(All Reviews) Food Culture Experience, Tokyo tours & activities, fun things to do in Tokyo | VELTRA

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here

All Reviews for Food Culture Experience in Tokyo

Overall Rating

4.86 4.86 / 5

Reviews

35 reviews

Traditional Japanese Washoku Cooking Lesson with Seasonal Dishes near Ebisu

Fantastic cooking/learning/dining experience!

Reviewed by: Juliann, 2019/05/18

We had a wonderful time learning to make basic dashi, chirashi, and then using our dashi to make chikuzenni (simmered vegetables). Dishes made in this class may vary by season. The instructor was patient with excellent English and no experience or knowledge other than basic knife handling (vegetable chopping & peeling) is required. It was a great experience to be able to cook in an actual restaurant kitchen. After the food we made was ready, our dishes were supplemented with other items made by the restaurant staff and sake sampling flight. We finished by learning the proper etiquette for chopstick handling and opening and closing formal Kaiseki bento before eating the fruits (vegetables) of our labors.

100% would do this again, and even though we did have some experience with Japanese cooking we were able to improve our skills greatly. 10/10 all around!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2019/05/16
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Udon Making Lesson in a Local Home with Japanese Culture Classes in Tokyo

Amazing cultural experience!

Reviewed by: Malie808, 2019/03/29

Wakana-san was amazing!
Such an amazing cultural experience. I went with my family...2 grandparents, 2 parents, 2 children (9yo, 11yo). We let the children do the "work" for udon making, and Wakana was so patient! She speaks English clearly, and easily understandable. The steps were easy to do for the children. While we were waiting for the udon, Wakana showed us how to make different origami. After, we got to enjoy the delicious udon! We are excited to make udon at home!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2019/03/25
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

Glutenfree Japanese curry

Reviewed by: Liesbeth, 2018/12/23

We loved our first workshop with him so much last year, that we had to come back for a second time. This time we made a glutenfree Japanese curry. Sato-san adjusted the recipe for us and made a delicious curry that we could enjoy. We will definitely make this curry at home. Sato-san is a wonderful person which makes the workshop even more enjoyable. It was a real challenge for him to make a glutenfree curry for us. Luckily, he accepted the challenge and made a wonderful Japanese curry recipe. We would definitely recommend this cooking workshop to everyone that likes Japanese cuisine.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2018/12/04
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Udon Making Lesson in a Local Home with Japanese Culture Classes in Tokyo

Lovely!

Reviewed by: Alan Vosper, 2018/08/09

We all had a lovely time and our sensei was excellent. She was so patient and kind. Highly recommended. We learnt how to make udon noodles and look forward to using our new skill at home.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2018/08/07
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Fun Weekday Wagashi Japanese Sweets Cooking Class in Tokyo

Sweet fun!

Reviewed by: Fractal, 2018/04/28

This was a fun and informative class using your hands and special tools to form the sweets. The only thing of note is that (traditionally) the sweets are not flavored which would improve the tasting experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2018/04/05
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Udon Making Lesson in a Local Home with Japanese Culture Classes in Tokyo

Like finding a friend in Tokyo

Reviewed by: Cre, 2017/12/02

I took this class in Nov with the hope of learning about Udon making and Japanese culture. I got both. Wakana is a delightful host. She taught me how to make Udon noodles, which is easy and I have have made them since I have been home with great success. She also is a patient teacher with Origami. Take this class you won't regret spending time learning a new skill.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/11/08
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

Awesome

Reviewed by: Maria, 2017/10/28

Each of the main dancers will come out and say Hello. Amazing show with professional dancers and cultural japanese aspects. All in one a really great experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/10/06
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

An excellent cooking lesson

Reviewed by: NeoJonz, 2017/10/07

Sato was an excellent teacher assisting me in cooking some delicious rice burgers. The only problem was that we both didn't have room for all that we made :)

Comments from activity operators

Dear cooking master
Thank you very much for your wonderful comments and review! I'm so glad to hear from you! I remember you showed me many great pictures of your dishes! Each picture you showed me was so amazing and inspiring! You're such a great cook! Also, food lover is always very welcome to my cooking class! Please come back here anytime! Again, thank you so much for choosing my class from so many cooking classes in Tokyo! See you soon!

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/09/13
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

Oiran Cabaret Show

Reviewed by: Emily , 2017/09/04

Am a solo traveller from the UK and wasn't keen on going to the much hyped Robot restaurant on my own so decided to I'd give a Japanese Cabaret show a chance instead. The staff are very friendly and they greet you from the entrance, showing you to your table and looking after you throughout the night. I selected the drinks only option for my ticket and it's actually pretty good value...you basically have unlimited drinks for the night. The show is fun and the performers come into the audience to introduce themselves for you. It's a very intimate theatre and everyone there to up for a good time. I glad I went, plus its' in a really cool part of the City if you're visiting. There's loads to see and do in the Roppongi district.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/07/04
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

Entertaining Traditional and Modern Blend

Reviewed by: Rachel, 2017/08/27

I feel like it would have been better if the show was one long story rather than a series of short ones, but we really enjoyed it nonetheless. Fantastic costumes and stage theatrics. I'd recommend to anyone who is interested in seeing a crazy mix of traditional and modern Japanese entertainment, as something a little different.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2017/08/05
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

The best cooking class in Japan!

Reviewed by: Valentina, 2017/05/17

This wasn't my first trip to Japan or cooking class, but it was indeed the first time where I finally learned a ton of actually useful, tasty and healthy recipes that could be reproduced outside Japan! I loved every minute of the class with Sato, he's adorable and very skilled and I cannot recommend this class enough! Also, he took me around Tokyo after lunch and it was a real treat! There are some things that you miss altogether if you're just a tourist, so I highly recommend the tour as well: we were also particularly lucky because there was the beautiful Kanda Matsuri festival and I had the chance to have Sato explaining everything to me plus I could enjoy the festive vibes and the music!
Thank you Sato-San, again, I had a blast!

Comments from activity operators

Mamma Mia! Thank you for beautiful comments and great review! I can't thank you enough! I feel so lucky to meet such a wonderful person like you! Of course I had a great great time with you while we were cooking but more than anything else, I was so happy that I could take you to Kanda Myoji festival, one of the biggest festival in Tokyo and we ended up our short trip there! I'm sure we were invited by Kanda shrine! In addition, you have much respect to our culture and everything about Japan that made me so happy! I'm so proud of what I do for living! I know you will stay in Japan for a while. If you need any help while you are here, don't hesitate to let me know anytime! I'll see you very soon!!! Big big hug sato

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/05/14
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

Good entertainment

Reviewed by: Y. Keidar, 2017/05/14

A well performed show, displaying a startling artistic aspect of Japanese culture.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2017/04/20
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

had a wonderful time

Reviewed by: Leta Myers, 2017/05/13

I had a wonderful time cooking, chatting, eating and seeing some of the nearby neighborhoods. I would definitely take another course if I was in Tokyo again.

Comments from activity operators

Omg! Thank you very much for your review! You told me that you've been to many countries and taken many cooking classes! I'm so honored that I've gotten such a great comments and review from such a sophisticated person like you! You make me proud of what I do for living! I can't thank you enough!
When you came to my class, it was a wonderful sunny day! We had such a great conversation and lovely weather made the day even more beautiful and memorable! Thank you for bringing me such a wonderful weather! Actually, I'm your big fan now because you are a so cool and funny person! I hope I can cook with you again someday! If you have any questions as cooking Japanese food, please don't hesitate to ask me anytime! Besides, I hope that you will cook for your friends and family with my recipes back home! See you soon! Take care:-) Peace sato

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/05/11
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

Private cookinglesson with recipies included

Reviewed by: Liesbeth, 2017/04/19

Sato was a wonderful host. He picked us up at the station and walked us to his home. My mother and I were the only participants. We were able to ask him questions about the food, the several ingredients and how to use them in the bento box.
His explanation of the little dishes were very clear. He also gave us the recipes so that we could make them at home again. When we finished making our bento boxes, we went to Shinjuku park to eat our homemade bento boxes underneath the sakura blossoms. We've enjoyed it a lot.

Comments from activity operators

Thank you very very much for your wonderful comments and review! I can't thank you enough! I had such a great time with guys too:-) You guys are such an amazing family making me so happy!!! Besides, the full bloomed cherry blossom and beautiful weather made the day even more beautiful! In addition, I'm so happy to hear that you liked what we made in class! Please cook for your friends with the recipes! Hope you will send me pictures someday! If you have any questions as you make Japanese food, please don't hesitate asking me anytime!
Again, thank you for choosing my cooking class from so many cooking classes in Tokyo! Please come back again! See you soon!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2017/04/04
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Wagashi Sweets Making with Matcha Green Tea in Tokyo

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

Reviewed by: Janice, 2017/03/06

I'm sure most of you would take a step back when you look at the cost, but honestly, how often do you travel to a new country and by-pass all the tourist-y spots to experience their culture in-depth?

This is the perfect opportunity to experience one of Japanese's most beautiful culture --- tea and wagashi. You will learn about the ingredient, techniques, and how they use simple colors or shapes to capture the essence of seasonal beauty. All ingredients were made from scratch by our lecturer.

The green wagashi with pink tip is the flower bulb of a pink peony, captured at the moment it is about to bloom. It's absolutely amazing to see how colors are created and the various tools you can use to create its shape.

I would go again if I can! It's so much fun and our translator is very professional and accommodating.

Comments from activity operators

Dear Janice,

Thank you for your warm comments. We are really happy that you enjoyed our lesson class.

We are preparing a diploma course now. If it get completed, we will inform you of that.

We hope that we can meet again.

Thank you and best regards,
Mat-Cha-Doh (抹茶道)

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

Better than a usual sushi lesson

Reviewed by: S Bazzaz, 2017/02/26

Sato is friendly, fun and a great teacher. I picked the kariage chicken lesson, we cooked soba noodles, the chicken, a salad and a fresh miso soup. This was all made in his shinjuku Appartment.

It was a great evening with a few beers experiencing local food with a local who wants to share his favourite foods.

Pass on the numerous generic sushi lessons and take one of these courses. I have repeated a couple of the dishes since being back in London - they are great reminders of Tokyo.

Thanks Sato!

Comments from activity operators

Thank you very much for your wonderful comments and reviews! You are so kind! I enjoyed cooking with you and I was surprised that you are already very good chef and know many things about Japanese food! Besides, I admired that you respect our culture so much. I'm so lucky to meet such a gentleman like you! Please come back to my class again and tell anyone who comes to Tokyo about my class! I can't wait to cook with you again! See you very soon!

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2017/02/03
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Udon Making Lesson in a Local Home with Japanese Culture Classes in Tokyo

Great cultural experience for families with kids!

Reviewed by: Jennifer , 2016/12/28

We had a great time with Wanaka making Udon noodles and origami. My 8 year old was very excited to make pikachu origami! We enjoyed stomping on the udon dough and we also picked up a couple of beautiful pairs of origami earrings Wanaka made herself. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2016/12/26
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Tokyo in English (Morning or Evening)

Just awesome and unique

Reviewed by: Nadine, 2016/11/15

Truly a unique experience with a so friendly host. We learned a lot and will hopefully be able to cook it at home as well :D Sato was the perfect host and we got to see and learn things that we never expected.
Strongly recommended!

Comments from activity operators

Thank you very much for your wonderful review and comment! I can't thank you enough!I was so impressed that you guys respect Japanese culture and people a lot! Please come back to Tokyo again! And hope that you gonna cook with my recipe and entertain your friends and family at home! I've already missed cooking with you! See you very soon!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2016/11/11
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Udon Making Lesson in a Local Home with Japanese Culture Classes in Tokyo

Try it, learn about japanese cooking and meet an interesting woman

Reviewed by: Burghilde, 2016/11/02

I really liked my lesson in udon making and origami and the good talk with Wakana sensei. It was easy going and fun and still I learnt a lot. Surely I will try to make udon noodles again in Germany.
It was a good way to enjoy a couple of hours in Tokyo in a good atmosphere. Thank you, sensei.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2016/10/25
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Wagashi Sweets Making with Matcha Green Tea in Tokyo

Good Experience for the Dessert Enthusiast!

Reviewed by: Gianni, 2016/08/17

The wagashi making experience was very enjoyable! We were able to create three different wagashis (two of each design) and enjoy them with green tea. The technique was the highlight of the experience, and definitely something that I will use when I return from vacation.

Comments from activity operators

Dear Gianni,

We are glad that you enjoyed our tour. Hope you have healthy and happy life with Matcha and Japanese Sweets.

See you again next time.

Thank you and best regards,
Mat-Cha-Doh (抹茶道)

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2016/08/10
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

One of the Performers, Asuka, Was So Cute!

Reviewed by: YuKi, 2016/08/12

My friend and I saw the show together. It was our first time seeing a drag show but the performers were more amazing than female dancers and their dances were worth seeing so it was really amazing! One performer, Asuka, was so cute and pretty that you would never have guessed she was a drag queen! My eyes were completely locked on her the whole time.

At 7 PM the dancers come into the audience and you can get their business cards with cute pictures from them. You can even take pictures with them for free! Asuka happily took a picture with us and at that moment I became her fan. The show begins at 7:30 PM. a majority of the audience arrived after 7:00, but around 7:15, a group tour arrived and it got much more crowded. So be sure to arrive early so you can talk and take pictures with the performers.

The performers change depending on the day, so if you want to see Asuka, check which days she will be performing and go meet her!

(Translated from Japanese by Veltra.com)

  • Super-cute performer Asuka

  • The entrance stands out a lot so you won't get lost!

  • The "Pine set" meal.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Japanese Wagashi Sweets Making with Matcha Green Tea in Tokyo

Very good

Reviewed by: Shih chuan Chiang, 2016/04/19

Everything was wonderful !

Teacher has good knowledge and nice .guide was nice as well.
We enjoy very good afternoon.

Comments from activity operators

Thank you for participating in our tour the other day.

It was impressive that you worked on the making of Japanese sweet very eagerly.
We are very glad of it.

Thank you again. We hope see you soon!!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Ramen Making Experience with a Professional Ramen Chef in Tokyo

Great fun! Delicious ramen

Reviewed by: Doug, 2016/03/18

If you like ramen, you'll really enjoy this event. Standing in the kitchen and racing the clock to prepare the perfect bowl as the noodles boil really gives you a sense what goes into running a ramen shop and all the work that goes into it. The lecture parts gives you an idea of how shop owners think about putting their stamp on this highly competitive multi-million dollar industry.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Become a Sushi Chef with a Professional Lesson and Shabu Shabu Lunch in Roppongi

Sushi making

Reviewed by: Kim, heekyeong, 2016/03/06

I had a great time with my kids (9 years old girl and 7 years old boy)
Chef explained how to make sushi in a fluent English following with the history of sushi.
We actually made many kinds of sushi and the course ended up eating our own sushi and prime wakyu sukiyski they served in individual boiling pot with yummy rice.
The restaurant itself is very nice clean and decent place to go.
My kids will never forget this fun experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2016/02/13
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

Great Show

Reviewed by: Angelica, 2016/02/29

Amazing hospitality and friendly staff! I would recommend to 18+ visitors.

Comments from activity operators

Thank you for a visit!
We are glad to be able to enjoy you, too.
Please come again :)

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2016/02/26
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Sake Tasting with 100 Different Kinds of Local Sake at a Bar in Ikebukuro

ii Fun night at SAKE bar !!

Reviewed by: Laugier, 2015/12/11

For someone like me who loves sake, being able to drink as much as I want of it was a huge draw. Besides sake there were also fruit liquors (apple, peach, chestnut) which were a great palate freshener.
As it is a standing bar I was a bot worried about getting tired because I was wearing heels. But at each table they provided disposable slippers, which was awesome!
As you can bring in your own food, I recommend buying lots of your favorite snacks and yummy things to much while you try all the sake!!!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2015/08/28
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Private Guided Tour of Tsukiji Market and Sushi Lunch in Tokyo

Exzellent experience

Reviewed by: Joachim, 2015/11/30

We started the tour in the lobby of our hotel, our guide took care of the transpiration and we arrived at the market area on time. while we toured the site she provided us with a lot of background regarding the types and the quality of different fishes. We ende the tour at nice sushi place and had an early lunch which was very niche! Absolut perfect morning - can recommend 100%

  • Sushi was part of the tour

  • Lots of locals - not a tourist spot

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2015/11/18
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Oiran Cabaret Show Reservations for Kaguwa in Roppongi

Love love love!

Reviewed by: Joanna, 2015/11/14

The performers are very professional ! They would come out to say hi first before the show and you get to take Pictures with them. One of the performers noticed we are not local and let us went on stage to take photos with the whole crew! It's definitely one of the most amazing experience I'll never forget!

We got the all you can drink set and they actually come with chips and popcorn? Service is on the slow side I'm guess it is because it was a full house that day.
love this place tho!

Note: Go early to enjoy all you can drink and get yourself a good seat ( no reserve seating at this place. we ended up sitting really close to the stage ...wasn't able to see the whole performance properly )

Comments from activity operators

Thank you very much for a visit.
In addition, thank you for having an important opinion. We will do my best to be able to enjoy it to a visitor more.
We wait for a next visit :) Thank you!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2015/10/23
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Soba Noodle Making Lesson with Professional Instructor at Yushima

Super delicious experience!

Reviewed by: Jasmine, 2015/11/05

I experienced making soba for the first time in my life. I have made udon before, but have not made soba.
Since I had a chance in Tokyo, I participated in it. As soon as I arrived at the soba shop, I wore the happi coat and felt as if I were a master of making soba. I was surprised that the instructor this time was not a trainee teacher but an fully certified professional. I learned about the types of soba, conditions to make it, and methods of production for the food I normally eat without thinking. I learned how to mixing the flour, roll the dough, and cut it, each step taught in depth by the instructor. Eating my own soba right next to Yushima Tenjin made it taste so good. I got a recipe from there which doesn't seem too difficult to make, so I will try it at home. As they even showed me how to eat properly, I can no longer eat them in a usual messy way! My mom was there, too, and she and I were very happy that we got plenty to take home.

<Translated by Veltra.com>

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

そば打ち体験 プロである准教授の指導で本格的なそば打ちにチャレンジ!<湯島>by 日本そば打ち名人会

おいしすぎる体験!

Reviewed by: Jasmine, 2015/09/09

人生初めてのそば打ちを体験をすることができました!以前にうどんは作ったことがあったのですが、そばはなかったのでせっかく東京に機会があったので参加してみました。ついてすぐにお店のそば打ち法被をお借りして気分はそば打ち名人。今回の先生は準教師さんではなく、鑑定士さんご本人でびっくり!いつもはさりげなく食べてるそばもそば粉の種類、状態、生産のことなどを学べて、そばの奥深さを知りました。粉から混ぜて、伸して、切る段階を一つずつ丁寧に教えてもらいました。湯島天神のすぐそばで新鮮な打ち立てのマイそば(笑)の味は格別です。その場で調理法も教えてもらったので家で私でもできそうなのでやってみます。お蕎麦のおいしい食べ方も伝授してもらい、これからはいつもの雑な食べ方では食べられないと思います!たっぷりお持ち帰りもできて一緒に参加した母も私も大満足でした♪

  • そばを均等に切れる方法も伝授

  • 出来上がったそばをその場で試食!そばの葉っぱってハート型って初めてしりました。

  • 試食分とお持ち帰りの分たっぷりです!(二人で作った8人前です

  • 粉と水を均等にまぜまぜ

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2015/09/08
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]