A Culinary Journey Through Japan: Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class with Local Supermarket Visit in Tokyo

Sep 16, 2024

Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis where modern life coexists with deep-rooted traditions. One of the most enticing aspects of Japanese culture is its cuisine, renowned for its freshness, precision, and artful presentation. For those who want to experience the true essence of Japan’s food culture, the Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class + Local Supermarket Visit is an ideal culinary adventure.

Sushi Set nigiri and sashimi with tea

This 4-hour tour provides an immersive experience, starting with a visit to a local supermarket, followed by hands-on sushi making and sake tasting. Learn to craft Japanese dishes from scratch while uncovering the secrets behind the ingredients and techniques that make the cuisine unique. 

A Unique Shopping Experience at a Local Supermarket

Your journey begins at a traditional Japanese supermarket, where a local guide takes you through the aisles, introducing you to authentic Japanese ingredients. This is no ordinary grocery run—this shopping experience gives you insight into the building blocks of Japanese cuisine.

You’ll learn how locals choose the freshest fish for sushi, select the perfect soy sauce, and differentiate between miso varieties. The guide will introduce lesser-known ingredients, such as dashi (a flavorful soup stock base), essential for many traditional Japanese dishes.

Japanese food

For food enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to understand the subtleties of Japanese cooking from the ground up. Walking through a Japanese supermarket is an experience, from the colorful displays of fresh produce to the extensive range of sashimi-grade fish. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the role of quality ingredients in crafting Japanese cuisine.

The Art of Japanese Cooking

After gathering the ingredients, you’ll head to a nearby cooking class space where the magic begins. Here, under the guidance of a local culinary expert, you’ll learn to cook several classic Japanese dishes. The hands-on class gives you a genuine opportunity to master authentic techniques.

Japanese Cuisine

You’ll start by learning the delicate art of making miso soup from scratch—a foundational dish in Japanese households. The tour also includes creating dashi maki tamago, or Japanese rolled omelet, using the flavorful dashi you learned about earlier. The precise rolling and cutting techniques are crucial to creating the perfectly layered omelet.

One of the class highlights is crafting your sushi rolls using fresh, sashimi-grade fish. This part of the experience teaches you how to make sushi and the etiquette and traditions surrounding its preparation. From mastering the perfect rice texture to cutting sashimi slices, this is an interactive way to bring the Japanese dining experience into your own home.

Mediterranean Red Tuna Tataki on Wooden Board

Additionally, you’ll learn to prepare eggplant dengaku, a staple in kaiseki cuisine (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal). The combination of ingredients, preparation methods, and final presentation will make you feel like a Japanese chef.

Japanese cuisine : Grilled cod with miso, boiled brussels sprouts and Tofu Dengaku in Kyoto, Japan

Sake Tasting – The Perfect Pairing

The cooking experience is paired with a tasting of four distinct types of sake; each carefully selected to complement the flavors of your meal. You’ll learn about the different grades of sake, how it’s brewed, and how to pair it with various Japanese dishes. Sake is not just a drink but an essential part of Japanese dining, and this tasting session allows you to explore its complexities.

Ready to drink sake with flowers of blooming cherry

The tour will introduce you to a range of sake varieties, from sweet and fruity Daiginjo sake to the more robust flavors of Junmai. You’ll get expert tips on pairing sake with specific foods, enhancing your meal’s flavors, and elevating the overall dining experience. This guided tasting offers a perfect opportunity to ask questions and explore the nuances of this traditional Japanese beverage.

Discovering Japanese Food Culture

Your guide will share fascinating insights into Japanese food culture throughout the class. You’ll learn about the role of umami, the fifth taste integral to Japanese cuisine, and how it is infused in various dishes through ingredients like miso, soy sauce, and seaweed. You’ll also learn about Japan’s culinary history, regional food variations, and dining etiquette, which will deepen your understanding of why Japanese food is considered one of the world’s finest cuisines.

Sushi restaurant

This personalized culinary experience allows you to ask questions and receive tips on cooking these dishes at home. You’ll leave with a full stomach and the skills and knowledge to recreate these recipes in your kitchen, impressing friends and family at your next dinner party.

Why Book with Viator?

Booking this incredible Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class + Local Supermarket Visit through Viator ensures a seamless and highly-rated experience. Viator partners with trusted local guides and offers easy, secure bookings with a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans change.

With over 100 positive reviews, this cooking class has earned the Badge of Excellence, guaranteeing a top-tier experience. The combination of cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and authentic flavors makes this tour an unforgettable adventure for anyone visiting Tokyo.

Bringing the Flavors of Japan Home

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the opportunity to take the recipes and techniques you’ve learned and apply them back home. You’ll quickly receive a recipe guide to recreate your sushi rolls, miso soup, and other dishes. Whether you’re hosting a Japanese-themed dinner party or want to add a new dimension to your home cooking, this experience equips you with the tools to bring a slice of Japan into your kitchen.

Artistic Sushi Selection on a Plate

Beyond cooking skills, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the balance, precision, and artistry that define Japanese cuisine. From the careful selection of ingredients to the intricacies of sake pairing, this tour offers a comprehensive understanding of what makes Japanese food unique.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Culinary Experience in Tokyo

The Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class + Local Supermarket Visit is more than just a cooking class—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Japanese food culture. From learning to select the freshest ingredients at a local supermarket to mastering traditional cooking techniques and tasting premium sake, this tour offers a sensory experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this hands-on class provides an accessible and enjoyable way to explore Tokyo’s culinary heritage. By the end of the experience, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Japanese cuisine and the confidence to recreate these iconic dishes at home.

To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, book your Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class through Viator and enjoy the convenience of secure bookings, expert guides, and a flexible cancellation policy. Ready to dive into Japan’s culinary world? Reserve your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable Tokyo food adventure.

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