Express Okonomiyaki Cooking Class

Aya, our host and instructor was full of smiles as we arrived at her beautiful, traditional home. Her husband was on hand when required but it was led by Aya. She talked about the dish we were going to prepare 'Okonomiyaki' and the difference between the local variety and the Hiroshima version. The room was spotless, and we sat at preprepared workstations as she talked us through the process. She asked lots of questions of us (I was there with my wife and a 13 and 18-year-old) - she involved everyone elegantly and effortlessly in the conversation. Her English was excellent. The cooking and prep itself were relatively straightforward, with a couple of slightly tricky moments in flipping the Okonmyaki on hot plates. Perfect for those seeking the fun of cooking Japanese food without the pressure of perfection! The food was delicious and we all ate our fill whilst enjoying an informative chat with Aya. She helped enormously with suggestions of where to go and where to avoid Kyoto. She even looked up a few map destinations and forwarded them after the class to my WhatsApp the next day. I also spoke with her husband, who was in a famous Japanese band in the 80s. He loves English rock - notably Pink Floyd and Deep Purple, so we enthused together about these and other iconic bands. I asked about his band - he disappeared upstairs and then gifted me one of his CDs. I can't wait to listen to it on my return. Overall I cannot recommend this experience enough. The family is delightfully welcoming, the conversation accessible and enlightening and the food delicious. We left with full stomachs, a recipe card each, a CD, and memories to treasure for a very long time. What a welcome to Kyoto.

We had an amazing and intimate experience learning to cook okonomiyaki! It was a highlight of our trip. Such kind hearted people.

A very enjoyable and authentic cooking class with the option to wear traditional costume. Fully conducted IN perfect English and easy to learn.

Really enjoyed it, Aya was a wonderful host. Will recommend to all our friends.

Awesome experience. Very attentive, kind and welcoming host Aya, useful information and great immersion in Japanese culture. Big thanks! Bringing back home this cool recipe of okonomiyaki