Healthy Japanese Fermented Food Cooking Class (Vegans OK)
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Would you like to explore Japan more, including about history, food culture and health benefits through fermented foods? Escape the heat and enjoy this unique class near the station!
Our kitchen is located in the heart of Tokyo (Only 10 mins from Shibuya Station via Ginza Line), so you won’t be affected much by the weather!
Special Promotion : We have another class, "Fermented Food Dessert Class" from 2pm. If you take both classes on the same day, we give you a special gift (rice koji amazake used in the dessert class).
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
This experience may not be suitable for children of the age of 6 and under due to the This experience is best suited for adults and children aged 7 and above, as the content focuses on learning and techniques.
We use a small amount of a seasoning called Mirin that contains alcohol. The alcohol is removed during cooking, so the dish is safe for children. However, the tasting is not available for children.
Please let us know if you have allergen restrictions.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Would you like to explore Japan more, including about history, food culture and health benefits through fermented foods? Escape the heat and enjoy this unique class near the station! Our kitchen is located in the heart of Tokyo (Only 10 mins from Shibuya Station to the kitchen including a short walk), so you won’t be affected much by the weather! A certified instructor guides you through easy recipes using traditional Japanese fermented ingredients, with an in-depth lecture in a small-group setting. The class is just 2 hours long, making it perfect even for busy travelers! * Vegan option is available by using deep fried tofu, but we will share the kitchen with non-vegan version. Please ask for vegan option when you apply. * The menu changes depending on the season. Special Promotion : We also offer another class, "Fermented Food Dessert Class" from 2pm. If you join both classes on the same day, you will receive a special gift. (rice koji amazake, the one we use in the dessert class.)
Sample Menu
main
Teriyaki Chicken (or deep fried tofu for vegans on a request basis)
Try this easy yet delicious recipe using traditional fermented ingredients!
starter
Onigiri
Let's make a cute and globally popular rice ball together!
starter
Miso soup
Let's make healthy miso soup with an easy recipe for everyday!
starter
Two vegetable side dishes using miso
You will learn some ways to use miso - comes with edible cherry blossoms (sakura) petals for decoration!
dessert
Mini dessert using amazake and yogurt
Try this refreshing and tasty dessert, using amazake (fermented sweet rice paste) with yogurt - your gut will be happy!
What‘s Included
Green tea or other Japanese tea
Lecture handout (presentation material of the lecture)
Lunch or dinner
Rental apron
Transportation fee to come to the venue.
Options
A Rare Find! Japanese Fermented Food Cooking Class (Vegans OK)
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Naoko’s cooking class...
Hien L,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Naoko’s cooking class with fermented ingredients was very enjoyable and insightful. We learnt many new things about miso, koji and other Japanese fermented foods, Naoko is very knowledgeable in this area and she is very friendly too. The lunch we cooked was very delicious and easy to make. Highly recommend this cooking class whilst visiting Tokyo.
Unique lunch activity
Suman K,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Naoko-San's fermented food class is unique. She starts with a short lecture on Japanese fermented foods, then we prepare a simple home-made lunch together based on fermented ingredients. I recommend this for people who want to learn about and incorporate fermented foods in their diet as they go on their wellness journey.
Wonderful lesson on fermentation and cooking
Arifur R,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Host is kind and gracious. Walked us through a review of fermented products like miso, mirin and few others whose name I cannot remember. The process behind it, the history etc. The meal we cooked as a group was delicious and homely. Host gave me a lot of tips on Tokyo and grocery shopping. I highly recommend this tour
A Real Gem for Food Lovers in Japan
karelynk2025,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time taking this class! Naoko has clearly put such good thought and work into creating something really special. The class was informative, hands on, and so well organized. We learned a ton and had a lot of fun doing it. Her passion for fermentation and Japanese food culture really shined through, and she made everything approachable and engaging. We left not only with new knowledge, but also feeling inspired to ferment at home. Highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for something unique and memorable to do!
A class we really recommend!
Lovisa P,,May 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This class is both fun and educational! We learned many things about Japanese fermentation and got inspired to continue to do this at home! We got the chance to ask many questions about the Japanese food and also learn a bit more about the Japanese culture.
Amazing experience
Daria B,,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing experience at this Japanese fermented food master class with Naoko! She is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate Fermented Food Expert who made the session both educational and enjoyable. Her in-depth insights into the history, health benefits, and practical uses of fermented foods were fascinating, and she explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and apply. Naoko was also a wonderful host—very kind, welcoming, and eager to answer all our questions. She went above and beyond by recommending specific brands to buy and where to find them, which was incredibly helpful. On top of that, she provided printed recipes for us to take home, making it easy to recreate the dishes on our own. During the class, we cooked six delicious dishes and enjoyed a wonderful lunch afterwards! Every dish was flavorful and showcased how easy it is to incorporate fermented ingredients into everyday cooking. Naoko carefully demonstrated each recipe in detail, sharing many useful hints and kitchen tools that made the process even more efficient and enjoyable. The class was well-structured and just the right length (2 hours). The location near Akasaka Mitsuke Station was super convenient. I highly recommend this class to everyone who loves to cook/ or just cook! It’s an inspiring, hands-on experience that will leave you excited to bring Japanese fermented flavors into your own kitchen ( as we do 😊).
Fun being cozy with koji :)
Sora S,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a fun time in this cooking class! The instructor was friendly and kind, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. She was also knowledgeable about koji, the Japanese fermented seasoning, and shared fascinating insights about its health benefits, the fermentation process, different types of miso, and even its history. As a vegetarian, my main dish was tofu steak, and it came out much better than I expected. —juicy, soft, and packed with flavor. The dishes we made were simple yet scrumptious and, best of all, easy to recreate at home. I rarely cook and like to cook fast and easily, so it was great. No prior cooking experience is needed, as everything is well-prepared, and all ingredients and tools are provided. This class is perfect for travelers because you don’t need to bring anything—just show up and enjoy learning about koji-based cuisine. The location is also super convenient, only a few minutes from the station. It was my first time tasting miso made from bean-based koji. We also prepared a variety of vegetable dishes with a light miso-based sauce that enhanced, rather than overpowered, the natural flavors of the ingredients. This simplicity truly highlights the essence of Japanese cuisine. I recommend this class to anyone interested in Japanese food, history, and culture or those looking to experience something beyond typical tourist activities. It was a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors while learning about traditional cooking techniques!
Amazing cooking class！
Roam00856641452,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a class where you can learn about traditional Japanese fermented foods (miso, amazake, etc.). The menu is simple, so you can practice it at home right away! The teacher will answer your questions carefully, so please feel free to ask any questions you are interested in!
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