Tokyo Onigiri & Obento Experience – Make Rice Balls and Enjoy a Japanese Home-Style Lunch
Make and enjoy your own onigiri — Japanese rice balls — in a peaceful retro Tokyo neighborhood. A fun and authentic cooking experience with a local host, including lunch and cultural insights.
Looking for a unique and local Tokyo experience? Join this hands-on onigiri (rice ball) making class in Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most nostalgic neighborhoods near Ueno Station.
In this 90-minute cooking workshop, you’ll learn how to shape and decorate onigiri using freshly cooked Japanese rice and seasonal ingredients — from traditional styles to playful, photo-ready designs.
But this isn’t just a class — it’s a warm, personal experience set on the second floor of a traditional Japanese home. You’ll be welcomed as if you were visiting a local friend’s house, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly conversation.
After making your onigiri, enjoy your lunch together with a bento-style side dish box full of local favorites, such as:
🍱 Teriyaki chicken or fish (based on the season)
🥬 Sesame-dressed vegetables (goma-ae)
🥔 Seasonal homemade sides (obanzai-style)
We happily cater to vegetarian and vegan diets — just let us know in advance.
To complete the meal, savor a bowl of miso soup made from scratch with dashi stock using kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) — a taste of true Japanese home cooking.
📍 Location:
2nd floor of a Japanese-style house in Yanaka (near Ueno Station)
⏱️ Duration:
90 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Group Size:
2–6 people (small group only)
🌱 Dietary Info:
Vegetarian & vegan options available upon request
🌐 Language:
English
📸 Great for photos & cultural storytelling
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning Japan lover, this cozy food experience will leave you full — both in body and heart.
⚠️ Please note: The workshop takes place on the second floor of a traditional Japanese house, accessible only by stairs. If you have any mobility concerns or difficulty with stairs, please contact us in advance — we’ll do our best to assist you.