques for rolling dashimaki (Japanese omelets) and maki sushi (sushi rolls), ensuring each component is perfectly executed.

The cooking class provides a true interactive experience, where guests actively participate in every step of the process, from chopping ingredients to seasoning the dishes. Whether it’s perfecting the fluffy texture of the dashimaki or neatly assembling the sushi rolls, the instructor offers personalized guidance to help participants hone their culinary skills.

This hands-on approach allows guests to fully enjoy the art of traditional Japanese cooking.

Dining on Prepared Dishes

After mastering the cooking techniques, guests sit down to enjoy a 30-minute lunch featuring the Japanese dishes they prepared during the class.

The satisfying meal includes:

• Flavorful teriyaki chicken with a sweet and savory glaze
• Crispy fried chicken with a light, golden-brown crust
• Delicate dashimaki tamago, a fluffy Japanese omelet
• Neatly rolled maki sushi bursting with fresh ingredients

As they savor each dish, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the balance of flavors and textures that defines authentic Japanese cuisine. This dining experience provides a fitting culmination to the culinary journey, leaving guests with a sense of accomplishment and a palate that has been delightfully expanded.

Tour Accessibility and Policies

The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring guests can partake in the experience regardless of weather conditions.

Wheelchair access is available, accommodating a range of mobility needs.

Cancellations are accepted up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for participants’ schedules.

This private group experience allows for a personalized and immersive exploration of Yokohama’s shopping district and Japanese cooking.

The transportation between the shopping and cooking locations is provided, making the tour seamless and convenient.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to Japanese cuisine, this tour offers an accessible and adaptable way to discover the vibrant culture and flavors of Yokohama.

Booking and Cancellation Information

For this tour, participants can book their spot online or by contacting the tour operator directly. A full refund is available if cancellation occurs up to 2 days prior to the scheduled tour date.

The tour is designed with flexibility and convenience in mind:

• It operates rain or shine, ensuring the experience isn’t disrupted by inclement weather.
• Transportation from the shopping district to the cooking location is provided, so participants can focus on the activities.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all.
• Private group experiences are available, allowing for a more personalized and intimate learning environment.

With these practical considerations, guests can confidently book and enjoy the Yokohama shopping and cooking tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take the Shopping Portion of the Tour Separately?

Yes, you can take the shopping portion of the tour separately. The tour operator offers the shopping experience at Yokohamabashi Shopping District as a standalone option for those interested in just the retail aspect of the tour.

Is It Possible to Customize the Dishes Prepared in the Cooking Class?

Yes, the cooking class can be customized. The tour operator allows participants to request specific Japanese dishes they’d like to learn, within reason, for a personalized cooking experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Cooking Class?

No, guests don’t need to bring any special equipment for the cooking class. The tour provider supplies all necessary cooking tools and ingredients. Participants simply need to come ready to learn and have fun preparing the authentic Japanese dishes.

Are There Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available on the Menu?

The cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free menu options. Guests can request these alternatives when booking the tour, and the instructor will accommodate their dietary needs during the hands-on cooking experience.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include a Visit to a Local Market?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include a visit to a local market. The tour provider may be able to accommodate this request, allowing participants to explore a nearby market and learn more about local Japanese ingredients and produce.

Recap

The Yokohama shopping and cooking experience offers visitors a chance to enjoy local Japanese culture.

Shoppers can explore a diverse array of specialty stores, while the hands-on cooking class allows them to learn the techniques and flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

This engaging destination provides a well-rounded cultural encounter that appeals to both shopping and culinary enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: