One day, one subject,
made with your own hands.
Our lessons are not demonstrations. You make the thing, you take it home, and you leave knowing how to make it again. Four people at a time, in a kitchen in Jingumae, Tokyo.
What you can choose
KIKI KOJI LAB｜利麹LAB
Two hours on koji, through your senses. Two amazake tasted side by side — same rice, same method, and they do not taste the same. From that question, the world of koji opens up. You take Japanese dried rice koji home and make it again in your own kitchen.
Details and prices →UMAMI & KOJI LAB
Three and a half hours, on koji alone. Inoculate steamed rice with tane-koji by hand, see koji-no-hana alive under a microscope, taste amazake, shio-koji and shoyu-koji side by side, and cook lunch with the seasonings. Private session.
Details and prices →For guests from overseas
The two koji experiences above are made for guests visiting Japan. They are arranged differently, and neither is a shorter version of the other.
- KIKI KOJI LAB — hosted by Chie in simple English, with an English KIKI KOJI LAB guide provided throughout
- UMAMI & KOJI LAB — English-speaking support staff, at home in koji, work alongside Chie for the full session. Included in the price
Our other lessons and courses are taught in Japanese, and can also be joined in simple English. English support can be arranged for those, at an additional fee — please ask at least one month before your preferred date, so that the materials can be prepared.
Booking
- There is no fixed timetable. Tell us two or three dates that suit you and we will confirm one.
- The studio is in Jingumae, Shibuya-ku — walking distance from Gaienmae, Omotesando, Sendagaya and Kokuritsu-Kyogijo stations. We send the exact address once your booking is confirmed.
- Aprons, ingredients and tools are provided. Please tell us about any allergies when you write to us.
- Our menus are plant-based. If you have preferences, tell us and we will work around them.
Fees
| TOKYO KOJI EXPERIENCE｜KIKI KOJI LABPer person · about 2 hours | ¥31,000Tax included |
|---|---|
| UMAMI & KOJI LABPer person, depends on group size · about 3.5 hours | From ¥65,000English support included |
| English supportFor our Japanese-language lessons and courses | ¥3,000Per hour |
- Both experiences are priced per person, tax included. UMAMI & KOJI LAB depends on group size — see its own page.
- English support for our Japanese-language lessons must be requested at least one month in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cooking experience?
No. These lessons are designed for people doing this for the first time. We work slowly and explain as we go.
What should I bring?
Nothing. Aprons, ingredients and tools are all provided. Come in clothes you can move in.
Can the lesson be taught in English?
The two koji experiences are made for guests visiting Japan. KIKI KOJI LAB is hosted by Chie in simple English with an English guide; UMAMI & KOJI LAB includes English-speaking support staff in its price. Our other lessons and courses are taught in Japanese and can be joined in simple English, with fuller English support available at ¥3,000 per hour — please ask at least one month before your preferred date.
Can I continue after a trial lesson?
Yes. Certification courses and continuing classes are available for anyone who wants to go further.