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SCHEDULED programs
SCHEDULED programs open for public registration are listed on the CALENDAR page of this website.
A Taste of Culture Programs are conducted in English and attract both foreign residents of Japan and independent tourist-visitors to Japan.
Scheduled programs are of three kinds:
- Culinary Classes
- Tasting Programs
- Market Tours
Culinary Classes combine hands-on activity with demonstration-style instruction. The 3-hour program includes a shared meal, prepared together during class. Washoku home-style cooking is featured; vegetarian menus are available upon request. Registration is strictly limited to 6 students to insure full participation. Extensive printed materials are provided that include recipes for the dishes we prepare together. Participants are encouraged to re-create these dishes in their own home kitchen soon after class. Most culinary classes are 7,500 yen per person (if payment is made in US dollars, a certified check is required and the fee is US $85). Culinary classes are conducted in English at A Taste of Culture's facility in (Seta) Tokyo and (Tezukayama) Osaka.
Tasting Programs are typically themed around pantry items or festival menus. The 2-hour program begins with a sampling of more than a dozen foodstuffs and concludes with a light lunch prepared from the items studied. Extensive printed materials are provided.
Popular themes for tasting programs include miso, sea vegetables, green tea, and tofu; popular festival menus include rolled sushi served for Setsubun in February and Osechi holiday foods to celebrate the New Year. Most tasting programs are 6,500 yen per person (if payment is made in US dollars, a certified check is required and the fee is US $75). Tasting programs are conducted in English at A Taste of Culture's facility in (Seta) Tokyo and (Tezukayama) Osaka.
Sake-Tasting Programs are offered on occasion. Conducted by Melinda Joe, author of the sake and wine blog Tokyo Through the Drinking Glass and bar editor for the Tokyo Food Page, each program features a flight of several sake served with classic Japanese fare chosen to complement them. Food is prepared and demonstrated by Elizabeth Andoh, director of A Taste of Culture. Fees are 7,000 yen per person (if payment is made in US dollars, a certified check is required and the fee is US $80). Sake programs are conducted in English at A Taste of Culture's facility in (Seta) Tokyo only.
Registration for all tasting sessions is limited to 16 participants.
Market Tours take you into neighborhood shops, supermarkets and department stores where locals shop daily. Each 2-hour tour is typically themed around fish, fresh produce, packaged goods (shelf-stable pantry items), prepared foods or kitchen equipment. Some market tours explore a particular neighborhood that may be less familiar to foreign residents and visitors, areas such as Futako Tamagawa, Kitchijoji, Ogikubo, and/or Kappabashi.
Registration is strictly limited to 6 people per tour. Market tours are 5,500 yen per person (if payment is made in US dollars, certified check is required and the fee is $65). The cost of transportation, lunch and/or snacks is not included in any market tour. Any and all purchases are the responsibility of each individual. Market tours meet on site shortly before the program begins; complete travel instructions are provided after registration has been completed.
For information on scheduling cooking workshops and/or market tours for groups in 2010, please refer to Customized Programs 2010