Aomori: Local Market Tour and Cooking with Grandmas｜Japan

Begin by meeting your guide at Mutsu-Tsuruta Station, located on the JR Gono Line. From there, take a short walk through the neighborhood, stopping by a local market to see and select fresh, seasonal ingredients used in everyday life. Then, step into a cozy home in Aomori and experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality.

You’ll be welcomed with seasonal flowers carefully arranged at the entrance just for your visit, setting the tone for a deeply personal and heartfelt experience.

In this 3-hour hands-on class, cook side by side with local grandmothers who have spent their lives preparing seasonal dishes with local ingredients. They’ll share family recipes, stories, and wisdom passed down through generations.

Before cooking, enjoy a short introduction to Aomori’s geography, climate, and traditions to see how nature shapes its food culture — from snowy winters to lush summers.

Then, roll up your sleeves and prepare comforting local dishes such as keno-shiru (vegetable miso soup), onigiri rice balls, and seasonal sides. Learn how to wash, cut, and season ingredients the Japanese way, using simple techniques you can easily recreate at home.

The meal is served on traditional local tableware, crafted by regional artisans, allowing you to experience not only the flavors but also the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Aomori’s cultural heritage.

After cooking, gather around one table to share the meal — an inclusive, plant-based menu suitable for vegan and vegetarian guests. Enjoy the flavors, stories, and laughter that connect people across cultures.

This is more than a cooking class; it’s a cultural exchange where you’ll cook, eat, and connect with the heart of Aomori’s community.