FAQs
ARE CLASSES AND TOURS IN ENGLISH?
My classes and tours are generally in English because I entertain many visitors from around the world. However, with advanced notice, Japanese-language classes are available. (Coming soon: in Spanish!)
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE MY SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR NEEDS?
If you have food allergies or other restrictions, please mention these in the space provided when you book. We have done many vegetarian cooking classes as well. Happily, traditional Japanese cooking has many recipes.
WHAT ARE THE CLASS AND TOUR SIZES?
In general, classes and tours are limited to six or seven guests. For private events we can accommodate up to seven. For groups larger than seven, please use the CONTACT form.
CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN CLASSES AND TOURS?
Children 10 years old and up are more than welcome in my classes, but must be accompanied by a paying adult. To organize a group of children under 10 years old or babies, please book a private class.
Tour participants must be 20 years old or above.
ARE PRIVATE CLASSES AND TOURS AVAILABLE? HOW DO I BOOK ONE?
Private classes are available for Tokyo Classes and Countryside Classes. Prices for these classes start at ¥61,250 for 1-3 participants. To book a private class or tour, select “book entire class” during booking. You will be able to see the price for more participants during the booking process, or you can use the CONTACT form to ask.
CAN I JOIN EVEN IF I HAVE NEVER COOKED JAPANESE DISHES?
Of course! I will explain about Japanese cuisine, unique ingredients and cultural aspects during the class. You will be able to fully enjoy your food experience while in Japan with deeper insight which you will learn in the class.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
Yes we do: Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover and JCB. We also accept PayPal.
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE ANY OF THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE DAY?
Everything you need for the class or tour will be provided.
CAN I BRING SOMEONE TO JUST WATCH?
The Tokyo Classes are held in a private house in Tokyo, so I do not have a huge place to accommodate someone just to watch. All present work together as a single group when cooking, so I ask all the guests to be involved in the class.
WHAT ARE THE TERMS FOR BOOKING A CLASS OR TOUR?
Full payment by credit card or PayPal is required to confirm your booking. With confirmed payment, I will forward information on the meeting point and class or tour location.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
To cancel a booking, please click the “View/cancel booking” button in your confirmation email.
Payment is fully refundable if we receive your cancellation notice at least 14 days prior to the confirmed date. If you cancel between 7 and 13 days before that date, 50% of the payment is refundable. Within 6 days of the date, payment is non-refundable.
Full payment and/or gift certificates will be forfeited in the case of a no-show on the confirmed date.
WILL I BE ABLE TO MAKE THE RECIPES AT HOME?
Of course! I will always give you printed recipes in the class, if requested.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY CLASS OR TOUR?
I recommend reserving as soon as you have your travel dates. Classes and tours can accommodate only 6 or 7 guests, so availability may be limited.
CAN I CHOOSE THE MENU FOR A CLASS?
The first guest to book a Tokyo Class for a particular date, has the option of choosing the menu for the class. We will carefully select the menu for you for Countryside Classes and Survival Classes.
WHERE WILL WE MEET?
For Tokyo Classes, we will meet in front of JR Sendagaya station. Please refer to ACCESS. For Countryside Classes, we will welcome you at JR Choshi station. For Survival Series, we will meet at my kitchen directly. For tours, we will meet at Kitasando station. You will be provided more information when booking.
HOW LONG IS THE CLASS OR TOUR?
In general, a class or tour takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from the meeting time.
WHAT DO CLASSES AND TOURS COST?
Each class and tour has a different price. Please check price details on each class or tour page. We’ve provided an OVERVIEW page that summarizes all our classes and tours.
WHO WILL BE THE GUIDE FOR MY TOUR?
While the teacher for a cooking class is always Mayuko, for tours we have friendly, experienced guides whose viewpoints match well with those of Mayuko.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM THE ONLY GUEST FOR A TOUR?
Since tours require at least 2 guests, you will not be able to complete your booking until at least one other guest makes a booking. However, your spot is reserved, so you will be sure of being able to complete your booking once another guest books. At that time, you will receive an email asking you to complete your booking.
WHAT IF ONLY SOME IN MY TOUR BOOKING WANT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?
In each booking for a tour, the alcoholic beverages selection applies to all guests in the booking. If you want to make a booking for some guests who do and some who do not want alcoholic beverages, please make two separate bookings.