Izakaya Style Home Cooking Experience & Sake Pairing in Tokyo

Experience the warmth and flavors of Japanese home-style cooking with a hands-on Izakaya-style cooking tour in Tokyo. Guided by locals, you’ll prepare and enjoy authentic Japanese dishes like daikon radish salad, miso-glazed eggplant, teriyaki chicken balls, and hand-rolled sushi. 

Alongside these mouthwatering bites, savor the perfect sake pairings with five cups of drink included in the tour price. This interactive session allows you to learn about Japanese culinary traditions in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Perfect for families, this tour offers a dedicated playroom to keep kids entertained, allowing adults to fully immerse themselves in the cooking and tasting experience. Discover the art and joy of Japanese cuisine and dining culture with friendly guides who love sharing their expertise.

Tour Highlights

• Hands-on Japanese Izakaya-style cooking experience

• Create authentic dishes with guidance from a local

• Sake tasting with expertly paired dishes

• Friendly and relaxed dining atmosphere

• Fun playroom available for children

• Photos of your experience shared after the tour

What’s Covered

• Full hands-on cooking experience and dinner

• All cooking ingredients provided

• Sake and drink tasting (4 types of sake or choice of 5 alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages)

• Tour photos sent via email after the experience

• Three hours with an English-speaking local guide

What’s Extra

• Additional drinks beyond the included selection

• Personal items or souvenirs

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Participants must be 12 years or older to join, as cooking involves handling equipment

• Vegetarians are welcome; however, vegan and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated

• Some stops may not be accessible by wheelchair or stroller; guests with mobility needs may prefer a private tour

• This is a group experience, and other participants may join

• Please inform us at least one day in advance of any dietary needs or allergies; last-minute requests may not be guaranteed

• Japan’s summer is warm and humid; bringing water and a hat is recommended

• The tour begins promptly. Late arrivals over five minutes without prior notice are considered cancellations with no option for refund or rescheduling

Meeting Point

In front of Family Mart next to the Gindako shop in Iriya Station Exit 2

FamilyMart

2 Chome-1-10 Shitaya, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0004, Japan

Tour Itinerary

Meet at Iriya Station and Supermarket Visit

• Duration: 30 minutes

Meet at Iriya Station, where your local guide will lead you to a nearby supermarket. As you shop for fresh ingredients, your guide will introduce you to the unique aspects of Japanese supermarkets and the essentials of local cooking. This brief shopping experience offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in Japan.

Walk to Cooking Studio and Welcome Toast

• Duration: 10 minutes

After gathering your ingredients, enjoy a short walk with the guide to the cooking studio. On arrival, you'll be welcomed with a toast, choosing from sake, beer, or soft drinks to kick off the experience.

Cooking Session: Appetizers and Healthy Dishes

• Duration: 60 minutes

Start the cooking adventure with two delicious appetizers: a fresh daikon radish salad with pickled cucumber, followed by a smashed cucumber salad. Learn about Japanese seasonings and how each dish is crafted to enhance flavor. With your guide’s help, these salads come together easily, offering a light and refreshing start to the meal.

Main Dishes: Teriyaki Chicken Balls and Traditional Favorites

• Duration: 45 minutes

Prepare Japanese classics, including teriyaki chicken balls with a homemade sauce, simmered miso-glazed eggplant, and Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese omelet). Each dish reveals a taste of traditional Japanese home cooking, and you’ll be guided step-by-step in the techniques to perfect each one.

Hand-Rolled Sushi and Final Toast

• Duration: 30 minutes

The highlight of the meal, hand-rolled sushi, brings everyone together around the table. With a variety of fillings to choose from, this interactive dish allows for creativity and sharing, making it a staple in Japanese gatherings. Together, you’ll enjoy a final toast, celebrating the experience and shared memories.

Return to Iriya Station

• Duration: 10 minutes

Following the meal, the guide will accompany you back to Iriya Station, concluding the experience with a smile and the recipes to recreate these dishes at home.

FAQs

What dishes will I learn to cook during the tour?

You'll prepare a range of traditional Japanese Izakaya dishes. This includes fresh salads like daikon radish and smashed cucumber salad, teriyaki chicken balls, miso-glazed eggplant, Japanese rolled omelette (Dashimaki Tamago), and hand-rolled sushi. Each dish highlights unique Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques you can recreate at home.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?

Vegetarians are welcome, and adjustments will be made to suit vegetarian diets. However, due to the ingredients and preparation processes, we cannot accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets. If you have specific dietary needs, please inform us at least one day in advance so we can do our best to adjust the menu.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children over 12 can participate in the tour, as it involves using kitchen equipment like knives and stovetops. For families with younger children, please inquire about the possibility of a private tour or other suitable options.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the tour start time. You can also reschedule the tour up to 24 hours in advance at no additional cost. Unfortunately, no refunds or rescheduling are available for late cancellations or no-shows.

Will other people be on the tour, or can I book a private session?

This is a group tour, and other participants may be joining you. If you prefer a more personal experience, we offer private tour options that can be arranged upon request. Please contact us directly to inquire about availability and pricing for a private tour.

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