Tsuyahime Rice Workshops in Yamagata
Culinary Focused Experiences of Japanese Rice
Visit the vast rice fields of Yamagata Prefecture and meet the farmers and chefs behind what is widely regarded as Japan’s top commercially produced brand of rice. Tsuyahime (つや姫) is a unique strain of rice released in 2010 after over a decade of research and development to develop a rice that surpassed the widely popular koshihikari gold standard of rice.
Famed for its brilliant white color, large grains, sweet flavor, and rich aroma, Tsuyahime Rice is the premium brand of rice for restaurants across Japan. Since it began shipping internationally 10 years ago, it has become one of the most sought-after rice brands in the world.
Our workshops to introduce the story and cooking methods behind Tsuyahime were developed first in Hawaii as part of a project by the Pacific Island Fisheries Group and the United States Government. These workshops were designed to educate young chefs in Japanese culinary arts via specialty training under local chefs.
These workshops have recently been redesigned and released for ordinary travelers.
This hands-on experience is ideal for those interested in connecting with local producers and culinary experts, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese rice culture, and mastering the techniques to prepare rice at its very best.
Tour at a glance
Cost
17,500 yen per person for the cooking session
26,000 yen per person for the farm visit and cooking session
Minimum number of participants
2 people
Maximum number of participants
Flexible
Tour Length
Approximately 2 hours
Tour availability
Please inquire
Language Support
Japanese, English, and Chinese
Culinary Visit with Chef Suda and Chef Momoka
This workshop takes place in either Tsuruoka City or Yamagata City with two famous chefs.
Chef Suda in Tsuruoka City is a seasoned master of Japanese culinary arts and travelers the world to demonstrate and represent this region of Japan. Note that his restaurant is located inside the Kamo Aquarium and is more difficult to access than our Yamagata City option.
Chef Momoka is young chef and a rising star in the culinary industry who spent years training under a 3 star Michelin chef in Kyoto before returning to her families restaurant in Yamagata City. If you choose this option, you will also be guided around the her historic ryotei restaurant that was made to welcome the Meiji Emperor over a century ago. This visit will teach you about these traditional restaurants and the touching story of the Sasahara Family who have run this restaurant for generations.
Both workshops are led alongside our in house guide specialists who have nearly 10 years of experience working alongside Yamagata’s chefs and farmers.
Work alongside the chefs to learn the proper method to wash and soak the rice before cooking.
Learn about precise measurements of water ratios for both white rice and a flavored rice dish (takikome rice).
Cook the rice in earthenware pots on open flame to understand the process step by step.
Taste the rice alongside the chef and learn the identifying factors for what high grade and properly prepared rice should smell, look, and taste like.
After the cooking session, you will enjoy a seasonal Tsuyahime themed rice meal for lunch.
Reservations
You can send a booking inquiry below. After we receive your inquiry, we will check with the chefs on availability of the program.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy for this experience is below. Cancellation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
14 business days before date of experience
10% non-refundable deposit
13 to 10 business days before date of experience
30% of total price
9 business days or less before date of experience
100% of total price
