Yakitori & Tsukune Cooking Class with Tokyo English Teacher

While the word “yakitori” literally means “grilled chicken,” yakitori skewers come in many non-poultry forms as well, and are often accompanied by a sweating glass of foaming golden beer.

After this cooking class in Tokyo’s Kanda Jimbocho neighborhood, you’ll be able to make and try this Japanese specialty, thanks to the close guidance of your host Michiko.

It’s also worth noting that Michiko is something of a unique host. Before becoming a culinary instructor, she taught English at a high school level for 20 years. Now armed with the linguistic skill to hold home cooking classes for English-speaking visitors from overseas, she’s made it her mission to show the world the wonders of Japanese home cooking.

The day kicks off by meeting Michiko at her kitchen studio, where after a short briefing, she’ll take you right into it. You’ll gather and cut the ingredients to make into a selection of skewers that any izakaya owner would be proud of, ranging from bacon-wrapped asparagus, to even avocado and cheese.

Chief among these is tsukune, the fluffy, juicy Japanese-style chicken meatball that no yakitori assortment is complete without, and the highlight of the class. For that finishing touch, Michiko will teach you how to make traditional condiments to go with your yakitori.

After everything’s been cut up and speared, Michiko will take you through the charcoal grilling process. Then set the table with the rest of your classmates, and enjoy your skewers with miso soup, green tea and desserts. Feel like you forgot a couple steps? No worries — Michiko will pass you the English recipes of everything you do that day.

Afterwards, why not walk off your yakitori by exploring Jimbocho? Known as Tokyo’s booktown, here you can find prints, stationery, vintage magazines and so much more.