Top Chubu Food & Drink Classes

Make Sushi. Discover UMAMI. Taste Kanazawa. Join an authentic Japanese cooking class at Nakata Cooking School, established in Kanazawa in 1969, just 3 minutes from Kanazawa Station. Make 6 pieces of nigiri sushi, including Nodoguro, then compare your sushi with one made by the chef using the same ingredients. Discover UMAMI by making ichiban dashi from kombu and bonito flakes. You’ll also prepare Jibuni with fresh Japanese wasabi, dashimaki tamago, miso soup, and a seasonal Japanese side dish. Enjoy everything you’ve made with Japanese sake, followed by chocolate mochi and seasonal fruit. Beginner-friendly, ages 12+, maximum 8 guests, with real-time AI translation in multiple languages. Dietary requirements: Pescatarian options are available, and meat can be replaced with fish. Vegetarian and vegan options are not available because our dashi contains bonito (fish) and cannot be substituted. Please inform us of dietary requirements or allergies when booking.

This experience combines a tour of a local supermarket and a cooking class in a local host’s home. First, visit the market where your host will describe and buy different ingredients used in Japanese cooking. Following that, join the host in their kitchen to make classic Nagoya dishes such as red miso stew and shrimp tempura in a rice ball or fried chicken, Nagoya style. Plus, learn how to make dashi stock from scratch.

Discover the story of Japanese food culture and the spirit of Zen hidden in a bowl of miso soup. Join a guided tour of Komego Miso, a traditional miso brewery that has been producing Japan’s essential fermented seasoning for about 200 years, and deepen your understanding of Japanese cuisine and fermentation culture. At the end of the experience, enjoy a delicious bowl of miso soup made by your own hands. - The experience is guided in English by expert staff from Komego Miso, who share their deep knowledge of miso and Japanese food culture. - You will explore the inside of an active miso brewery where miso is still produced using traditional methods. - You will prepare miso soup and grilled miso rice balls together. The menu is vegan-friendly, so both vegan and non-vegan guests can enjoy the experience together.

■ Experience Highlights ・Held in a traditional Kanazawa machiya townhouse ・Small-group setting ・English-friendly ・Participation is optional and relaxed (no pressure) ・Made with fresh local ingredients ・Warm, home-visit atmosphere ・Includes local sightseeing tips Please note: This is not a formal cooking class.

Local guides will take you to spots that have long been beloved by the locals. You will be taught the experience of sushi, a traditional Japanese meal, by a professional trained at a high-end sushi restaurant in Ginza. You will stand at the sushi counter, where you would normally never be able to stand. I will take you to an Onsen where travelers are never allowed to enter. We will take you to secret Onsen that only the locals go to. Please enjoy deep Kofu.

• Receive koicha — thick tea, rarely offered to visitors to Japan • Prepare usucha (thin tea) with your own hands, under the guidance of a tea master of 19 years • Spend 90 minutes as the sole guests in a 1923 machiya — the home where your host Yuta lives and practices • Learn Enshu-ryu, the samurai lineage of tea founded by Kobori Enshu, tea advisor to the Tokugawa shoguns • Taste seasonal jounamagashi, handcrafted the morning of your ceremony by a Kanazawa artisan • Speak openly about tea, aesthetics, or the philosophy of a life devoted to the way — as much as you wish

Discover genuine Japanese sake in Niigata. This private sake-tasting experience offers the chance to learn all about the fundamentals of sake and experience authentic Japanese history, customs, and culture. As you sip sake and enjoy its rich flavors, a Kikisake-shi (sake sommelier) will teach you all about the process of making sake and about the deep connection between sake and the Japanese people.

Kanazawa is one of the three major confectionery areas in Japan. The Sono Residence was built in 1921, and each room of the residence and its tea ceremony room was built under the guidance of the Omotesenke Iemoto, a master of the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony, for use in tea ceremonies　In this program, you can experience making seasonal Japanese sweets with a Japanese confectionary chef, and then you can experience the tea

In this experience, you can make Toyokawa’s famous "inari sushi" by yourself while getting a taste of Japanese food culture. Supervised by the skilled chefs of Matsuya, a traditional Japanese restaurant with a history of 188 years, you will create your own unique inari sushi using more than 11 different ingredients. In addition to the inari sushi, the experience includes red miso soup or vegetable soup, tofu, coffee, and dessert, all of which can be enjoyed in a relaxed 60-minute session. Vegetarian-friendly options are also available, making it suitable for a wide range of participants.

Experience a 90-minute tea ceremony at Umegoten, a former imperial villa in Rakujuen Park, just steps from Mishima Station. Built in 1890 as a retreat for Prince Komatsu Akihito, uncle to Emperor Meiji, it is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. While most imperial properties are open only for viewing, Taian invites you inside to enjoy seasonal sweets and matcha prepared with Mt. Fuji’s spring water, watch traditional tea preparation, whisk your own bowl with expert guidance, and photograph the serene garden views. With small groups, this experience offers a personal encounter with Japanese tea culture in a timeless setting.

Step inside the studio, located near Kanazawa's famous Higashi Chaya Tea District, and take part in a celebratory family meal, prepared for special guests. Every culture has its own ways of marking moments, recognizing the unique times that punctuate ordinary life. In Japan, these special days are called hare no hi — literally “sunny days” — and food has long been a common way to celebrate special events. Many families still maintain older cultural traditions around home-cooked meals ordinarily reserved for extraordinary days. This workshop is centered around a traditional dish from Ishikawa called sasa-zushi, or “bamboo sushi”, still prepared to celebrate special occasions. Every home cook has their own personal twist on the recipe, as these living traditions continue to evolve. The family prepares it all together as a group: first, line a press molds with a layer of sushi rice, add your own choice of toppings, then press, slice, and wrap each individual piece in a bamboo leaf.

Experience the delicate art of Japanese sweets and the serene ritual of the tea ceremony in Kanazawa. This hands-on workshop blends creativity, culture, and mindfulness as you craft seasonal wagashi and learn authentic matcha preparation. Guided by a local expert, you’ll discover the meaning behind each sweet design and the grace of tea etiquette. Unlike typical tastings, this immersive experience invites you to participate fully, connecting you with Kanazawa’s refined traditions in an intimate, welcoming setting. Perfect for travelers seeking both artistry and cultural depth.

*Savour 450 Year Old Wisdom and Purify Your Heart *The Power of Words: Kotodama *The Beauty of Graceful Conduct *Refining the Heart to Fulfill Your Mission *Welcome to the Timeless Tradition of Japanese Tea Culture *Discover the Beauty of Japanese Tradition: The Way of Tea *A Special Moment to Savour Japanese Culture *Understanding the Significance of Movements with Thoughtful Explanations *Questions and Curiosity Are Always Welcome *The Tea Ceremony Experience Reflects the Seasons *Passing Down the Spirit of the Tea Ceremony *Aesthetics of the Tea Ceremony and Samurai Hospitality were *Fostered Under the Kaga Hyakumangoku *What is Kaga Hyakumangoku?

Step away from the noise and discover a hidden, tranquil retreat. Savor a private and unhurried cultural experience in Yamanaka Onsen. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・Experience the elegance of Yamanaka lacquerware in a traditional tea ceremony held at Mugen-an, a historic samurai residence. ・An English-speaking guide will lead the experience, offering clear insights into Japanese tea culture, the story of Mugen-an, and the artistry behind the lacquerware. ・Discover the refined architecture of Mugen-an—one of the most distinguished cultural properties in Ishikawa—and appreciate works by Haruhito Maehata, a renowned lacquer artist and owner of the residence. 【SCHEDULE】 [11:00] Meet at Mugen-an & Explore the Grand Hall　 [11:30] Guided Viewing & Explanation of Yamanaka Lacquerware Masterpieces [12:00] Exclusive Matcha Experience with Yamanaka Lacquerware　 [12:30] Tour Ends

Experience two Japanese traditions in one intimate visit to a local home. Cook regional Hida dishes with ingredients rarely encountered in typical Japanese cooking classes, then try traditional Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink. Hosted by Rena in her family home surrounded by the mountains of Hida, the experience offers a personal introduction to rural Japanese food, culture and everyday life. It’s also a wonderful cultural activity for families and children visiting the Takayama and Hida area.

・Cook fluffy Japanese rice in a traditional kama pot and experience it freshly prepared. ・Make your own onigiri with freshly cooked rice and your choice of fillings. ・Learn to roll traditional futomaki sushi with guidance from a professional hotel chef. ・Watch the chef demonstrate sushi-making techniques and precise Japanese knife skills up close. ・Discover the food culture and local ingredients of Gamagori and the Mikawa region.

Make sushi with fresh seasonal fish Every morning the chef visits the market and carefully selects the best local fish for the day. In this course, you can taste Nigita's local fish (for example “Noppe”) that had been caught that very morning. Become an expert of sushi making and eating Did you know that sushi gripping method differs depending on the ingredients? You must subtly change the force of your grip and the manner of your grasp. A professional sushi chef will give an easy to understand lecture on all the secrets! You can become a sushi-grip expert!

At the long-established Taishoan Kamaharu Main Shop, the birthplace of kama-age udon, you can enjoy a hands-on program where you dress in traditional craftsman attire and experience authentic udon-making. Roll the dough, knead it with your feet, stretch it with a rolling pin, and cut it with a knife. Afterwards, boil the noodles you made yourself and savor them together with freshly prepared tempura—a truly special experience. While cooking, the shop owner will explain how wheat becomes noodles and share historical records about Tokugawa Ieyasu, the great shogun born in Okazaki, who was known to love udon. As a souvenir, you’ll receive a craftsman’s hat to take home. The shop is conveniently located right in front of the station, making train access easy. After your experience, you can also enjoy sightseeing nearby at famous attractions such as the Hatcho Miso Brewery and Okazaki Castle. We warmly invite you to join us for this unique cultural experience!

【A Fully Private Cultural Experience in a Tea Room Surrounded by Nature】 This is not a quick, cheap cultural activity in a busy tourist area. Our experience takes place in a quiet traditional tea room surrounded by nature, where the only sounds you hear are birdsong and the calm atmosphere around you. ・Fully private experience ・Quiet tea room surrounded by nature ・Away from busy tourist crowds ・No rushed or assembly-line style service ・Thoughtfully guided cultural experience ・Designed to satisfy your curiosity about Japanese culture ・A peaceful day to slow down, reflect, and feel truly fulfilled ・Fully available in English Through this experience, you can appreciate the seasons and nature that Japan has long cherished, feel gratitude for the beauty around you, and leave with a refreshed and peaceful mind. We offer a calm and meaningful cultural experience for guests who want to enjoy Japanese culture more deeply, not just take photos and move on.

You can experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. After a full explanation of the session in English, you will enter the tea room. The host will serve thick Matcha (koicha) followed by light Matcha (usucha). Watching the preparation of thick Matcha is very rare, making this a truly valuable experience. (Approximately 1 hour) After the tea preparation, you can experience grinding matcha with a stone mill and making your own matcha. Detailed instructions are provided in English. (Approximately 20 minutes) Seiza (kneeling) is not required, and chairs can be provided if needed.

Emphasize the traditional approach to mochi-making using a mortar and pestle, the festive, communal atmosphere ideal for families and large groups, and the use of high-quality local ingredients like Shin Taisho rice and water from the Tateyama Mountain Range. This experience not only offers a taste of authentic Japanese culture but also the joy of creating and tasting your own mochi.

Discover the charm of Kanazawa on this half-day private tour, guided by a local expert. This tour includes a sushi-making experience! (About 1hour) You’ll receive one-on-one instruction from a sushi master with 50 years of experience! At the end of the experience, you’ll also receive a certificate of completion to take home! This tour starting from the Kanazawa Station, we’ll head straight to the Sushi-making experience. After finishing it, we’ll explore the iconic spots in Kanazawa like beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, or Samurai district. (Depends on your preference) Enjoy personalized tour!!! - Private tour lasting approximately 6 - 7 hours. (Including Making Sushi Experience) - Start and finish the tour at Kanazawa Station with an easy-to-recognize guide -After the Sushi experience, we’ll explore some iconic places depends on your preferences. -Admission fees and any café expenses for guide would kindly be covered by the guests.