Yokohama’s vibrant shopping scene is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Explore the Yokohamabashi Shopping District, where over 130 specialty stores showcase Japan’s finest seasonings and gourmet offerings. After indulging in the local shopping culture, learn about a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare healthy Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken and maki sushi, deepening your appreciation for the country’s rich culinary traditions. This unique combination of shopping and cooking not only enhances your culinary skills but also provides a window into the heart of Japanese cuisine and culture. Discover the hidden gems that make Yokohama a must-visit destination for foodies.
Key Points
• This guided tour in Yokohama offers an immersive shopping experience, showcasing over 130 specialty stores with Japanese seasonings, ingredients, and culinary traditions.
• Participants actively learn to prepare four everyday Japanese dishes, including teriyaki chicken, dashimaki tamago, and maki sushi, during a hands-on cooking class.
• The tour concludes with a 30-minute communal lunch, where participants can enjoy the dishes they have prepared and admire their sushi-making skills.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and offers free cancellation up to 2 days in advance, catering to foodies, shoppers, and those interested in Japanese culture.
• After the tour, guests can explore nearby attractions such as Yamashita Park, Yokohama Museum of Art, and the vibrant Chinatown for a well-rounded experience in Yokohama.
Tour Overview
This private group tour offers participants an immersive 3.5-hour experience exploring Yokohama’s vibrant shopping district and learning to prepare classic Japanese dishes.
Priced from $129.04 per person, the tour includes a guided shopping excursion through over 130 specialty stores, a 10-minute transfer to a cooking class location, and a hands-on session crafting popular dishes like teriyaki chicken, deep-fried chicken, dashimaki tamago, and maki sushi.
With free cancellation up to 2 days in advance, the tour caters to both English and Japanese speakers and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.
Whether you’re a foodie, shopaholic, or simply curious about Japanese culture, this tour promises an unforgettable day in Yokohama.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at the bustling Yokohamabashi Shopping District, where participants embark on a guided shopping exploration through over 130 specialty stores spanning more than 300 meters.
After an hour of immersing in the local shopping culture and discovering diverse Japanese seasonings, the group transfers to the Motomachi neighborhood via a 10-minute journey.
At the cooking class location, you will learn to prepare four everyday Japanese dishes: teriyaki chicken, Japanese deep-fried chicken, dashimaki tamago (Japanese egg omelet), and maki sushi (sushi rolls).
They’ll have the opportunity to experience rolling the dashimaki egg or maki sushi themselves.
After the cooking class, the tour concludes with a 30-minute lunch, where participants can savor the fruits of their culinary efforts.
Shopping Exploration
Immersing visitors in the vibrant local shopping culture, the guided tour winds through the Yokohamabashi Shopping District’s over 300-meter stretch, showcasing more than 130 specialty stores offering an array of Japanese foodstuffs, 100 yen stores, flower shops, and stores featuring Korean and Chinese ingredients. As guests explore the diverse offerings, they’ll be struck by the unique seasonings and flavors used in Japanese cuisine, providing valuable insight into the region’s culinary traditions. The shopping experience offers a chance to fully take in the local way of life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich cultural tapestry.
| Offerings | Description |
|---|---|
| Japanese Foodstuffs | A wide selection of traditional Japanese ingredients and specialty items |
| 100 Yen Stores | Affordable household goods, stationery, and trinkets |
| Flower Shops | An abundance of fresh, vibrant blooms |
| Korean & Chinese Stores | Diverse international ingredients to expand culinary horizons |
Cooking Class Experience
After the guided tour, visitors are whisked away to the cooking class location, where they’ll soon embark on a hands-on culinary adventure.
The class focuses on preparing everyday Japanese dishes, from the savory teriyaki chicken to the delicate dashimaki tamago. Participants won’t just watch passively – they’ll actively experience the art of sushi rolling, crafting their very own maki sushi rolls.
Under the guidance of an experienced chef, they’ll learn the intricate techniques required to create these bite-sized masterpieces. The cooking class offers a unique opportunity to take in the flavors and traditions of Japanese cuisine, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the art of home-cooked meals.
Meal and Recap
Upon completing the hands-on cooking class, participants gather around the table to savor the fruits of their labor. Dining on the freshly prepared Japanese dishes, they delight in the familiar yet nuanced flavors, each bite revealing the care and technique honed throughout the session.
As they indulge, a sense of accomplishment and culinary enlightenment pervades the atmosphere, capping off the enriching Yokohama shopping and cooking experience. The group savors the delicate sweetness of the teriyaki chicken, the satisfying crunch of the deep-fried chicken, and the silky texture of the dashimaki tamago.
Rolling their own maki sushi, they admire their handiwork before savoring the harmonious flavors. With full stomachs and fulfilled senses, the participants depart, eager to recreate the authentic Japanese dishes in their own kitchens.
Tour Logistics
The tour commences at the Yokohamabashi Police Box, where participants gather to embark on their immersive Yokohama shopping and cooking adventure.
The experience begins with a guided tour through the bustling shopping district, spanning over 300 meters with more than 130 specialty stores. Guests will browse an array of Japanese foodstuffs, 100 yen stores, flower shops, and Korean and Chinese grocers, gaining insight into the local shopping culture and diverse seasonings used in Japanese cuisine.
After the shopping tour, participants hop on transportation to the cooking class location, where they’ll spend an hour learning to prepare everyday Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken, deep-fried chicken, dashimaki tamago, and maki sushi.
The tour concludes with a leisurely lunch, allowing time to explore nearby Yamashita Park.
Post-Tour Opportunities
Following the conclusion of the tour’s communal lunch, guests have the opportunity to further explore the surrounding areas and attractions at their own pace.
Yamashita Park, located just a short distance from the cooking class venue, offers a tranquil respite for visitors to stroll along the waterfront, admire the harbor views, and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Alternatively, guests may choose to:
- Visit the Yokohama Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of contemporary art and rotating exhibitions.
- Explore the vibrant Chinatown district, renowned for its colorful architecture, bustling street markets, and mouthwatering cuisine.
- Ride the Yokohama Ferris Wheel, offering panoramic vistas of the city skyline and the picturesque Yokohama Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?
The tour operates as a private group, so there’s no minimum or maximum size – customers can book for their own private group, with the option to invite friends or family to join them on the unique shopping and cooking experience.
Can Participants With Dietary Restrictions Join the Tour?
Participants with dietary restrictions can join the tour as the cooking class offers flexibility to accommodate different needs. The chef will work with each guest to modify the menu items as required.
Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required?
There is no specific dress code or attire required for the tour. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and light cooking activities during the experience.
Can the Cooking Class Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
The cooking class can be customized to individual preferences. Participants can request modifications to the menu or focus on specific Japanese dishes they’re interested in learning to prepare during the hands-on cooking session.
Are There Any Special Offers or Discounts Available for This Tour?
This tour doesn’t offer any special discounts or offers. However, the flexibility of the private group format allows the cooking class menu to be customized to participants’ dietary preferences or skill levels upon request.
Recap
This immersive Yokohama tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and culinary discovery.
Visitors can enjoy the vibrant shopping district, then explore the art of Japanese cooking, learning to prepare healthy dishes like teriyaki chicken and maki sushi.
By the end, they’ll have not only enhanced their culinary skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich gastronomic heritage.
