Cooking and Culture: Okonomiyaki and Calligraphy in Chiba

Okonomiyaki is one of Japan’s most loved comfort foods. In this home cooking class in Chiba, you’ll learn how to make this savory pancake from scratch, from preparing the batter to cooking it just right and finishing it with classic toppings like sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, and bonito flakes. Your host, Chieko, is a certified chef who invites you into her home kitchen. Growing up in a farming family in Tokushima, she was surrounded by fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals. After living abroad, she decided to share the everyday flavors and culture of Japanese home cooking through hands-on classes. During the lesson, you’ll cook okonomiyaki step by step while learning essential Japanese cooking techniques and how to use common kitchen tools. You’ll also prepare several side dishes to round out the meal. With cabbage providing crunch and a choice of pork, seafood, or vegetarian toppings, the dish can be customized to suit your taste. Once the cooking is done, sit down to enjoy your handmade meal together. Afterward, the experience continues with a relaxing introduction to Japanese calligraphy. Using traditional tools, you’ll practice writing hiragana, katakana, or kanji, choosing a word or name that feels meaningful to you. The experience begins with a pickup at Chiba Station, followed by a short trip to the host’s home. After a warm welcome, you’ll head to the kitchen to cook, share a meal, and finish with the calligraphy session. This intimate experience offers a thoughtful blend of Japanese home cooking and cultural tradition.