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Three hours in a traditional kitchen — cook a classic Japanese meal with a local family in their 200-year-old townhouse in Old Town.
Join a local family for a hands-on cooking class in Takayama, set in their 200-year-old wooden townhouse on the main street of Old Town. This three-hour experience begins with a warm welcome of Japanese tea and snacks before you dive into the heart of Japanese cuisine, preparing a traditional meal alongside Hisa and Bob, the friendly hosts.
As you cook, they share stories about life in Takayama, highlighting the local culture and seasonal treasures of Japanese cooking. The setting is intimate and full of character, providing a quaint backdrop that enhances the experience. Feel free to communicate any dietary restrictions in advance, as the family is eager to accommodate your needs.
Reviews
We had a fantastic experience cooking with Hisa and her husband Bob. Their lovely home provided the perfect setting for us to learn how to prepare delicious Japanese dishes.
Our main host Bob guided us through an enjoyable cooking class in his home, formerly a birthing clinic. Bob's father-in-law delivered 6,000 babies there, and now it’s a lovely space for family living. Bob was the head chef, assisted by a friend, as we crafted traditional Japanese dishes like egg rolls, tempura, and Hida beef while enjoying music in the authentic kitchen. I learned to make the ideal egg roll, prepare bonito shavings, and properly cut veggies for tempura. The experience deepened my appreciation of Japanese cuisine and culture through engaging stories. We dined in true Japanese style on cushions, with chairs available if preferred. The beautifully presented dishes created by Bob and his assistant were delicious, and the dessert was a highlight—absolutely delightful. Thank you, Bob and family, for such a memorable experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bob's house learning to prepare a Japanese dinner. Bob provided clear explanations and demonstrations, making the experience fun. The menu was thoughtfully designed, and we gained valuable insights into Japanese cooking techniques. Everything tasted wonderful. Thank you, BobSan, and to your wife and friend for an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.
Cooking with Bob and his family was a delightful experience. We learned to prepare some delicious dishes, and as a vegetarian, I appreciated how the recipes were adjusted for me. After cooking, we enjoyed great conversation over the food. I highly recommend this cooking class if you find yourself in Japan.
We thoroughly enjoyed our cooking experience with Bob-san and Hisa-san. They provided detailed explanations about all the ingredients and techniques, and we actively participated in cooking each dish. We learned a lot in just a few hours, thanks to our exceptional hosts. Highly recommended.
The cooking class at Hida and Bob's home was truly a memorable experience. The atmosphere was very calming, and we learned a great deal about Japanese cuisine while preparing a variety of dishes that tasted excellent. After cooking, we enjoyed our meal in their cozy dining room, feeling as if we were lifelong friends as we discussed various interesting topics. The following day, we participated in a sake tasting tour with Hida and her daughter Tomoa, which was equally enjoyable. We gained valuable insights into the sake-making process and visited three different breweries, sampling several types of sake. As a lovely keepsake, we received two cups to enjoy sake at home.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Bob, Hisa, and Tomoa. Being welcomed into their lovely home was truly special. Hisa provided an excellent tour, and we picked up some wonderful tea and matcha for our daughter. The cooking lessons were delightful, and the warmth of their family made for a memorable day. We appreciate the recipes and look forward to recreating them at home, as each meal will remind us of our wonderful experience in Takayama.
Bob, Hisa l, Emika, and Tomoa were incredibly welcoming, inviting us into their remarkable home, which is over 200 years old. We learned to prepare a wonderful meal with dishes like tempura and Hida beef, all of which were delicious. However, the highlight was connecting with them and celebrating my parents' 70th birthday. If you're in Takayama, I highly recommend this experience; it will be cherished by my family for a lifetime, and we are truly thankful.
I had a fantastic morning. Hisa collected us from our hotel, and we strolled through the morning market, which was wonderful to experience. Afterward, we visited her home, where her husband Bob welcomed us. Together, we made several dishes to enjoy later. The care taken was evident, the atmosphere was friendly and inviting, and the food was delightful. I highly recommend this experience.
Our cooking experience with Bob-san was delightful, as he shared the secrets of Japanese cuisine, complete with helpful tips. We began with a brief stroll through the morning market before being warmly welcomed into Bob-san's beautiful home. The interactive session led to an (almost) self-prepared lunch, and a tour of both Bob’s and Hida’s home, including the former small hospital annex. This was truly an amazing experience for anyone seeking a warm and personalized event in Takayama. Thank you, Bob-san and Husa-san, for your kindness and hospitality.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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