Flow of hosting our cooking class in my Japanese Home- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Our cooking class offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere unique to Japanese home, conducted in small groups to ensure an intimate and homely experience. Participants share the joy of cooking through group activities, progressing in a friendly environment. The program is tailored to individual skills and levels, aiming not only to improve cooking techniques but also to foster rich communication through Japanes authentic foods.

Meeting Point and Stroll (Approx. 20 Minutes)

Guests will meet at Todoroki Station before heading to my home for the Japanese cooking class. On the way, we will take a leisurely stroll through Todoroki Fudoson Temple, the ravine, and a Japanese garden. This walk takes approximately 20 minutes. Upon arrival at my home, guests can take a short break before beginning the Japanese home cooking class.

Guests from the U.S and Australia at Todoroki Fudoson- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Todoroki Fudoson is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon Chisan sect, officially named "Ryugozan Myooin" (滝轟山明王院). It is located within Todoroki Valley, the only ravine in Tokyo's 23 wards, offering a serene natural retreat.

History;

The temple was founded in the late Heian period (794–1185) by Kakuban (Kokyo Daishi), a prominent figure in Shingon Buddhism. According to legend, Kakuban had a divine dream instructing him to establish the temple in a place abundant with water. Upon visiting the valley, he struck a rock with his staff, and a clear waterfall emerged. This site became home to the enshrined statue of Fudo Myo-o (Acala), a deity central to esoteric Buddhism.

During the Sengoku period (1467–1615), the temple served as a prayer site for the Kira clan of Setagaya Castle.

Features;

Todoroki Valley is the only ravine in Tokyo's 23 wards, offering visitors lush natural beauty throughout the seasons. It is especially renowned for cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

The temple grounds include "Fudo no Taki" (Fudo Waterfall), which has flowed for nearly 900 years. Although its water volume has diminished over time, it remains a historically significant feature.

The area also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and vegetation, making it a peaceful retreat within the city.

Todoroki Fudoson continues to attract visitors for its historical significance, spiritual atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings.

Todoroki Valley Park Japanese Garden- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

After visiting Todoroki Fudoson Temple, take a stroll through the "Todoroki Valley Park Japanese Garden," located nearby. This strolling garden, created in 1973 by renowned Showa-era landscape architect Juki Iida, features a naturalistic style known as zoki no niwa (mixed-woodland garden).

Within the garden, you'll find bamboo groves, a pond garden, and stone-paved stairs. A preserved shoin (traditional study) built in 1961 offers a peaceful rest area where visitors can enjoy self-service tea. The garden is particularly popular for its seasonal beauty, showcasing plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage. It serves as a tranquil retreat and a perfect spot to relax during your walk.

Flow of Cooking Class for Foreign Guests (Approx. 2 Hours)

1.Preapration

・Put on aprons and wash hands in ｐreparation for cooking

After the walk, They will take a short break before the Japanese home cooking class starts- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

2. Recipie Explanation and Demostration

Today’s menu-Japanese cooking class in Tokyo

・I will explain the menu of the day in English, focusing on traditional and home-style Japanese dishes.

3.Cooking practice

・Guests will prepare the dishes themselves while learning about ingredients, seasonings adn cooking tools.

・I will provide support tailored to each guest’s skill level and answer any quetions.

Cut decorative diagonal slits in the cucumber- Japanese cooking class in Tokyo

4.Tasting and Cultural Exchange

・In a relaxed atmosphere, guests will enjoy tast their comlpleted dishes while engaging in conversations about Japanese food culture, traditions, tourists spots and more.

Making Goma-ae; Goma-ae is a traditional Japanese dish where roasted sesame seeds are ground and mixed with sugar, soy sauce, and other seasonings to create a dressing, which is then combined with boiled vegetables or seafood.- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

Making Rolled Sushi- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo

5.Conclusion

・After the meal, I will give guests a commemorative gift.

This class aims to provide foreign participants with an experience akin to staying in a Japanese home while deepening their understanding of Japanese food culture through hands-on cooking. Our motto is “You can cook the same menu no matter where you live!” Recipes are provided and can also be sent in PDF format.

During meals- Japanese cooking class in Tokyo

Key Points for Learning Japanese Food Culture

・Seasonality and Ingredients

● Utilizing Seasonal Ingredients: Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients that reflect harmony with nature through seasonal dishes.

● Relationship Between Food and Events: Understanding traditional events like New Year’s Osechi or Hinamatsuri’s red rice introduces participants to Japan’s cultural traditions.

・Healthy Eating Style

● Nutritional Balance: Traditional meals like "Ichiju Sansai" (one soup, three sides) offer well-balanced nutrition and are recognized as healthy eating styles worldwide.

● Low-Calorie & Low-Fat: Japanese cuisine is celebrated globally for being low-calorie and low-fat.

・Use of Ingredients and Seasonings
● Unique Japanese Seasonings: Learn about essential seasonings such as soy sauce, mirin, sake, miso, kombu (kelp), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes). Dashi made from kombu or katsuobushi forms the foundation of Japanese cuisine.

● Preservation Techniques: Discover methods for preserving ingredients and utilizing them effectively to create delicious meals without waste.

・Cultural Background and Aesthetic Awareness

● Japanese Tableware & Setting: Understand Japanese aesthetics through tableware and settings that blend Eastern and Western cultures—such as combining Western porcelain or metal cutlery with traditional ceramic or lacquerware styles.

● Connection Between Food and Culture: Food is not merely sustenance but deeply tied to Japan’s culture and traditions, offering insights into its cultural background.

Through these points, participants can deeply understand Japanese food culture while enjoying HANDS-ON ooking experiences.

Let’s enjoy cooking together! I look forward to welcoming you all.
Please book from here.