Sushi and traditional Japanese cooking class in Asakusa

Meet Masahito

Masa and Junko are experts in the field of Edomae sushi (using fresh fish from the market) and washoku (traditional Japanese food). Masa was in the import and export business and often entertained his partners over a homecooked Japanese meal. These partners enjoyed the food so much that they convinced Masa and Junko to start a cooking studio, to share their passion for food. Masa learned to cook from his parents and further developed his skills by reading books and inviting friends over to try new recipes. Eventually he was not only trained by the elite Sarashina Soba chef but also went to culinary school to learn to cook Japanese cuisine. After Junko graduated from university she worked at a food company where she cooked every day and developed her culinary skills. Later she went to cooking school to learn to make artisanal, handmade bread. She owned her own cooking studio herself before joining Masa. Together they offer a variety of cooking classes - buckwheat soba noodles, sushi, tempura, and shokado bento. Masa and Junko are excited to showcase their Japanese cuisine and hospitality. Depending on the day you visit, you might be hosted by Masa or Junko.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal (1 - 20 guests) You will be greeted with a warm smile, some refreshing tea and printouts of the menu you will prepare for lunch or dinner. Masa and Junko's cooking studio is spacious, clean and decorated with an array of Japanese bowls and cups, giving the space a homey feel. The cooking studio is centrally located and is just a short walk from the Tawaramachi station. After you get a better understanding of Japanese food and culture, you will sit down with your host to share an authentic meal that may include dishes such as buckwheat soba noodles or sushi and sashimi or shokado bento or tempura and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake).

Cooking experience (1 - 20 guests) Enjoy a 2.5 hour hands-on cooking class where you will make your own sushi. Your host will first demonstrate the cutting and cooking technique and then will let you roll your own sushi. At the end of the class you will be able to throw your own sushi party! Alternatively, you can also choose one of the other cooking classes they offer - buckwheat soba noodle, shokado bento, tempura and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake). Please let us know your preference when you book the experience.

Market visit (1 - 20 guests) After you meet your host at the Senju-Ohashi station you will take a bus together to the Adachi fish market, a 10 minute ride away. The Adachi fish market is the second largest wholesale fish and seafood market in Tokyo after Tsukiji. While the Adachi fish market is not as popular with tourists as Tsukiji, it is where the locals usually shop, giving you a very authentic feel of how a market in Japan looks. Here you will see a wide variety of tuna, fresh fish and shellfish as well as salted and dried sea products (salmon, dried fish, roe).

Please note the days that this market is closed as listed on this site (grayed lattice pattern shows the days it is closed): chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/calendar/pdf/calendar/04suisan.pdf. Please be sure not to book a market experience on this day.

PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW

A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Our entire experience with Masa and his team was filled with laughter, kindness, and levity. The experience took place in their cooking school which gave it a slightly more formal feel. However, their attentiveness and care for our experience made the experience very enjoyable. The space is incredibly clean and organized (as you would expect in Japan). All ingredients were ready upon arrival. Then it was very hands-on at each and every step. Their team would demonstrate the technique and then hand over the reins to us. Even when we messed up, they would help us fix the issue and then give it back to us to try again. Piece by piece, we assembled our sushi, nigiri and omelet feast. All three hosts were extremely kind, attentive to our needs, and supportive of our efforts in the kitchen. Then at the end we arranged it on a beautiful platter and sat down with our hosts to the best meal of our entire three weeks in Japan! Truly memorable and enjoyable!

s, Angel and Kasey, Traveling Spoon Ambassador