Hands-on Japanese Cooking in a Shinjuku Home Kitchen with Satoru

About this tour

Meet Satoru at Shinjuku Station and head to his apartment for a hands-on cooking session spanning two-and-a-half hours. You'll prepare two to three Japanese dishes under his guidance, learning techniques and stories about local food culture, then sit down together to eat what you've made. Walk away with recipes, a Japanese kitchen tool, and a specialty ingredient to recreate the dishes at home.

Highlights

• Cook 2-3 dishes from scratch in Satoru's Shinjuku kitchen
• Learn authentic techniques whilst hearing local food stories
• Eat your creations at his dining table with local alcohol
• Receive a Japanese utensil and specialty ingredient to take home
• Menu varies by day: sushi Saturdays, donburi/bento other days
• Vegetarian options available with advance notice
• Small groups only, intimate neighbourhood setting

What to expect

Satoru meets you at JR Shinjuku Station and walks you through the bustling neighbourhood to his modest apartment. The session starts immediately—no lengthy introductions. You'll work alongside him preparing the day's menu, which shifts by weekday (sushi on Saturdays, donburi or bento bowls on other days). Expect to handle knives, prep ingredients, and absorb his approach to balance and flavour. Conversation flows naturally as you cook. Once finished, you'll sit at his table, taste your work, and share a glass or two of local alcohol. He wraps up by gifting you a utensil and ingredient so you can attempt the dishes yourself.

Good to know

Check the weekly menu ahead and confirm any dietary needs one week before your session—the day-of menu stands otherwise. Vegetarian options exist but require advance notice. The apartment is accessible via public transport near the station. Bring an appetite and wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting slightly splashed.