The serene waters of Lake Kawaguchi might seem like a strange place to find fiery curry, but cooking experience provider Fujiya has been delighting spice lovers for over 20 years. Initially starting out by offering cooking classes for hoto noodles — a Yamanashi specialty — Fujiya has since branched out into multiple other avenues, with their spice curry-making class being particularly successful.

Fujiya’s instructors will start by teaching you the basics, such as how to make a base of turmeric, cumin and coriander in an equal ratio. But from there, it’s entirely up to you to decide how to make the most of your allotted 300 grams of spices.

You’ll take your pick from over 20 different varieties of spices, each with its own unique taste and purported health benefit, like anti-oxidative or anti-inflammatory properties. Of course there are the usuals like garlic and paprika, to traditional Japanese ingredients like bonito and sardine broth. Feeling adventurous? How about okara soy bean powder or rice bran? Maybe some chenpi (sun-dried mandarin peel)? The sky’s the limit. And any time you need some advice, English-speaking staff can help out.

When you’re done, it’s time to eat! You’ll mix in a portion of your spice blend with Fujiya’s 10-ingredient soup stock to make your own spice curry. Mix in your choice of mushrooms, potatoes and vegetables of the day, bone-in chicken thigh or two shrimps, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with some steaming rice! The remaining spices are yours to take home.

After the experience, take a walk around the beautiful town of Fujikawaguchiko. A popular destination, Lake Kawaguchi is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo, and offers beautiful views of Mt Fuji on clear days from the Mt Tenjo observation deck and ropeway. The nearby Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s most famous theme parks, is a popular option for day trippers out of Fujikawaguchiko with its high-speed roller coaster thrills.