Local Cooking Class & Tea Ceremony in Hida Takayama, Gifu

An unforgettable experience awaits in Gifu's Hida Takayama. Brimming with culture, beautifully preserved UNESCO villages and buildings, and picturesque mountain scenery, Takayama also has unique dishes that have become nationwide favorites. Led by a local host, you'll make Takayama-style ramen, beef makizushi, and dango dumplings. You'll also partake in a tea ceremony to experience Japanese traditions.

After donning your apron, you’ll make the first item on the menu: Takayama ramen. Thin, curly noodles and a delicate soy-based broth made with niboshi (dried sardines) and kombu (seaweed), this regional specialty became more widely appreciated thanks to the popular animated film “Your Name”. In this class, you’ll use pre-made noodles, but the broth and toppings will be made from scratch.

Have you ever heard of beef sushi? After ramen, you’ll make beef makizushi, a rolled sushi with vinegared rice wrapped in seaweed. For an extra kick, spice lovers can add Hida sansho pepper, a spice known for its refreshing citrus aroma and mild tang.

Finally, you'll mold and boil Japanese dango dumplings and serve them with a sweet sesame-like sauce. You’ll use shiso, a traditional Hida ingredient, and grind egoma (perilla seeds) to create the flavorful sauce from scratch — an incredibly flavorful treat that can only be found here!

After eating, you’ll experience a simple tea ceremony to get acquainted with tools and etiquette. While traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are intricate rituals, your host will present a simplified version that retains the main elements without being too long. Enjoy an exquisite bowl of matcha and bond over the comfort of home cooking.