Discover Japanese Umami: Onigiri and Dashi Masterclass in Tokyo
Discover Japanese Umami: Onigiri and Dashi Masterclass in Tokyo
From
10 meals
Discover the essence of washoku through dashi, tamagoyaki, and handmade onigiri. Learn umami-rich Japanese cooking in this fun, hands-on Tokyo class, perfect for food lovers and curious travelers!
Highlights
Discover umami and learn to bring it out with a professional chef
Taste and compare three freshly made dashi stocks, then use them to make dashimaki tamago and classic marinades
Prepare a balanced Japanese meal and shape your own onigiri
Cook with authentic tools in a professional kitchen
10 meals
Experience Details
Looking for a hands-on Japanese cooking class in Tokyo?
This immersive experience introduces the heart of washoku through umami-rich dashi, rice, and tamagoyaki. Led by instructors trained in kappo-style cooking, the class offers a practical and approachable way to understand Japanese culinary culture.
You begin with a clear introduction to umami, the savory fifth taste that shapes Japanese food. Learn how to make kombu kelp, katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and awase-dashi from scratch. Watch each stock come together, then taste and compare them side by side to notice their subtle differences in aroma, depth, and finish.
Next, observe how to prepare miso soup and traditional side dishes that form a balanced ichiju sansai meal of one soup and three dishes. The instructor explains how seasonality and harmony guide everyday Japanese home cooking.
Then it is your turn. Using a rectangular pan, you cook dashimaki tamago, a soft, rolled omelet layered with dashi. You will feel the gentle resistance of the egg as it sets and learn how to roll it into neat folds. After that, shape warm rice by hand and fill your onigiri with classic ingredients such as salted salmon, umeboshi plum, or bonito flakes. This simple act connects you directly and memorably to Japan’s rice culture.
No experience is required. The class is taught in English and designed for beginners. You receive a printed recipe booklet and a small set of Japanese seasonings to take home and recreate the flavors with confidence.
Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or friends, this small group class offers a relaxed setting to cook, taste, and learn. Arrive curious and hungry, and leave with practical skills and a deeper appreciation for Japanese home cooking.
What You Get
Good To Know
- This experience cannot accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions
- Children under 6 years of age can participate for free, but they will not be served any food
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the experience start time
- A private class can be arranged. Please inquire
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Please meet your host near Omotesando Station (A5 Exit). More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
The location is easy to access, and the classroom is spacious and filled with natural light, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. I also appreciated the thoughtful touch of providing ap...read more
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re glad to hear that you found the location convenient and the classroom comfortable. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the aprons and the introduction to t...Read more
Having deep knowledge about Japanese food itself especially knowing 5 tastes with emphasized Umami was very interesting. Comparing the taste of soup gave some idea about what kind of blank the ingr...read more
Thank you very much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that the lesson on Japanese flavors—especially umami—was interesting and helped you understand how ingredients complement one...Read more
I thoroughly enjoyed the scientific aspect of the tour, particularly how they explained the different umami types and their presence in the dishes we prepared that day. The host's flexibility was i...read more
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the scientific side of the class, especially the explanations about different types of umami and how they appea...Read more
It was easy to find the location and convenient distance from bus stop. The class started on time and we got a nice little chef cloth for the duration of the cooking. There were a short introduct...read more
Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear the location was easy to find and that you enjoyed the class structure and clear instructions from our chef. At the moment, our ...Read more
Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need prior cooking experience to join?
What dishes will I make during the class?
Will I taste the different types of dashi?
Will I receive recipes or ingredients to take home?
