Traditional Japanese Home Cooking Class in Hiroshima

"Nothing can compare with meeting and socializing with a local resident of the place you are visiting. However, having them invite you to their home, to learn to cook, while you get a chance to visit - is on another scale. Machiko and Daishi are educated, worldly, and very interested in meeting and visiting with their guests. We learned about Japanese cooking techniques and made dishes that we will be able to make at home. We got to visit and discuss many things about out cultures which broadened our appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture. They made us feel very welcome and special by serving our lunch on special lacquered trays that have been in their family for over 100 years. Do NOT miss this experience as it is truly unique!!!"

"The experience of cooking with you was excellent—very enriching and fun. We learned a lot and left inspired to apply the techniques at home."

"Really lovely experience. One of the best things ive done on this trip by far and im looking forward to coming back to Hiroshima again after."

"Most travelers in Hiroshima will see the Peace Memorial and related sites, which are an absolute must. But if you want to be up close and personal with the heart and soul of the city, you absolutely must try Machiko's cooking class. Hiroshima is a city of unspeakable pain and destruction, and Machiko and her family do an absolutely magical job of transforming it into healing and clarity through food, through togetherness, through curiosity, through openness, through heart-centered conversation. Try not to cry as you learn about the history of Okonomiyaki. Cooking with Machiko is not just about food; it's about resilience, healing, connection, and wonder amidst the darkness. If you're in town, do not miss this! I normally have pictures from all of my experiences, but I was literally too busy connecting with them to really use my phone! A rare problem, indeed."

"Our visit was the best part of our nearly three weeks in Japan. I say visit, rather than class, because my husband, Mike, and I were warmly welcomed and felt like family. Machiko is an excellent teacher. I would have been content to watch and learn, but she had both of us chopping, stirring, frying, and making sushi. She considered my food allergies and even surprised us with a birthday cake and candles for my Mike's birthday. This was a unique experience, and I highly recommend it."

"A great cooking class experience. Machiko is very kind and speaks good English. We made several delicious dishes and had a great time with her and her family."

"5/5 Machiko and Daishi (and Yuta) are just wonderful hosts. They are super friendly, curious in their guests, and extremely generous with their time. I really felt part of their family for a short moment. I loved learning cooking okonomiyaki with them. I take a cooking class every time I'm on vacation abroad, and this was without a doubt the best cooking class I ever had."

"Our family had a great time. Home cooking (definitely not restaurant food - just as good but different stuff), got to talk to real people. I highly recommend!"

"I have traveled to Japan many times and this is one of my best experiences in Japan. Machiko and her husband were very friendly and welcoming. She taught me how to make two dishes that I requested, which were tofu hamburg and omurice. Overall I enjoyed the cooking experience in a Japanese family a lot and also the chat we had! Hope to see them again soon in Hong Kong!"

"Welcomed into Maiko and daishi's home warmly an amazing experience would highly recommend , we cooked together and ate with all the family while discussing travel experiences"

"We had an awesome time with Machiko and family! They welcomed us into their home like family; we had a fun time cooking, had great conversations and, of course, the food was delicious. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a cooking class that is more personal and relaxed."

"We are completely thrilled with the entire experience. At the beginning we received a very friendly welcome and exchanged ideas extensively with the hosts. Afterwards, dishes such as tempura and miso soup were prepared and eaten together. We recommend this experience to anyone who wants to experience Japanese food culture in an authentic way. There is also extensive exchange with locals. (Google Translated)"

"Unfortunately I was dropped by a taxi in the wrong location in the pouring rain but luckily had Machiko's Whatsapp number so was able to contact her. She cycled to collect me and she and her husband could not have made me more welcome. We chatted first, she is well read, has great English and put no time pressure on my visit. We cooked lunch together, it was delicious and her youngest son came in from school. As it was still raining, she and her husband kindly drove me back to my hotel. We arranged to meet again the next evening with her whole lovely family. As I had planned a visit to the Hiroshima museum and listen to a hiroshima bomb survivors testimony (the mother of a friend in London) she accompanied me to act as interpretor and also was interested. I had taken a few gifts but couldn't repay her kindness and help enough. I can't reccomend her highly enough and I think we will remain friends, her family will always be welcome at my home in London"

"It was a very nice experience to met Machiko and her family in their home. It was very exciting to cook together in a relaxed atmosphere. Machiko is a very lovely and curious person. She loves meeting people from all over the world. The cooking course was conducted in a professional manner in a private setting. Looking back, we can say that it was a highlight of our 3-week trip to Japan, as we were given an insight into the everyday life of a Japanese family. We can highly recommend the course. Machiko and her husband even made time to take us to a park and viewing platform. Thank you very much."

"The cooking class with Machiko & her family was one of our greatest experiences in Japan! We really enjoyed the conversations with them and were able to choose what we would like to cook :) The time flew by and we would book a cooking course with Machiko again via Traveling Spoon at any time!"

"Machiko and her family were very welcoming and we had a great time together with them. Machiko gave step-by-step instructions and explained things well. The food was very good and we can’t wait to try them when we get home. Thank you, again, Machiko for making such a pleasant and enjoyable experience."

"I was very well taken care of. First we drank tea and got to know each other. During the event we had interesting conversations, while we cooked and ate. I left there with new knowledge, insights and inspiration. Maybe I'll fill the suitcase with basic Japanese spices/basic goods and take it home! (Google translated)"

"Machiko is a great treasure. My mom wanted to learn to make certain Japanese dishes and Machiko customized the cooking lesson to incorporate the recipes into the meal. She was lovely to chat with and learn about Japanese life. Her kind husband joined us at lunch as well and we learned about modern life in Japan. Our time shared with them will be deeply treasured. Thank you Machiko!"

"In the midst of Sakura (cherry blossom time), we were invited to Machiko Moridawa’s home to cook. At our request, she prepared okonomiyaki-Hiroshima style (a Japanese savory pancake differing from its Osaka cousin in that it layers the ingredients rather than mixing them together). Step-by-step instructions made it easy for my brother to try his hand (with not a bad flip!). In addition to a full meal we enjoyed seeing her home and meeting husband, Daishi, and two of her three children. Machiko’s follow-up provided two videos to assist our efforts in making the “add anything” dish for Canadian friends. A wonderful experience. Thank you!"