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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Emi

Tokyo, Japan

USD
$75-$89 per person

Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo with a Local

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

Meet Emi

Emi is passionate about traditional Japanese home-style dishes (Washoku). After years of training with three renowned chefs, she has become a culinary expert, capable of preparing almost any authentic Japanese dish. A Tokyo native, Emi loves meeting travelers and learning about other cultures. While she enjoys food from around the world, her true passion lies in Japanese cuisine, teas, and creating healthy, flavorful meals using the freshest ingredients. She also enjoys cats, photography, hiking, and has a strong interest in nutrition science, ensuring your meal is not only delicious but vibrant and well-balanced, often using 20+ fresh ingredients. Nearby Attractions: Emi’s cooking studio is about a 20-minute walk to the Harry Potter Museum in Tokyo. If you’re visiting TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, the Oedo line provides a direct, no-transfer route from Azabu-Juban station to Nerima, making it easy to explore the city before or after your cooking experience.

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: (2-5 guests) Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal prepared with a variety of fresh vegetables, meat, or fish. Your menu may include favorites such as gyoza (potstickers), tempura, ginger fried pork, chicken karaage, or slow-cooked grilled fish, depending on the day. Your meal concludes with a refreshing cup of barley tea, and sake is available as an optional add-on. While Emi may not join you for the meal, you’ll have the opportunity to converse about Japanese food and culture as you cook together. After your booking is confirmed, please message Emi directly to discuss your menu, she is happy to customize dishes for you. Vegetarian guests are welcome, but please note that menu adjustments may affect the options for the whole group.

Cooking experience: (2-5 guests) Step into the world of Japanese home cooking with Emi, a local culinary expert. Join her for a private Tokyo cooking class exploring traditional flavors, techniques, and cultural insights in an intimate setting. Depending on the day and group size, your experience will take place in one of two cooking studios. Begin with a refreshing cup of mugi-cha (barley tea) before diving into your hands-on, Japanese cooking lesson. Choose any three dishes from Emi’s curated menu (note: Okonomiyaki contains fish granule soup stock). To ensure a smooth experience, all guests prepare the same main dish, so please share your selection at least 3 days in advance - otherwise, Emi will thoughtfully select the menu for you. Over 1.5–2 hours, enjoy engaging conversations about Japanese food and culture while Emi guides you step by step. Then, sit down to savor the meal you’ve prepared together. Before leaving, Emi will provide recipes so you can recreate these authentic Japanese dishes at home.

Meeting Point:
Emi hosts this experience at one of two private cooking studios, each within walking distance of either Nerima Station or Hikarigaoka Station. She will confirm the exact address three days before your experience and provide detailed directions from the train stations to ensure a smooth and easy arrival.

This is more than a cooking class - it’s an unforgettable cultural and culinary journey into authentic Japanese cuisine.

Notes:

1. After your cooking class and meal experience, Emi can take you to a Japanese sweet shop, tea and pottery shop, or liquor store to buy sake or souvenirs before dropping you off at Nerima Station. Please let her know in advance and choose one destination.
2. This experience is not suitable for children aged 9 and under. Children 10 years and older are charged the same as adults.
3. Emi will select a menu on your behalf if she does not receive your menu preferences at least 3 days before the experience.
4. Ramen is not included in this class, as its broth requires several hours to prepare.
5. We recommend booking at least 1 month in advance especially during the spring. For groups of 4 or more, we recommend making reservations 2-3 months in advance for weekends, especially Spring, as availability in one studio is limited and last-minute requests may not be accommodated.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

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.
  • Please choose THREE dishes from the below choices. Emi cannot do different mains for all, so the whole group needs to choose the same main dish. It will be served with barley tea and rice
  • Karaage (chicken)
  • Ginger fried pork
  • Okonomiyaki (pescatarian, or vegetarian or pork) - it includes fish granule soup stock
  • Gyoza (shrimps or vegetarian or pork)
  • Onigiri (meat or fish)
  • Tempura (shrimps and vegetables)
  • Yakisoba (pescatarian, or vegetarian or pork)

Traveler reviews

4.97 (62)
We really enjoyed our privat japanes class. Emy is very friendly a d her teaching is easy to understang! Gilles, Yasmine, Nabila!🙏💐
- yasmine May 27, 2026
Cooking with Emi was a wonderful experience. She is vibrant, energetic, and very knowledgeable. She has great stories to share about the country and the culture and the food of Japan. We made delicious Goza, ginger pork, and a chicken dish. All were delicious! Highly recommend if you are in the Tokyo area to spend an evening with Emi!
- bill May 15, 2026
emi is a quiet, polite, funny chef that knows her japanese food. we loved learning how to make tempura, chicken karaage and okonomiyashi in one night. i cant wait to try making them once we get back home
- kim April 09, 2026
We went to discover local dishes with Emi and left with our stomachs full of the right know-how! A very good time.
- jeff December 31, 2025
This was one of our favorite experiences on our trip to Tokyo! Emi provided amazing directions, personal connection and a truly lovely experience. We had the opportunity to make many dishes that we can’t wait to recreate when we get home! The space is clean and easy to find, Emi’s communication was clear and detailed, the experience was just a ton of fun! Highly recommend!
- nancy December 29, 2025
Read More

Emi

$75-$89 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 $89 $75
Alcohol
 $6 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $89 $75
Alcohol
 $6 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-1:30pm 5:00pm-8:00pm

Meet Emi

Emi is passionate about traditional Japanese home-style dishes (Washoku). After years of training with three renowned chefs, she has become a culinary expert, capable of preparing almost any authentic Japanese dish. A Tokyo native, Emi loves meeting travelers and learning about other cultures. While she enjoys food from around the world, her true passion lies in Japanese cuisine, teas, and creating healthy, flavorful meals using the freshest ingredients. She also enjoys cats, photography, hiking, and has a strong interest in nutrition science, ensuring your meal is not only delicious but vibrant and well-balanced, often using 20+ fresh ingredients. Nearby Attractions: Emi’s cooking studio is about a 20-minute walk to the Harry Potter Museum in Tokyo. If you’re visiting TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills, the Oedo line provides a direct, no-transfer route from Azabu-Juban station to Nerima, making it easy to explore the city before or after your cooking experience.

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: (2-5 guests) Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal prepared with a variety of fresh vegetables, meat, or fish. Your menu may include favorites such as gyoza (potstickers), tempura, ginger fried pork, chicken karaage, or slow-cooked grilled fish, depending on the day. Your meal concludes with a refreshing cup of barley tea, and sake is available as an optional add-on. While Emi may not join you for the meal, you’ll have the opportunity to converse about Japanese food and culture as you cook together. After your booking is confirmed, please message Emi directly to discuss your menu, she is happy to customize dishes for you. Vegetarian guests are welcome, but please note that menu adjustments may affect the options for the whole group.

Cooking experience: (2-5 guests) Step into the world of Japanese home cooking with Emi, a local culinary expert. Join her for a private Tokyo cooking class exploring traditional flavors, techniques, and cultural insights in an intimate setting. Depending on the day and group size, your experience will take place in one of two cooking studios. Begin with a refreshing cup of mugi-cha (barley tea) before diving into your hands-on, Japanese cooking lesson. Choose any three dishes from Emi’s curated menu (note: Okonomiyaki contains fish granule soup stock). To ensure a smooth experience, all guests prepare the same main dish, so please share your selection at least 3 days in advance - otherwise, Emi will thoughtfully select the menu for you. Over 1.5–2 hours, enjoy engaging conversations about Japanese food and culture while Emi guides you step by step. Then, sit down to savor the meal you’ve prepared together. Before leaving, Emi will provide recipes so you can recreate these authentic Japanese dishes at home.

Meeting Point:
Emi hosts this experience at one of two private cooking studios, each within walking distance of either Nerima Station or Hikarigaoka Station. She will confirm the exact address three days before your experience and provide detailed directions from the train stations to ensure a smooth and easy arrival.

This is more than a cooking class - it’s an unforgettable cultural and culinary journey into authentic Japanese cuisine.

Notes:

1. After your cooking class and meal experience, Emi can take you to a Japanese sweet shop, tea and pottery shop, or liquor store to buy sake or souvenirs before dropping you off at Nerima Station. Please let her know in advance and choose one destination.
2. This experience is not suitable for children aged 9 and under. Children 10 years and older are charged the same as adults.
3. Emi will select a menu on your behalf if she does not receive your menu preferences at least 3 days before the experience.
4. Ramen is not included in this class, as its broth requires several hours to prepare.
5. We recommend booking at least 1 month in advance especially during the spring. For groups of 4 or more, we recommend making reservations 2-3 months in advance for weekends, especially Spring, as availability in one studio is limited and last-minute requests may not be accommodated.

Languages spoken: Japanese, English

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.
  • Please choose THREE dishes from the below choices. Emi cannot do different mains for all, so the whole group needs to choose the same main dish. It will be served with barley tea and rice
  • Karaage (chicken)
  • Ginger fried pork
  • Okonomiyaki (pescatarian, or vegetarian or pork) - it includes fish granule soup stock
  • Gyoza (shrimps or vegetarian or pork)
  • Onigiri (meat or fish)
  • Tempura (shrimps and vegetables)
  • Yakisoba (pescatarian, or vegetarian or pork)

Traveler reviews

4.97 (62)
We really enjoyed our privat japanes class. Emy is very friendly a d her teaching is easy to understang! Gilles, Yasmine, Nabila!🙏💐
- yasmine May 27, 2026
Cooking with Emi was a wonderful experience. She is vibrant, energetic, and very knowledgeable. She has great stories to share about the country and the culture and the food of Japan. We made delicious Goza, ginger pork, and a chicken dish. All were delicious! Highly recommend if you are in the Tokyo area to spend an evening with Emi!
- bill May 15, 2026
emi is a quiet, polite, funny chef that knows her japanese food. we loved learning how to make tempura, chicken karaage and okonomiyashi in one night. i cant wait to try making them once we get back home
- kim April 09, 2026
We went to discover local dishes with Emi and left with our stomachs full of the right know-how! A very good time.
- jeff December 31, 2025
This was one of our favorite experiences on our trip to Tokyo! Emi provided amazing directions, personal connection and a truly lovely experience. We had the opportunity to make many dishes that we can’t wait to recreate when we get home! The space is clean and easy to find, Emi’s communication was clear and detailed, the experience was just a ton of fun! Highly recommend!
- nancy December 29, 2025
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $89 $75
Alcohol
 $6 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $89 $75
Alcohol
 $6 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:30am-1:30pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
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.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    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.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    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").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.