The chef is outgoing, engaging and humourous as well as being skilled with food, and his wife and staff make everyone feel very welcome. It was a wonderful experience, giving us insights into Japanese cooking techniques and resulting in delicious food. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience for anyone visiting Naha on the lovely island of Okinawa.. So much fun!
It wasn’t just about cooking – I learned a lot about Japanese culture too. The kitchen was clean and welcoming, and the food we made was delicious!
Great class with clear instructions in English. I loved the hands-on approach and the small group setting. The chef Hisashi even gave tips on ingredient substitutes for back home. Definitely worth it!"
Great class with clear instructions in English. I loved the hands-on approach and the small group setting. The chef Hisashi even gave tips on ingredient substitutes for back home. Definitely worth it!
It wasn’t just about cooking – I learned a lot about Japanese culture too. The kitchen was clean and welcoming, and the food we made was delicious!
The Chef Hisa and Yuko were so friendly and patient. I learned how to make sushi from scratch, and now I feel confident to try it at home. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Okinawa! Thank you Hisa and Yuko!
Learn Authentic Japanese Cuisine with Chef Hisashi Shimabukuro
Discover the essence of Japanese cuisine under the guidance of Chef Hisashi Shimabukuro, an Okinawan-born master chef with deep roots in traditional Japanese cooking. Raised in a farming family on the island of Okinawa, Chef Hisashi developed an early appreciation for fresh, seasonal island vegetables and the natural flavors of his homeland.
After graduating from culinary school, he refined his skills at renowned kappo restaurants and historic ryotei fine-dining establishments in Osaka, where he mastered the foundations of authentic Japanese cuisine. He later returned to Okinawa to serve as Head Chef of the Japanese Cuisine Division at the prestigious Oriental Hills Okinawa, a luxury resort acclaimed by international travelers.
In 2021, Chef Hisashi opened his own restaurant, Housen, where he continues to share his culinary philosophy—blending classical Japanese techniques with vibrant Okinawan ingredients to create refined, health-conscious dishes. His cooking school offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from a chef who honors tradition while embracing innovation, providing an unforgettable hands-on culinary experience inspired by the flavors of Okinawa.