Japanese Home Cooking Class and Nature Walk in Todoroki, Tokyo

Tomoko´s home cooking class in Todoroki Tokyo is many many amazing things, and ultimately, one of if not the most special experience on a 4 week trip through the country. Spent about 4 hours researching the right class, and it was just perfect. Here is why: First this is truly a cultural experience (walking through the wild gorge to the class, cooking with clean seasonal foods in a traditional way, visiting the nearby temple, admiring the gardens and sakura trees). This brings a lot of context to everything, particularly understanding that Tokyo offers this rich side of nature, culture, and harmony even today. It was guided with grace, and as a trail-runner, I was amazed at the walk in the gorge. Was right up there with several of the national parks we´d been to. Secondly the class is also a gateway into the special cooking secrets of Japan - I say secrets - because as an American-European, we just do not get exposure to a lot of the ins and outs of Japanese cuisine - and from understanding the simplicity of a delicious miso, the types of miso paste to use, how to incorporate it, etc. , and making dashi from scratch- the base of so much goodness in the kitchen - to then later seeing how these bases flow into making a ponzu sauce for seasonal wild sea bream, to making a tofu steak glaze, using mirin and cooking sake...all of this is exactly what I´d want to learn to understand how to start cooking Japanese food at home. Tomoko explained everything with elegance, warmth and patience, and literally prepared several dishes at my request in advance that we could dig into, customizing the menu we worked on creating, while maintaining the core....Highlights - trying the seasonal edamame for the silken edamame mousse and plating it, trying homemade ume wine, preparing the fish by steaming it, seeing how sea bream is made so deliciously. Perhaps in the most special way the class is like talking to a long-time friend welcoming you into their home. Tomoko has traveled so much and has so much knowledge and experiences, it was great to just chat a whole bunch and also hear about her joy for teaching others - was so cool! It was the best thing I did on my visit to Tokyo by far, gave context to the trip, got me more engaged and more knowledgeable about the meals we were eating, and excited to immediately start to learn and implement some of the techniques. Since the experience, Tomoko followed up with a lot of guidance, suggestions on what to buy for gifts, for the kitchen for friends and for ourselves, and just one week after the course, and back home, already trying to ingrain and enjoy what I learned. Don´t hesitate to book an experience with her. Thanks so much Tomoko!

Tomokita meet us at the station and we have a lovely walk along the river to her home. She is an excellent teacher patiently showing us how to prepare the items in our meal and cook them in her kitchen. The meal was fantastic and we learned much about the Japanese way of food shopping, meal prep, cooking and cleaning. It was a great insight into daily life of a Japanese family. On the walk back to the station Tomokita took us to her local grocery store and showed us some of the key ingredients she used to make our lunch. It was a great experience. Well worth the travel time to her home and most definitely would do again.

Tomoko reached out to us shortly after booking to confirm details and plan a meal. She was very organized and communicative. On the day of our experience it was raining and Tomoko offered us the option of a ride with her husband and private vehicle. Thankfully the rain wasn't too bad and we decided to walk, as the secluded path along the river was beautiful. She welcomed us into her home with warm drinks and sweets. We then prepared chicken teriyaki, miso soup with homemade dashi, cucumber salad, a Japanese vinaigrette and a quick dip made from miso and ground sesame seeds. She was eager to prepare this last item with us after we shared how much we enjoyed it at an izakaya the night before. The meal was rounded out with rice, a green salad and a coffee jelly dessert Tomoko had prepared in advance. We enjoyed our meal with pleasant conversation and stories from Tomoko. My wife and I also had the opportunity to try her homemade plum wine along with a few of the plums from the jar. This plum wine was by far one of the best things we ate/drank in our visit to Japan! Shortly after leaving, Tomoko sent us digital copies of recipes not only for the dishes we prepared together, but also other meal options travelers commonly request. The entire experience was positive, and we hope to visit Tomoko again some day!

This is our second visit to Tomoko san’s home and attend her cooking class. ingredients are well prepared and we learnt how to cook pork cutlet curry rice and cream roll cake. tomoko’s san instruction are clear and easy to understand. we always love spending time with her together when we visit Tokyo.

An authentic and timeless experience Thank you very much for this exceptional moment. I was lucky enough to have a private class with Tomika following two cancellations, which made the experience even more unique and personalized. We are immediately immersed in the world of traditional Japanese family cooking, far from standardized workshops or too “fashionable”. This is exactly what I was looking for. My goal was to be able to offer my customers authentic Japanese bites, and it is a real success! The explanations are clear, precise, and always accompanied by very enriching cultural anecdotes. Tomika warmly welcomes us home, takes the time needed with everyone, and shares more than recipes: a real immersion in Japanese culture. I recommend this experience with my eyes closed to all those who seek authenticity, transmission and quality.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our day with Tomoko. Not only were the gyoza and ramen that we made delicious, but Tomoko was so much fun to talk with. We ate a lot, drank homemade plum wine, and laughed a lot too. Tomoko, thank you again for your hospitality and inviting us into your home! Happy Wifeee, Happy Lifeee!!

I attended the vegan/vegetarian class and the fluffy Japanese pancake classes solo. Both times I was met at the train station, and we walked back to the Tomokita san house, and I had a great class where I learned about the food she had brought and how to prepare it. Tomokita had thought of everything in order for it to be a smooth and enjoyable experience. From the bottle of water at the train station, on a hot summer's day, to tea upon arrival. The food we made together was delicious, and I was able to replicate all the dishes back home thanks to the clear teaching. I loved the first class that I came back again. Tomokita san is a great teacher and a very friendly person. I highly recommend this workshop to everyone.

We spent a wonderful 3 hours in a neighborhood near Tokyo by subway. Our adventure began at the subway station, continued with a visit to the Todoroki Fudōson Temple, and passed through the most beautiful gardens of the valley. Then, at a Japanese home renowned for its hospitality, we learned to cook our own meals and enjoyed a lovely lunch. Now we'll be making Ramen and Gyoza at home to commemorate this beautiful day. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cooking. Thank you,

The whole home cooking experience was fantastic. We met at the Metro station and walked together through a beautiful shrine and garden to Tomokitas home. After a short welcome drink we started the well prepared cooking class. We chose Ramen and Gyoza. Tomokita has a really big knowledge and was happy to share it with us. Thank you for the delicious food, the heartful atmosphere and all the recipes. We are looking forward to use them for our Japanese evening with friends and family. Best regards, Katrin and Florian

This was the third time we visited Tomoko Sensei for a cooking class, as always it was exceptional—a truly memorable part of our trip to Japan with our parents! Before the class, we had the opportunity to discuss with Tomoko Sensei the specific dishes we wanted to learn. She tailored the course to our preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients, this time focusing on home-style vegan ramen and gyoza. Tomoko Sensei even designed a new ramen recipe just for us. Getting to Todoroki Station by train was straightforward, and that's where we met Tomoko Sensei. She took us on a stroll through the stunning Todoroki Valley, which was a highlight of our Tokyo trip. We were fortunate to see the breathtaking scenery of yellow and red autumn leaves carpeting the valley floor.Upon arriving at Tomoko Sensei's house, we were greeted by a beautiful and warm home. After enjoying some delicious drinks and tea that she provided, we began our cooking lesson. Tomoko Sensei meticulously guided us through the steps for each dish. The final results were a great success, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the meal together. The dishes, fruits, desserts, and sake prepared by Tomoko Sensei were scrumptious. Sharing stories with her was a joy, and we greatly appreciated her sharing the recipes and preparing thoughtful gifts for us. It truly was a delightful afternoon.