The 5 Best Culinary Schools in Japan to Learn to Cook Traditional Japanese Food
Some of you may already know that the majority of traditional Japanese cuisine is based on rice with the presence of delicious miso soup, yet it also goes far beyond that. You will also encounter fish of various types and cooking methods, pickled vegetables in traditional Japanese processing, and all the possible types of seafood where a lot of it is served in a raw way. Likewise, many people in the Western world these days are used to Sushi and Tempura, yet it’s only in Japan that you can learn how to cook it properly and observe all the relevant rules that make it taste truly Japanese.
Photo by Thomas Marban on Unsplash
The 5 Best Culinary Schools in Japan to Learn to Cook Traditional Japanese Food
If you ask an average Japanese person about cooking traditional country foods, you will most definitely hear about having to learn how it’s done in Japan. Therefore, if you want to learn how to approach things through the traditional lens and a set of customs, the trick is to find one of the culinary schools in Japan and learn from the pros in the industry. Contrary to the popular belief, it’s not overly challenging if you follow the rules and show genuine respect and gratitude as you learn.
- Buddha Bellies Cooking School
If you are in central Tokyo, it’s one of the best places to learn how to cook and serve traditional Japanese dining. What makes things interesting is that the host Ayuko Akiyama also provides special courses that focus on Japanese sweets that are hard to find anywhere beyond Japan. You will also learn how to behave during the famous tea ceremony and how to keep up with the challenges.
- Mayuko’s Little Kitchen
If you are more into home-cooked foods in Japan, it’s one of the locations where you can learn in a small apartment where Mayuko will happily provide you with home recipes. If you are willing to learn and travel the world, it’s one of the best experiences. Mayuko also teaches sushi making and has relevant certificates, so it’s all up to the highest standards. She will also tell you more about foods for studying or aromatherapy in case it’s something that you are after. If you want to get the best Japanese experience, it’s one of the best choices to consider while you are in Japan.
- KAI House Japanese Cooking Courses
If you want to have instructions in perfect English, it is the way to go, as you will learn both seasonal and traditional Japanese recipes. The classes are relatively small as you won’t encounter more than 24 participants. You will be charged around 60,000 Japanese yen per person, yet some prices are subject to negotiation. In certain cases, you may go as a beginner or as a college student. If you are asked for a statement of purpose and you need writing inspiration, consider free essays examples and study the options that you have. Remember that the majority of cooking schools in Japan will be quite strict in their admission process, so make sure that you take your time to learn about the country’s traditions and etiquette.
- Tsukiji Cooking
The prices here are much more affordable at around 13,000 yen per person. The good news is that you will learn in a group of 7–10 people only and will have personal instruction from one of the best Japanese instructors. They are the people behind some of the Michelin-star restaurants, so do not miss your chance to learn. An interesting aspect of this culinary school is that you will actually visit the Japanese market and will learn how to pick all the right ingredients, so it’s a truly Japanese experience.
- Nagomi Visit
If you have never been to Japan before, turning to Nagomi’s visit is one of the safe solutions as his organization helps to establish connections in Japan. They have various locations and cooking schools that are not advertised online, thus you can receive information from those who stand behind the best cuisine in Japan and the restaurants that rarely share their skills. You can also find hosts that will provide you with accommodation, so it’s possible to choose a location that suits you and then explore the possible options like Asakusa Kappabashi family traditions or ABC Cooking Studio classes, which is one of the largest cooking schools in the country. Since it takes time to get enrolled and study the requirements, it’s always good to have some peace of mind and time to make your choice!
Remember About Food Etiquette When Dining
Even if you are visiting a Japanese restaurant somewhere in the United States, it’s still essential to remember the etiquette rules to feel confident and avoid violating the rules. You can always practice using chopsticks at home to master your movements first. Another crucial rule is to never point or pass food around with the help of chopsticks. They are personal items that should be kept to yourself. Once done with the meals, you should place money on the tray that is provided and leave the chopsticks sideways on your plate. In addition to that, remember that Japanese will use a wet towel to keep their hands clean, not to get one’s face cleaned up from some sauce! Speaking of sauces, the soy sauce must be placed in the provided bowl. As for the drinks, you should not drink alone but wait for other people to raise their glasses! Observing these important rules, you will always feel much better both in Japan and when visiting one of the local Japanese restaurants.
BIO
Olivia Evans loves Japan and Japanese culture since she always had a soft spot for the country and its people. As an educator and traveler, she loves to write and explore various traditions and interesting facts. Follow Olivia to keep your life inspiring and take your learning to another level.
Also read about Japanese Man Runs 42 KM Marathon On Traditional Wooden Shoes