Shuji's approachable, generous demeanor coupled with thorough hands-on instruction and easy-to-follow translated recipes will equip you with the skills needed to recreate the wholesome and delicious dishes in your own home. Shuji will gladly share his vast cultural and culinary knowledge, answering any questions you may have throughout the workshop. 

Cooking workshops are comprehensive—integrating cultural aspects with traditional procurement, preparation and cooking techniques. Chef Shuji and his team integrate various excursions in order to give participants a memorable and authentic experience. 

As explained below, Shuji offers several types of workshops that can be customized to your interests, skill level, schedule and dietary concerns. Most workshops can be integrated to provide guests with a tailored, comprehensive cultural experience.

Overnight accommodation is available for students seeking to combine workshops and cultural activities over the course of a couple days or for an extended period. Chisako and Koji welcome you to their Japanese-style home for an authentic homestay experience. Inquire here today! Also, details and pricing for Yasudaya Ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn located walking distance from Yamakyu Restaurant—is provided below.

Please have a look at the workshop details, and contact Shuji to plan your own personalised cooking session.

Cooking classes and workshops

Please note:

• Please understand that fees are subject to a 10-15% variance due to fluctuating food costs. Chef Shuji will notify participants of the actual price at the time of inquiry and booking.

• All prices are shown in Japanese currency.

• Fees are inclusive of 10% consumption tax.

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation costs to and from Seki.

• Tea and water will be served during cooking classes and workshops, however locally produced sake is available for purchase at Yamakyu Restaurant. Participants may bring their own beverages as well.

• All classes can be scheduled according to personal travel itineraries unless otherwise noted.

• Overnight accommodation can be arranged in advance. Please see the details of Yasudaya Ryokan below.

Washoku 和食 workshop

In recent years, washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, has become popular worldwide and in December 2013, it was granted the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. Traditional home-style cooking balances aesthetic harmony with wholesome nutrition. Although deeply rooted in tradition, these dishes can be recreated and incorporated into daily meals. A typical washoku course consists of ichiju-sansai一汁三菜 (one soup dish, one rice dish and three different complimentary dishes).

The term washoku encompasses a wide array of dishes, from miso soup to regional specialties to home-cooked staples. In Shuji's washoku workshop, he will introduce you to his repertoire of favorites.

 If you have any special requests, please include them on the booking form. Suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Noodle-making and tempura 天ぷら workshop

Hands-on traditional noodle-making class using authentic techniques and traditional tools. Many udon うどん and soba 蕎麦 noodle dishes incorporate tempura—battered and lightly fried vegetables and seafood. Contrary to popular belief, tempura is easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available in supermarkets worldwide. Suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Kaiseki 懐石 workshop

Kaiseki is a present-day art form, combining the taste, texture, appearance and colours of food in a precise and nuanced manner. This full-day workshop is ideal for professional chefs and hobby cooks interested in the finer points of sumptuous haute cuisine.

Participants begin their day by joining Chef Shuji in the marketplace where he purchases the finest fresh, seasonal ingredients to be used that day. In this comprehensive workshop students learn how to prepare a multi-course menu including one soup dish, one rice dish and five complimentary dishes (seasonal sashimi, tempura, as well as steamed, braised or grilled seafood, tofu and vegetables).

Shojin-ryori 精進料理 workshop

Zen vegetarian cuisine, rooted in Buddhist philosophy with a Japanese twist. Shojin-ryori combines a focus on quality, wholesomeness and harmony with simple cooking methods. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are used and dishes are prepared in ways that enhance subtle flavours. Healthy and mindful—elements of Zen cooking can be easily incorporated into anyone's lifestyle. Suitable for all ages and skill levels. 

Obento 弁当 workshop

Learn how to make compact, convenient, balanced, and visually appealing meals for yourself or loved ones. Obento has been gaining popularity worldwide as a trendy, creative and fun alternative to a standard bagged lunch. This workshop is open to students of all ages and skill levels, and is especially well-suited for parents and children.  

Combined cultural workshops

Obento 弁当 workshop & ukai viewing

Make specialty ayu (sweetfish) obento during an afternoon workshop and enjoy it that same evening onboard an authentic handmade wooden boat waiting for the sun to set.

After dark, cormorant fishing begins. This workshop is offered from May through October during the cormorant fishing season and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels. You can learn more about ukai here as well as by watching the video to the right.

Ozoni 雑煮 workshop and osechi おせち料理 sampling

Overnight accommodation at Yasudaya Ryokan

For guests who would like to experience the charm of traditional Japanese-style inn accommodation, an overnight stay at Yasudaya Ryokan can be arranged. This family-run inn is located within a walking-distance (7 minutes) from Ozeki Cooking School and Soba Noodle Restaurant Yamakyu and is a perfect option for those participating in two-day cooking workshops or extended-stay packages.        

Yasudaya Rokan

single Japanese Tatami room: 5,000 yen per person per night with a Japanese breakfast included

twin room:   

wi-fi connection is now available

limited English assistance

Chef Shuji is most willing to personalise your cooking experience by catering to your particular areas of interest, dietary concerns and past cooking experience. Please get in touch with Shuji to book your own tailor-made culinary adventure.