Traditional Bento Making Class in Kichijoji (Tokyo)
Make an iconic Japanese food — shokado bento — guided by a certified cooking instructor with 10 years of experience teaching overseas!
Highlights
Enjoy a traditional shokado bento-making class taught by a certified instructor from a Tokyo sushi school, with 10 years’ experience teaching overseas
Learn more about the history and culture behind shokado bento and other traditional Japanese cuisine
10 meals
Experience Details
Though you may not know it by name, you’ve definitely seen it before. Shokado bento’s red and black square lacquerware box is an iconic centerpiece in traditional Japanese kaiseki meals. But what exactly goes into a shokado bento?
If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, Miho is here to answer. A certified graduate of a Tokyo sushi school, she has led culinary classes in the Japan Information and Cultural Center in Switzerland for 10 years, teaching hundreds of students. Having recently returned to Japan from her stint in Switzerland, she continues to teach out of a kitchen in Tokyo’s trendy Kichijoji neighborhood.
On arriving at JR Kichijoji Station, you’ll follow Miho to her nearby kitchen. You'll walk by a charming local market where you can see fish and fresh vegetables being sold. Once you've arrived at the cooking venue, under Miho's guidance, you’ll learn to make a shokado bento to rival the finest kaiseki chefs. Drawing on her knowledge of Japanese cuisine, Miho will tailor the dishes to incorporate seasonal produce and other traditional delicacies. At the end of the class, you will enjoy the shokado bento you’ve made for lunch — but don’t forget to take pictures first!
A popular stopping point for westbound travelers on the way to Mt Takao and Arakura Sengen Shrine or Mt Fuji in neighboring Yamanashi, Kichijoji is full of trendy eateries and cafes, boasts a thriving nightlife scene and enjoys easy access by train.
The nearby Mitaka-no-Mori Ghibli Park also draws a steady stream of Miyazaki Hayao enthusiasts all year round, but it’s thanks to Inokashira Park that visitors surge in the spring and autumn, thanks to the cherry blossoms and maple leaves respectively.
Inclusions
Pick-up from JR Kichijoji Station
Ingredients and utensils for cooking class, including aprons, knives etc
Homemade shokado bento meal
Copy of English recipes for traditional Japanese dishes to take home
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the venue
Cost of additional purchases made during Kichijoji neighborhood tour
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at JR Kichijoji Station in front of the West Exit on the 2nd floor. Kichijoji Station is serviced by the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) and the Keio Inokashira Line.
Remarks
The journey from JR Kichijoji Station to the venue is about eight minutes on foot. Please be prepared for a short walk after meeting the host.
Depending on the number of participants, there may be slight changes in the schedule.
Parties looking to forgo the Kichijoji tour after the bento-making class are requested to inform the host when making a booking.
Groups of 7 to 8 guests may be accommodated but conditions may apply. Please contact byFood directly for more information.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 72 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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 ...read more
This was a great experience and well worth the 30 minute train journey from central Tokyo. We were met at the station and shown around the local food market before we went to cook. She had some pre...read more
Miho sensei was very kind and friendly, she explained the steps carefully so we all understand. I will definitely take class with her again.
Great experience. Made new friends, learned how to cook traditional (and yummy) Japanese dishes, and got to explore a super cute neighborhood (highly recommend spending some time after to poke arou...read more
With a group of three people we had a great time with our host Miho san. She has great experience teaching Japanese cuisine to foreigners and was very welcoming. She speaks fluently English and eve...read more
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10 meals
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