Home Cooking (Tamagoyaki and Sushi Rolls) & Supermarket Tour

Japan has a long history of unique home cooking traditions. Washoku, the term for traditional Japanese recipes and eating habits, has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. In this lesson, you'll learn to make two staples of washoku cuisine: sushi rolls and tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet).

Makizushi, the official name for sushi rolls beloved overseas, often features simple ingredients: rice, seaweed, vegetables, egg, or meat fillings. Healthy and delicious, these colorful sushi rolls are loved by both adults and children. Tamagoyaki, a sweet and savory rolled omelet, can be found in nearly every bento box across Japan.

Your host, Chef Odaira, has over ten years of experience working at a Kappo restaurant as a chef. Later, he decided to start teaching cooking lessons to share the joy of cooking. He also holds cooking classes for people with disabilities, helping support their independence.

After meeting your instructor and fellow classmates, you'll receive an overview of the ingredients and process. Your host will demonstrate how to make sumeshi (sushi rice), and you will make sushi rolls (maki) with pre-prepared ingredients. This class is not just about cooking; you'll also learn many fascinating cultural insights, such as the significance of dashi in Japanese cuisine and how to use it. An English-speaking guide will assist with communication during the class.

After the lesson, enjoy the tamagoyaki omelet and fresh sushi rolls you've made. Then, you'll take home the recipes to recreate the dishes at home. You'll go on a tour of a local supermarket, where you'll be introduced to the seasonings and ingredients used in your lesson. It's perfect for finding souvenirs.

This lesson will take place at your host's home near Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo's most vibrant pop-culture neighborhoods. With anime-related shops, arcades, and shopping malls, it's a great place to explore the city after enjoying your meal.