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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Satoru

Tokyo, Japan

USD
$139-$199 per person

Hands-on Japanese Cooking in a Shinjuku Home Kitchen

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Satoru

Satoru was born in Hokkaido and grew up surrounded by nature and large vegetable fields. As a child, he would always harvest fresh vegetables from his family's fields and cook with his mother and grandmother who were wonderful home cooks. His grandmother never compromised in quality or technique when cooking and taught him everything she knew. Satoru is now a passionate home cook himself. His grandfather owned an organic miso factory that Satoru believed to be the best in the world. Although it closed after his grandfather passed away, his grandfather passed down his miso making techniques to his mother who sends Sato her handmade organic miso. This miso is the secret of Satoru's signature miso soup, something you won't want to miss. Satoru enjoys teaching people about Japanese food and helping them explore his local culture through food. He believes that there are so many delicious homemade Japanese foods that cannot be found in the restaurants and delights in sharing these dishes with travelers.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-4 guests) As you sip on a welcome drink, Satoru will share stories about life and culture in Japan. You will then sit down to a traditional Japanese meal of home style Japanese dishes at his dining table. Depending on the day of the week, your menu might change. Also depends on availability of seasonal vegetables. Enjoy a laid-back, stress-free meal and conversation about Japanese cuisine and culture with this knowledgeable local.

Cooking experience: (2-4 guests) After meeting Satoru at the JR Shinjuku station, you will walk together to his simple, cozy apartment in the heart of Shinjuku. Join Satoru in his small but efficient kitchen and learn how to cook 2-5 authentic Japanese dishes from scratch. You can expect your cooking class to take about an hour and a half before you sit down and share the meal you helped to prepare over engaging conversation with Satoru. Feel free to ask him about the ingredients that go into making the dish from savory dashi to sweet organic honey and he will give you tips and a story relating to his choice.

Market visit: (2-4 guests) Please note that this is not a tour of a food market and will take place after your cooking class. Instead of a market tour, Satoru will take you on a street tour of a local district that tourists typically do not see. Stroll through the neighborhood with Satoru as he shares information about Japanese culture and trends.

Notes: Please note that a Cooking + Meal experience with Sato will take 2.5 hours instead of 3 hours, so the actual timings would be: 10:30AM - 1:00PM for Lunch, 6:00PM - 8:30PM for Dinner. Please ignore the 'Experience Timings' shown on the left hand side of this page.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Wed, Thu, Fri: Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) or Karaage (fried chicken) or Yakisoba (pan fried noodle) or Katsu curry rice or Ramen or Gyoza
  • Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue: Teishoku (Japanese set meal includes miso soup, rice and 2 side dishes)
  • Please check the menu in advance, specific days have specific menus. If you do not share your preference, the menu of the day will be cooked. So if you wish to make changes or have any restrictions, please inform the host ONE week in advance, or else the menu of the day will be cooked.

Traveler reviews

5.0 (20)
We joined Satoru for a cooking class on our recent trip to Tokyo, and we are so glad we did. Communication before our class was clear, and he was early at the meeting point. He welcomed us to his flat, and we had an excellent experience, fixing a lovely lunch with a great host. Satoru is knowledgeable, friendly, and warm. He was generous to provide the recipes for the dishes we made so we could try them at home. The class gave us a good background in Japanese food, cooking and presentation that helped us really appreciate the meals we had on the rest of our trip. We definitely recommend cooking with Satoru for a unique experience in Tokyo.
- Obwan June 14, 2025
Excellent evening …. Great tutorial and wonderful food with this delightful chef. Highly recommend this and will be back whenever we can get back to Tokyo
- Judie April 01, 2025
We had a wonderful evening together with our professional home cooking chef Saturo, who guided us deeper into the knowledge of Japanese food culture and Japanese culture in general. Saturo told us generously about his background, grandparents thought on food, seasons of rice!, the making of magic Miso, just like his grandfather used to make - and lots of other tips and tricks we never will forget. The food we cooked tasted heavenly good, with lots of umami and the best thing is that we got some recipes to bring back home 😄 You don’t have to be a samurai in a kitchen to enjoy Saturos class. He guides you with respect and humor, and you will be amazed of what you’ve accomplished in few hours. With love, The Clausen family.
- haclaus July 21, 2024
A Culinary Highlight in Tokyo with a Touch of Humor! Kon'nichiwa! Our journey to Japan last October was a tapestry of unforgettable moments, but our cooking adventure with Satoru truly wove a thread of joy through our hearts. As a trio of Germans, not exactly known for our samurai-like skills in the kitchen, we were a bit apprehensive. However, Satoru, embodying the punctuality better than a Deutsche Bahn train, was already waiting for us at the station before we could even wonder where to go. This was our first hint that we were in for a treat. Welcomed into his home, Satoru transformed our lack of culinary prowess into a delightful soiree of cooking and laughter. Guiding us with the patience of a zen master and the humor of a stand-up comedian, he made us feel at ease and capable of conquering the culinary challenges ahead. The experience was peppered with laughter, especially when toasting our newfound friendship over Asahi Superdry, a gesture that made the delicious meal we prepared together even more special. But Satoru's generosity extended beyond the kitchen. He shared with us a curated list of Tokyo's culinary gems via WhatsApp, ensuring our gastronomic adventure continued throughout our stay. This level of thoughtfulness and care from someone we had just met was both heartwarming and invaluable. Saying goodbye to Satoru was bittersweet, but we departed with bellies full and spirits lifted, carrying memories of a day filled with laughter, learning, and the warmth of new friendships. For those venturing to Tokyo, a cooking class with Satoru is not just a lesson in Japanese cuisine, but a gateway to understanding the joy and humor that food can bring into our lives. Arigatou gozaimasu, Satoru, for an experience that was the highlight of our trip. Sayōnara, until the paths of our culinary adventures cross again!
- Pacci110 March 22, 2024
Fantastic time learning and cooking with Satoru! Satoru was very welcoming, relaxed and highly organised. We cooked multiple delicious Japanese dishes and left feeling confident in our ability to cook them at home. Satoru was a great mentor for our 15 year old son who rated his time with Satoru as “excellent, he was really nice and easy to chat with”. Thanks Satoru, we will see you next time we are in Tokyo!
- Oast36 February 24, 2024
Read More

Satoru

$139-$199 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 Not offered
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $199 Not offered
Alcohol
 $7 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 Not offered
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $199 Not offered
Alcohol
 $7 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-1:30pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 10:30am-3:30pm

Meet Satoru

Satoru was born in Hokkaido and grew up surrounded by nature and large vegetable fields. As a child, he would always harvest fresh vegetables from his family's fields and cook with his mother and grandmother who were wonderful home cooks. His grandmother never compromised in quality or technique when cooking and taught him everything she knew. Satoru is now a passionate home cook himself. His grandfather owned an organic miso factory that Satoru believed to be the best in the world. Although it closed after his grandfather passed away, his grandfather passed down his miso making techniques to his mother who sends Sato her handmade organic miso. This miso is the secret of Satoru's signature miso soup, something you won't want to miss. Satoru enjoys teaching people about Japanese food and helping them explore his local culture through food. He believes that there are so many delicious homemade Japanese foods that cannot be found in the restaurants and delights in sharing these dishes with travelers.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-4 guests) As you sip on a welcome drink, Satoru will share stories about life and culture in Japan. You will then sit down to a traditional Japanese meal of home style Japanese dishes at his dining table. Depending on the day of the week, your menu might change. Also depends on availability of seasonal vegetables. Enjoy a laid-back, stress-free meal and conversation about Japanese cuisine and culture with this knowledgeable local.

Cooking experience: (2-4 guests) After meeting Satoru at the JR Shinjuku station, you will walk together to his simple, cozy apartment in the heart of Shinjuku. Join Satoru in his small but efficient kitchen and learn how to cook 2-5 authentic Japanese dishes from scratch. You can expect your cooking class to take about an hour and a half before you sit down and share the meal you helped to prepare over engaging conversation with Satoru. Feel free to ask him about the ingredients that go into making the dish from savory dashi to sweet organic honey and he will give you tips and a story relating to his choice.

Market visit: (2-4 guests) Please note that this is not a tour of a food market and will take place after your cooking class. Instead of a market tour, Satoru will take you on a street tour of a local district that tourists typically do not see. Stroll through the neighborhood with Satoru as he shares information about Japanese culture and trends.

Notes: Please note that a Cooking + Meal experience with Sato will take 2.5 hours instead of 3 hours, so the actual timings would be: 10:30AM - 1:00PM for Lunch, 6:00PM - 8:30PM for Dinner. Please ignore the 'Experience Timings' shown on the left hand side of this page.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Wed, Thu, Fri: Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) or Karaage (fried chicken) or Yakisoba (pan fried noodle) or Katsu curry rice or Ramen or Gyoza
  • Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue: Teishoku (Japanese set meal includes miso soup, rice and 2 side dishes)
  • Please check the menu in advance, specific days have specific menus. If you do not share your preference, the menu of the day will be cooked. So if you wish to make changes or have any restrictions, please inform the host ONE week in advance, or else the menu of the day will be cooked.

Traveler reviews

5.0 (20)
We joined Satoru for a cooking class on our recent trip to Tokyo, and we are so glad we did. Communication before our class was clear, and he was early at the meeting point. He welcomed us to his flat, and we had an excellent experience, fixing a lovely lunch with a great host. Satoru is knowledgeable, friendly, and warm. He was generous to provide the recipes for the dishes we made so we could try them at home. The class gave us a good background in Japanese food, cooking and presentation that helped us really appreciate the meals we had on the rest of our trip. We definitely recommend cooking with Satoru for a unique experience in Tokyo.
- Obwan June 14, 2025
Excellent evening …. Great tutorial and wonderful food with this delightful chef. Highly recommend this and will be back whenever we can get back to Tokyo
- Judie April 01, 2025
We had a wonderful evening together with our professional home cooking chef Saturo, who guided us deeper into the knowledge of Japanese food culture and Japanese culture in general. Saturo told us generously about his background, grandparents thought on food, seasons of rice!, the making of magic Miso, just like his grandfather used to make - and lots of other tips and tricks we never will forget. The food we cooked tasted heavenly good, with lots of umami and the best thing is that we got some recipes to bring back home 😄 You don’t have to be a samurai in a kitchen to enjoy Saturos class. He guides you with respect and humor, and you will be amazed of what you’ve accomplished in few hours. With love, The Clausen family.
- haclaus July 21, 2024
A Culinary Highlight in Tokyo with a Touch of Humor! Kon'nichiwa! Our journey to Japan last October was a tapestry of unforgettable moments, but our cooking adventure with Satoru truly wove a thread of joy through our hearts. As a trio of Germans, not exactly known for our samurai-like skills in the kitchen, we were a bit apprehensive. However, Satoru, embodying the punctuality better than a Deutsche Bahn train, was already waiting for us at the station before we could even wonder where to go. This was our first hint that we were in for a treat. Welcomed into his home, Satoru transformed our lack of culinary prowess into a delightful soiree of cooking and laughter. Guiding us with the patience of a zen master and the humor of a stand-up comedian, he made us feel at ease and capable of conquering the culinary challenges ahead. The experience was peppered with laughter, especially when toasting our newfound friendship over Asahi Superdry, a gesture that made the delicious meal we prepared together even more special. But Satoru's generosity extended beyond the kitchen. He shared with us a curated list of Tokyo's culinary gems via WhatsApp, ensuring our gastronomic adventure continued throughout our stay. This level of thoughtfulness and care from someone we had just met was both heartwarming and invaluable. Saying goodbye to Satoru was bittersweet, but we departed with bellies full and spirits lifted, carrying memories of a day filled with laughter, learning, and the warmth of new friendships. For those venturing to Tokyo, a cooking class with Satoru is not just a lesson in Japanese cuisine, but a gateway to understanding the joy and humor that food can bring into our lives. Arigatou gozaimasu, Satoru, for an experience that was the highlight of our trip. Sayōnara, until the paths of our culinary adventures cross again!
- Pacci110 March 22, 2024
Fantastic time learning and cooking with Satoru! Satoru was very welcoming, relaxed and highly organised. We cooked multiple delicious Japanese dishes and left feeling confident in our ability to cook them at home. Satoru was a great mentor for our 15 year old son who rated his time with Satoru as “excellent, he was really nice and easy to chat with”. Thanks Satoru, we will see you next time we are in Tokyo!
- Oast36 February 24, 2024
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 Not offered
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $199 Not offered
Alcohol
 $7 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 Not offered
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $199 Not offered
Alcohol
 $7 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-1:30pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 10:30am-3:30pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

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    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

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    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

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