Host offerings
Emi is passionate about cooking traditional Japanese home-style dishes. After years of learning from three renowned chefs, she became a culinary expert who can prepare almost any authentic Japanese or Washoku dish. A Tokyo native, Emi enjoys meeting travelers and learning about other cultures. She adores food from every corner of the globe but is also passionate about Japanese cuisine and teas, in addition to cats, photography and hiking! She has a deep interest in nutrition science and values using the freshest, top quality ingredients. Your healthy and well-seasoned meal is guaranteed to be fresh and colorful, using more than 20 ingredients. <br><br> The Harry Potter Museum in Tokyo is about a 20 min walk from Emi's apartment! And if you plan to visit the TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, the Oedo line brings you without transfer from Azabu-Juban station to Nerima.
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 - 6 guests) You will be served authentic Japanese food, characterized by the use of several vegetables, meat or fish as the main. Your meal may include mains from the list such as gyoza (potstickers), tempura, ginger fried pork, chicken karaage or slow cooked grilled fish, etc. You will end your meal with barley tea. Emi may not join you for the meal but you will get the chance to converse about food and culture as you cook. Emi offers sake as an optional alcohol add-on.
Please message Emi directly after your booking is confirmed to discuss the menu - she is more than happy to customize menus for you. Please note if you are vegetarian Emi is happy to accommodate your request but note that the menu for the group may change accordingly.
Cooking experience (1 - 6 guests) Step into the world of Japanese cooking with a local expert! Join Emi for a private culinary journey exploring traditional flavors and cooking techniques in an intimate setting. Depending on the day, Emi will host you either in her welcoming home or at her professional cooking studio. Begin your experience with a refreshing cup of mugi-cha (barley tea) before diving into your hands-on cooking lesson. Choose any three dishes from her curated menu (note: Okonomiyaki contains fish granule soup stock). To ensure a seamless experience, all guests will prepare the same main dish, so kindly share your choice at least 4 days in advance—or Emi will thoughtfully select a menu for you. Over 1.5–2 hours, enjoy engaging conversations about food and Japanese culture while Emi guides you through creating your meal. Then, sit down to savor the dishes you've prepared together. Before you leave, Emi will share recipes so you can recreate these cherished flavors back home.
Meeting Point:
For experiences at Emi's home, meet at Nerima City Hall.
For studio sessions, meet directly at the cooking studio. This is more than a cooking class - it’s an unforgettable cultural and culinary journey.
Notes: 1. After your cooking class + meal experience, if you wish Emi can take you to a Japanese sweet shop or Japanese tea and pottery shop or liquor store to buy sake or souvenirs before dropping you off at Nerima station, so please let her know in advance. Please choose one place. <br> 2. This experience is not suitable for children aged 9 and under. Children 10+ years are charged the same as adults. <br> 3. On Sundays, only a cooking + dinner experience is available, starting at 4pm, instead of the usual 5pm. <br> 4. Emi will choose a menu on your behalf if she does not hear back from you with your menu preference, 4 days before the experience begins. <br> 5. Ramen is not included in this class, as its broth requires several hours to prepare. <br> 6. Groups of 4 or more must make reservations at least 3-4 months in advance, or we may have to turn away your request if we don't have a place available in the studio.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffaeb158360>
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Experience + Meal | Not offered | $7,400 | $6,700 |
| Alcohol | $500 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 10:30am - 01:30pm | 5:00pm - 08:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
