Japonya Washoku Atölyeler

This experience takes place in the original restaurant from Edo times that is 15 generations old! You become a part of history and here, they treat you like family! The owner, who was also our host, greeted us and explained to us the history behind the restaurant and his family. We were his first foreign guests and he admitted he was excited and a little bit nervous. It was comforting to know we weren't alone in feeling that way which immediately put our nerves at ease. We were then introduced to our instructor, Meguka (I could be wrong about the spelling). She spoke a little english and taught the class primarily in english. She was patient, kind and attentive. The dishes that were served during the experience were generous. Everything was sourced locally and each dish was made from some form of the yam (tororo) which was what the experience was centered around. Everything was delicious and nothing like we've ever eaten before. We were served hot, green tea with our meal and at the end, they served ice cream that is handmade in the restaurant. I chose the miso flavor and it was exquisite! You will not leave this experience hungry. We left with our bellies and hearts full! We loved it and will definitely be booking more experiences like this next time we go back to Japan.

Marie was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The tea and the fermented food tastings were excellent. She was a pleasure and we had a wonderful time.

From the moment we stepped into the private tea tasting, it felt like entering a completely different world—one defined by calm, care, and an almost reverent appreciation for tea. What truly elevated the entire experience, however, was our teacher. Their depth of knowledge was nothing short of astonishing. Every detail—from the origin of the leaves to the subtle differences in processing methods—was explained with such clarity and passion that it transformed each sip into a story. You could tell this wasn’t just expertise; it was a genuine love for the craft. The tea itself was absolutely exquisite. Each variety we sampled was more nuanced and flavorful than the last, with layers of aroma and taste I had never noticed before. The experience was paired with a thoughtfully prepared selection of food that complemented the teas beautifully. Every bite felt intentional, enhancing the tasting experience and making the whole session feel indulgent without being overwhelming. What surprised me most was just how fun it all was. This wasn’t a stiff or overly formal class—it was engaging, interactive, and filled with moments of delight and discovery. We laughed, asked questions, compared favorites, and left feeling not only more knowledgeable but genuinely inspired. All in all, this private tea tasting was an unforgettable experience and such a unique, enjoyable way to explore the world of tea. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone—even those who think they already know tea.

A calm, hands-on experience that connects food with regional history. Learning about tororo-jiru while making it ourselves felt meaningful and authentic. A short visual intro about its history would enhance the experience.

Making tororo-jiru by hand at this historic post town was an unforgettable experience. Grating yam using traditional tools gave me a real appreciation for how much care goes into this simple-looking dish. The guide was warm, open, and spoke excellent English, making the history and process easy to understand. Knowing this dish has been served here for centuries added depth to the meal. This is a rare opportunity to experience a beloved local food that many foreigners—and even Japanese—don’t know well.