Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi

Tokyo , Japan

Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi

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(128 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Enjoy a private and authentic Japanese cooking class in a local Tokyo home with your host Emi. The Harry Potter Museum in Tokyo is about a 20 min walk from Emi's apartment!

This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your cooking class takes place in her home kitchen where Emi will teach you 3-4 traditional Japanese dishes from her repertoire. After years of learning from three renowned chefs, she became a culinary expert who can prepare almost any authentic Japanese dish. A Tokyo native, passionate about Japanese cooking, Emi enjoys meeting travelers and sharing her culture and cuisine over a well seasoned Japanese meal served on beautiful tableware. Join Emi and make an authentic Japanese meal, enjoyed over sake, and finished off with dessert and a cup of hot green tea!

Available options

Cooking + lunch with Emi

Cooking + dinner with Emi

What's included

Sake

Private cooking class + meal with your host Emi

Green tea and barley tea

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

48 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

80 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

If any travelers in your group have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking. 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

The Harry Potter Museum in Tokyo is about a 20 min walk from Emi's apartment! If you plan to visit the TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, the Oedo line brings you without transfer from Azabu-Juban station to Nerima

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 supermarket before dropping you off at Nerima station, so please let her know in advance. Please choose one place.

This experience is not suitable for children of the age of 9 and under; children 10+ are charged the same as adults

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

If it is a weekend and you are a group of 2-3 people, Emi hosts you at her home. If you are group of 4+ people and/or it is a weekday, Emi hosts you at her cooking studio.

For travelers with accessibility concerns, please note that there are approximately 10 steps leading to Emi's studio.

Groups of 4 or more must make reservations at least 2-3 months in advance, or we may have to turn away your request if we don't have a place available in the studio.

Meeting point

Meet Emi at Nerima City Hall or at her cooking studio (depending on the day of the week and your group size). The Nerima City Hall office is a 5 minute walk from Nerima station. Please call Emi via Whatsapp, if you need any help with directions.

Important notes

Host Name: Emi Ohsawa
Host Email: authenticjapanesecooking@gmail.com
Host Phone: +81 090 4399 9588

WEEKEND MEETING LOCATION: If it is a weekend and you are a group of 3 or fewer people, Emi meets you at Nerima City Hall and hosts you at her home. Please meet Emi at Nerima City Hall (Address: 6 Chome-12-1 Toyotamakita, Nerima City, Tokyo 176-8501, Japan) - she will be waiting inside the office with a signboard ‘Emi's kitchen’. The Nerima City Hall office is about a 5-minute walk from Nerima station and Emi's home. Here is the Google Maps link to the meeting location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/omaoYu5z8FKS5nUo7 Nerima has Yurakucho, Fuku-toshin, Seibu-Ikebukuro, and Oedo lines. Just in case, the Yurakucho and Fuku-toshin line separates at Kotake-Mukaihara station for Wakoshi, Saitama and for Nerima. Please let Emi know in advance (2-3 days before the experience) which line you will use, so that she can suggest the best route.

WEEKDAY or 4+ GUESTS ON WEEKEND MEETING LOCATION: If you are a group of 3+ people or if it is a weekday, Emi will meet and host you at a cooking studio. The cooking studio address is: 5-17-7, Sakuradai, Nerima, Tokyo. It is a 10-min walk from Nerima station. Here is a Google Maps link to the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2eYViiLzXK6aqNLE6 Emi can send you photos and exact directions for how to get to the studio.

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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.