Bento Food Experiences(31)

Explore the delightful world of traditional bento boxes with diverse flavors and customizable options in immersive food experiences.
Classic Japanese Bento Making Class in Kawasaki (Kanagawa) 3
Classes
KANAGAWA

Classic Japanese Bento Making Class in Kawasaki (Kanagawa)

Guided by a local with years of bento-making experience, learn to prepare, cook and assemble a packed bento meal with rolled onigiri, tamagoyaki and a side of miso soup in this bento-making class in a cozy kitchen in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

from$77.84
Photo of heartV2
Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & Onigiri  3
Classes
HOKKAIDO

Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & Onigiri

While in Sapporo, take part in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make sushi rolls and complement your meal with an additional Japanese home cooking staple dish: onigiri (rice balls) or other alternatives.

from$64.39
Photo of heartV2
Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & 2 Dishes 1
Classes
HOKKAIDO

Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & 2 Dishes

Discover the essentials of Japanese home cooking in this class led by a professional chef at her home kitchen in Sapporo. You’ll learn to roll sushi and make two staples of Japanese cuisine (washoku) to complete your meal.

from$78.54
Photo of heartV2
Tailor-Made Tours
Can’t find what you’re looking for? We can plan a custom-made food experience or itinerary just for you.
Photo of tailorbg
Reviews SmileyRecent Reviews from Guests
1 / 3
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Had a great time at this bento-making class! Miho was super nice and helpful, guiding us through tasty and beautifully arranged bentos. Super fun, hands-on, and beginner-friendly. Highly recommend for a unique food experience!
Alejandro Aranguren
March 14, 2025
Two people enjoying a Japanese cooking class experience
Traditional Bento Making Class in Kichijoji (Tokyo)
Classes
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
We greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this experience to all citrus lovers. We received heartfelt welcome at the station and were taken to a farm of one of the local families, where we enjoyed a stunning view over the sunny hillsides full of mikan trees (you can see the bay and the islands), picked the fruits, squeezed and drank some of the fresh juice on the spot. Invited in a traditional, over 100 years old house of the family, we ate a delicious locally made bento lunchbox. Thanks to our translator we were able to comunicate effortlessly and learned about the culture. Later we were warmly received by local ladies in a community kitchen and were guided through the process of making marmelade from the fruits we picked. We used Haruka, a sweet refreshing yellow fruit. We also tasted Beni-Madonna, a locally developed mikan variaty with exquisite sweetness and softness. The ladies are members of the Japanese Marmelade Association and have won many awards. Of course, through their experience, our marmelade turned out a success! Therefore we were encouraged to try our luck at this year's competition. The last lucky guest won a silver medal last year! We even got fruits to enjoy at home and some more presents from the community. We cannot believe that this experience is so little known, it really is a hidden gem. It is very well organised, everybody is so kind and made us feel very welcome. Thank you, people of Yawatahama!
Karel Kubena
January 31, 2025
Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making 16
Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making
Food Tours
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
We are still talking about our wonderful cooking experience with Chieko. Even though my wife grew up in a Japanese American home, Chieko taught us traditional methods we are anxious to try on our own. We took our teen granddaughter who loved the experience!
John Stice
January 05, 2025
Teishoku Cooking Class in Shinjuku (Five Meal Options) 3
Teishoku Cooking Class in Shinjuku (Five Meal Options)
Classes
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
I had an incredible time at this cooking class! The chef was so friendly and gave clear, easy-to-follow explanations, making it fun to cook authentic Japanese dishes myself. The recipes felt like genuine home cooking, and the English translation of the entire cooking class was perfect. The experience was both enjoyable and educational—highly recommend for anyone who loves food or Japanese culture!
Lara
November 27, 2024
Japanese Home Cooking Class in Tokyo (Onigiri & Tamagoyaki) 2
Japanese Home Cooking Class in Tokyo (Onigiri & Tamagoyaki)
Classes
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
This was a fun and interactive presentation of two of Japan's favorite comfort foods, onigiri and tamagoyaki. Admittedly, I'm not the greatest cook, but with their expert guides I was able to make easy and delicious snacks. I'm confident that with the recipe sheet provided and the right ingredients I could make these at home in the U.S. Participants were encouraged to do all the preparation themselves and with an expert translation we were able to copy the Japanese chef's instructions easily. It was a really nice experience. I would highly recommend.
Paige
November 26, 2024
Japanese Home Cooking Class in Tokyo (Onigiri & Tamagoyaki) 2
Japanese Home Cooking Class in Tokyo (Onigiri & Tamagoyaki)
Classes

Discover Authentic Bento Food Experiences

When visiting Japan or exploring Japanese culture, one of the culinary highlights is experiencing a traditional bento box. Bento boxes are more than just a meal; they are a carefully crafted assortment of flavors and textures presented in a beautifully arranged box. These meals are perfect for lunch and are often eaten on the go, making them a practical as well as a cultural delight. Whether you're an aficionado of Japanese cuisine or a traveler eager to dive into local food traditions, bento food experiences offer a unique and delicious taste of Japan.

The Artistry of Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are not just about nourishment; they are an art form in Japan, demonstrating attention to detail and balance between taste, nutrition, and food aesthetics. Each box typically contains a variety of small dishes, such as rice, seafood, meat, and vegetables, which are carefully arranged to create a visually appealing presentation. A typical bento might include some pickled vegetables and a small dessert as well. These experiences allow you to appreciate how the elements of a bento box come together, each component designed to complement the others in flavor and presentation. For those interested in food as art, a bento experience is a must.

Variety and Customization in Bento Experiences

Bento food experiences cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With numerous regional variations, each bento offers a unique perspective on local ingredients and culinary techniques. Whether you prefer a classic bento with familiar ingredients or wish to try something adventurous like a regional specialty, there is something for everyone. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, offering delightful interpretations of traditional recipes that emphasize fresh, seasonal produce. Moreover, many experiences offer you the chance to customize your bento box, selecting your favorite ingredients or trying combinations that intrigue your palate.

Embarking on a bento food experience is not just about tasting wonderful dishes; it’s an opportunity to understand the cultural significance of this Japanese tradition. Whether you're participating in a cooking class, enjoying a bento-themed dining event, or exploring varieties at local eateries, these experiences deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture and cuisine. Dive into the world of bento and discover the delightful flavors and traditions that have captivated food enthusiasts around the world.