Soy Sauce Pressing & Onigiri-Making in Asuka, Nara
Cook rice the ancient way, hand-press soy sauce and take a tour of a brewery with over 100 years of history before making onigiri rice balls in Asuka, Nara.
Highlights
Learn about red rice, an ancient rice variety used 1,500 years ago, and make it yourself guided by local hosts in Asuka, Nara
Hand press, bottle and label soy sauce in a soy sauce brewery with over 100 years of history
Taste tofu from a local shop served with artisanal soy sauce
Make grilled rice balls by hand glazed with savory soy sauce
Experience Details
Rice is the cornerstone of Japanese food culture and has been a staple for thousands of years, with its preparation and serving methods evolving over time. While modern rice cookers and innovative ingredients are commonplace, you can explore cooking practices from times of yore in this experience at Japan's old capital of Asuka, Nara, a place that still preserves and upholds many of the country's ancient traditions.
You'll learn about the role rice has played throughout Japanese history and be introduced to red rice, an ancient rice variety that has nourished the nation for over 1500 years. You’ll also learn to cook it in an earthenware pot until pillowy soft, guided by a knowledgeable and friendly local host.
While the rice gently puffs away with steam, you’ll head to a soy sauce brewery with over 100 years of history. Step inside to the rich scent of soy sauce as you tour the facility to see the unchanged traditional process of making soy sauce before pressing soy sauce yourself with guidance from real brewers.
Dressed in kurabito-style clothing, you’ll step into the shoes of a real soy sauce brewer as you hand-press soy sauce from the mash, bottle the soy sauce and add your very own label. Before leaving the brewery, try some creamy, mellow tofu from a local shop, served with umami-rich soy sauce — a classic combination.
Next, it'll be time to make onigiri rice balls. Your host will assist you in shaping the onigiri triangles, brushing them in soy sauce and grilling them to the perfect char. You’ll end the onigiri cooking class in Nara by tasting your onigiri with your hand-pressed soy sauce. This simple yet comforting artisanal meal invites you to savor Japanese cuisine just as it was experienced centuries ago.
Inclusions
All ingredients and utensils to make onigiri, pickles and tea
Soy sauce brewery tour
Soy sauce pressing experience and tasting
Souvenir bag
Exclusions
Transportation to the meeting point and from the drop-off point
Additional food and drinks
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at ASUKA STAND cafe in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, 10 minutes before the experience start time. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please wear comfortable clothing.
Please note that there is no place to leave large luggage onsite. Guests are asked to make necessary arrangements beforehand.
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify your host at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
The historic seat of power and faith in Japan, Nara has some of the most authentic and breathtaking culture in the entire country.
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