For Yuka, cooking is about more than making a meal. With over 10 years of experience as a registered dietitian, she believes food brings people together and is one of the best ways to experience Japanese culture. She has welcomed guests from more than 30 countries and enjoys sharing the warmth of Japanese home cooking and heartfelt hospitality.

After meeting Yuka, you'll take a short five to 10-minute walk to her cooking studio. The class begins with an introduction to Japanese food culture, where you'll taste dashi and compare traditional seasonings such as soy sauce and miso, including varieties made using fermentation techniques from nearby Aichi Prefecture. You'll also discover how these ingredients shape the flavors of washoku and learn about everyday dining customs.

Choose the cooking experience that suits you best. In the Washoku Cooking Class, you'll prepare everyday favorites such as onigiri, miso soup, karaage, tamagoyaki, and wagashi while learning about the essential seasonings and techniques behind Japanese home cooking.

For a deeper dive into traditional cuisine, the Master the Essence of Washoku class teaches seasonal cooking techniques. You'll make kombu dashi from scratch, prepare sushi and dashimaki tamago, and cook seasonal side dishes with Kyoto vegetables.

The Authentic Ramen and Gyoza Class lets you make one of Japan's favorite comfort foods from scratch. Prepare ramen soup, make fresh noodles, wrap and cook gyoza, then assemble your own bowl while learning the techniques behind each component.

After cooking, enjoy the meal you've prepared together over freshly brewed green tea. As you share the table with Yuka, you'll have time to take photos, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed conversation before taking home recipes and practical skills to recreate these dishes for your loved ones.