Vegetarian Washoku Food Experiences(48)
Sushi Making Class & Sake Tasting in Asakusa, Tokyo
Make sushi in Tokyo’s Asakusa district! Learn how to make temari (bite-sized sushi balls) and maki (hand-rolled sushi) with professional English-speaking hosts while learning about Japanese cooking traditions and the history of Asakusa along the way.
Sushi-Making Experience in Tokyo (Cooking Class in Asakusa)
Make authentic Japanese sushi from scratch at a cooking class in Asakusa, a historic district in Tokyo! Your expert hosts will guide you from rice to roll, teaching you about the history and culture surrounding sushi and the famed Asakusa district.
Hakata Food Tour: 7 Dishes & 4 Drinks at 4 Yatai Stalls
In this private yatai-hopping tour, enjoy dinner and drinks at up to four yatai food stalls in Nagahama and Neo-Nakasu, two distinctive yatai areas in Hakata, with a local expert foodie guide. Hotel pick-up and transportation by taxi are included!
Rolled Sushi Bento-Making Class at Yoko’s Kamakura Home
A popular coastal town and sightseeing location, Kamakura is just a short train ride from Tokyo. Join Yoko in her Kamakura home and learn how to make makizushi (rolled sushi) and 3-4 side dishes. As a bonus, you’ll also join a calligraphy lesson!
Washoku: Authentic Japanese Cooking Class (Fushimi, Kyoto)
Learn how to make traditional Japanese food at a washoku cooking class near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto! Spend time in a traditional home, learn how to make a range of washoku dishes, enjoy your handmade meal, & explore a Japanese supermarket.
Osaka Breakfast-Making Class: Japanese Onigiri & Miso Soup
Put on your apron and create your own onigiri and miso soup, two of Japan’s beloved breakfast and all-day snacks, in a cozy home kitchen in Namba using an original recipe. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and more options are available.
Matcha-Making & Traditional Japanese Sweets Class in Osaka
The world of matcha awaits in this fun, informative workshop near Osaka’s Shinsaibashi Station. Learn the history of matcha and use traditional tools and methods to make a bowl of genuine matcha to enjoy with traditional Japanese sweets.
Fukuoka at Night: Izakaya Foods & Local Ramen in Hakata
Enjoy a fun night in one of Japan’s ramen capitals — Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture! Make new friends over food and drinks at a local izakaya, then head to a hidden ramen spot that is loved by locals for a late night bowl.
Takoyaki Making Class & Local Shop Tour in Osaka
Ever wanted to try Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus dumplings)? Led by an experienced chef, tour local shops and learn about ingredients before getting hands-on in making takoyaki dumplings and discovering the magic behind this iconic street food.
Asakusa Matcha Making & Traditional Japanese Sweets
Level up your love of matcha with this matcha-making class in Asakusa that pairs the rich flavor of green tea with elegant Japanese confectioneries in an unique experience led by friendly English-speaking staff.
Sushi Roll & Gyoza Cooking Class with Tokyo English Teacher
Learn how to make two of Japan’s most iconic foods — sushi rolls and gyoza — at this cooking class in Tokyo’s Jimbocho Book Town neighborhood, guided by an instructor with more than 20 years of experience teaching English.
Make Okonomiyaki Near the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Make the street food that have earned Osaka culinary fame in this okonomiyaki-making class near Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Enjoy a shopping tour with a chef and get hands-on experience learning how to cook these delicious dishes.
Osaka Bento Bliss: Make a Traditional Japanese Box Meal
Assembling a traditional Japanese bento box is an art form. In this Osaka experience, a local host will teach you what a bento box is and how to craft one packed with delicious staples like tamagoyaki omelet, karaage (fried chicken) and miso soup.
Osaka Home Cooking: Make Crispy Katsu (Pork Cutlet) Curry
Few dishes are more comforting than a warm and crispy home-cooked katsu curry! In this cooking class near the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, you’ll learn how to make this classic Japanese dish with friendly local hosts.
Food & Culture Tour w/ 3 Food Stops in Tenma, Osaka
Join friendly locals and indulge in classic Osaka foods in Tenma, Osaka’s nightlife and commercial hotspot. Explore a local supermarket, Japan’s longest-covered shopping arcade, and dine at 3 restaurants showcasing exemplary cuisine.
Hokkaido Cooking Masterclass with a Hunter Chef (Sapporo)
Let Chef Aoyama, a seasoned hunter from Hokkaido, guide you through some of the region’s iconic dishes in this Sapporo cooking class. Watch as he expertly prepares Yezo sika deer and rolled omelet, and make onigiri rice balls with local ingredients.
Shizuoka Tea Farm & Samurai Culture Tour w/ Kaiseki Dining
This one-day exploration of Shizuoka takes you from tea farms to samurai residences to enjoy a tea ceremony and traditional art performances. Taste some of Japan’s finest teas and indulge in kaiseki dining, with all transportation included.
Home Cooking Class w/ Fermented Ingredients in Kyoto
Discover the keys to Japanese home cooking in this cozy cooking class in Kyoto. Learn healthy recipes for a seasonal menu centered around fermented ingredients and staples of Japanese cuisine.
Kyoto: Gion & Pontocho Traditional Food & Culture Tour
Explore Gion and Pontocho districts by their food. Dine at 3 unique restaurants and taste the full range of Kyoto’s distinctive gourmet, from seasonal obanzai dishes to izakaya fare and noodle dishes.
Ueno & Okachimachi Food & Culture Tour in Tokyo
Embark on an unforgettable gastronomic exploration through Ueno and Okachimachi, two colorful Tokyo districts. Visit three unique eateries, including a kappo restaurant and an izakaya, and savor traditional and innovative dishes.
Nigiri Sushi & Ramen Cooking Class in Tsukiji, Tokyo
Make sushi in Tsukiji, Tokyo’s seafood mecca. Master making nigiri and ramen in this 3-hour cooking class led by friendly English-speaking instructors eager to share Japan’s culinary traditions.
Kyoto-Style Sushi Making Class in a Traditional Restaurant
Step into a sushi restaurant near Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden for a class on traditional sushi. You’ll craft a chirashizushi bowl and make oshizushi (pressed sushi) under expert guidance and enjoy a delicious meal.
Miso Making Class & Tasting in a Kyoto Sushi Restaurant
Umami-rich miso is used extensively in Japanese cuisine, from ramen to salad seasonings. In this miso-making class and tasting in Kyoto, discover its rich flavors and create your own batch to take home guided by an expert in fermented foods.
Kagurazaka Lunch & Private Walking Tour with a Foodie Guide
Enjoy a walking tour of Kagurazaka, a former geisha district dubbed Tokyo’s little Paris. For lunch, enjoy ramen or a Japanese traditional meal at a restaurant picked especially for you! Wrap up the day with coffee or tea at a nostalgic cafe.
Osaka Cooking Class: Tempura & Udon in a 90-Year-Old House
Step into a renovated 90-year-old townhouse in Osaka for a charming cooking class. Learn to make a rich udon dish (warm or cold) with a soy sauce base and deep fry tempura fritters to use as toppings. Enjoy lunch and take home a cute souvenir!
Akashari Sushi-Making Class in Kyoto
Learn to make Edomae-style sushi using three types of sushi vinegar in this sushi-making workshop in Kyoto. The star of the class will be akashari sushi (red vinegar sushi), a delicacy you’ll enjoy with a steamy bowl of aka-miso (red miso soup.)
Kyoto Cooking Class: Kitsune Udon & Seasoned Rice
While in Kyoto, learn to make two of the region’s comfort foods — kitsune udon noodles and kayaku gohan seasoned rice — in this cozy home cooking class. Gluten-free, vegan, halal and other variations can be accommodated!
Yanaka Bento-Making Class & Calligraphy Workshop (Tokyo)
Escape the crowds in Tokyo and relax with a local calligraphy workshop and bento lunch-making class in Yanaka, a district near Ueno that retains its retro charm.
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Explore Vegetarian Washoku Food Experiences
Dive into the world of vegetarian Washoku, the renowned traditional cuisine of Japan that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation, and a balance of flavors. Whether you are a long-time vegetarian or simply exploring plant-based options, these food experiences offer a unique opportunity to taste the essence of Japanese culinary tradition tailored to vegetarian preferences.
Washoku, meaning "Japanese food," is part of Japan’s cultural fabric, recognized for its emphasis on fresh seasonal produce, minimal wastage, and balance among the five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Traditionally, Japanese cuisine relies heavily on seafood and meat, making vegetarian options quite distinct. But this challenge is masterfully overcome by skillful chefs who transform basic ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and a variety of vegetables into gastronomic delights.
Discover Unique Dishes and Ingredients
In these vegetarian Washoku food experiences, you'll encounter a diverse range of dishes influenced by centuries-old culinary techniques. Tofu, a staple in vegetarian Washoku, is often highlighted in dishes ranging from silky smooth tofu salads to grilled tofu steaks flavored with delightful miso or sesame sauces. Another core component is the use of fermented products like miso and soy sauce, which impart deep flavors without the need for meat or fish.
Dashi, a cornerstone broth in many Japanese dishes, traditionally includes fish, but vegetarian alternatives focus on kombu (kelp) and shiitake mushrooms to create savory, umami-rich broths that form the basis of soups and sauces. Expect to see vibrant combinations at your table, such as nimono, where vegetables are simmered gently with soy sauce and mirin, or tempura, featuring perfectly battered and fried seasonal veggies.
Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culinary Culture
Participating in these food experiences is more than just enjoying a meal—it's immersing yourself in the culture and philosophy behind Japanese cooking. Many experiences offer hands-on opportunities to prepare your own dishes, giving you a deeper understanding of the techniques that go into creating harmonious flavor profiles and exquisitely presented meals. Cooking classes might include crafting sushi rolls using fresh vegetables, perfecting your knife skills with a classic Japanese chef's knife, or learning to balance flavors in a bowl of perfectly seasoned rice and pickled vegetables.
The dining experience itself is often designed to engage all your senses. The aesthetics of Washoku consider not just taste but also the visual presentation and the context of dining, often incorporating traditional serving dishes and decor to enrich the experience. Through these food experiences, you not only taste but also see, hear, and feel the tranquil beauty of Japanese dining culture, experiencing a holistic connection to the food you eat.
Embark on your vegetarian Washoku journey where you can relish the union of tradition and innovation, and discover how Japanese cuisine can cater beautifully to vegetarian palates. Whether you're a dedicated gastronome or a curious traveler, these experiences promise to deliver an unforgettable taste of Japan's rich culinary heritage.