Onigiri, the beloved Japanese rice ball, is a culinary delight that’s about to get even more exciting. Join this hands-on cooking class at the renowned ABC Cooking Marunouchi Studio in Tokyo, where you’ll master the art of crafting these portable treats. Under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor, you’ll discover the secrets behind fillings like pickled plum and bonito flakes, as well as the techniques for making the perfect tamagoyaki and miso soup. But the real highlight? Savoring your homemade creations during a delightful lunch. Intrigued? Let’s dive in and explore the world of onigiri together.
Key Points

- Participate in an onigiri making experience at the ABC Cooking Marunouchi Studio, located on the B2 floor of the Kokusai Building in Tokyo.
- Learn to create traditional onigiri with various fillings, such as pickled plum and bonito flakes, under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor.
- Enjoy a homemade lunch featuring the dishes you prepared, including tamagoyaki, pickled vegetables, and miso soup, at the end of the class.
- The class is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for guests to access and continue their activities or return home after the session.
- The class has a minimum participation of 2 guests, a minimum age of 9 years and height of 130 cm, and a maximum class size of 6 travelers with a 5.0 review rating.
Cooking Class Overview
The ABC Cooking Marunouchi Studio offers an engaging onigiri (rice ball) making experience for visitors.
Held in a professional cooking studio on the B2 floor of the Kokusai Building, the class lets you create traditional onigiri with fillings like pickled plum and bonito flakes.
You’ll also learn to make tamagoyaki (Japanese egg omelet), pickled veggies, and miso soup.
The studio provides all the cooking supplies, including an apron, towel, and chef’s hat.
With an English-speaking instructor, it’s a hands-on, immersive class that lets you savor a delicious Japanese lunch.
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Meeting and Transportation

To access the cooking studio, guests can meet at the Kokusai Building, located at 3-chōme-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan.
The class will return to the same meeting point at the end. Conveniently, the studio is situated near several public transportation options, including the Hibiya, Chiyoda, Toei Mita, Yurakucho, and JR Yamanote lines.
After the enjoyable cooking experience, guests can easily continue their day’s activities or head back home using the nearby transit connections.
Class Requirements and Restrictions

Minimum participation of 2 guests is required for this onigiri cooking class, with adult pricing applying to all travelers.
The minimum age is 9 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm (4.2 ft).
Unfortunately, the class isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions.
Strollers and luggage aren’t allowed. No takeaways are permitted after the meal.
While photos may be published on the website and social networks, you can always opt-out.
The class accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, and it has a perfect 5.0 review rating.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this onigiri cooking class. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. However, if cancellation occurs due to unavoidable circumstances, a full refund is provided or the class can be rescheduled without a refund. Sadly, no-shows at the tour start time will result in cancellation without a refund.
| Booking Policy | Cancellation Policy | No-Show Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation at booking | Free cancellation up to 24 hours | Cancellation without refund |
| Full refund or rescheduling available | ||
| For unavoidable circumstances |
Preparing for the Class
When getting ready for the onigiri cooking class, guests can expect to dress comfortably in casual clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
The class includes:
- An apron, kitchen towel, and chef’s hat provided by the studio to keep you clean and looking the part.
- All the cooking ingredients needed to make the onigiri, tamagoyaki, and pickled vegetables.
- An English-speaking instructor who’ll guide you through the step-by-step process.
- A delicious homemade lunch at the end of the class, including the dishes you’ve prepared.
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Onigiri Rice Ball Making Experience

Participants begin the Onigiri Rice Ball Making Experience by first learning how to properly prepare the short-grain Japanese rice. Under the guidance of the English-speaking instructor, they carefully mold the rice into bite-sized balls, filling them with delectable ingredients like pickled plum and bonito flakes.
| Steps | Instructions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rice Prep | Steam and season the rice. | Use the perfect rice-to-water ratio. |
| 2. Filling | Place filling in the center. | Avoid overstuffing for best shape. |
| 3. Shaping | Gently mold the rice into a ball. | Wet hands to prevent sticking. |
With each perfectly formed Onigiri, participants feel a sense of accomplishment, eager to savor their handcrafted creations.
Enjoying the Meal

With their Onigiri rice balls ready, your eagerly take their seats at the communal table.
The aroma of the freshly prepared tamagoyaki and miso soup fills the air, whetting their appetites.
As they admire their handiwork, the instructor provides guidance on the proper way to enjoy the meal:
- Dip the Onigiri in the accompanying sauce, savoring the burst of flavors from the pickled plum or bonito flakes.
- Sip the warm miso soup, its earthy notes complementing the meal.
- Savor the delicate sweetness of the tamagoyaki and the crunch of the pickled vegetables.
- Reflect on the satisfying process of creating these traditional Japanese delicacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Filling Ingredients?
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own filling ingredients to the cooking class. The studio provides all the necessary ingredients, including pickled plum and bonito flake fillings, as part of the class. The instructor will guide you through making the traditional onigiri rice balls.
Are There Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
The cooking class offers vegetarian fillings like pickled plum, but gluten-free options aren’t mentioned. The instructor can likely accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice, so guests should inquire about availability when booking.
Can I Take the Leftovers of the Meal Home?
No, you can’t take any leftovers home after the meal. The cooking class doesn’t allow participants to take food away, so you’ll need to finish your meal at the studio. This is stated in the class requirements and restrictions.
Will the Instructor Demonstrate the Techniques in English?
The English-speaking instructor will demonstrate the onigiri-making techniques in English throughout the class. They’ll provide step-by-step guidance to ensure all participants can easily follow along and create their delicious rice balls.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions for This Cooking Class?
The website doesn’t mention any current discounts or promotions for this cooking class. However, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience if your plans change.
The Sum Up
At the end of the class, you’ll sit down to enjoy the homemade lunch you prepared. Savor the flavors of the traditional onigiri, tamagoyaki, pickled veggies, and miso soup you’ve learned to make. It’s a delightful way to cap off a hands-on cooking experience at the professional ABC Cooking Marunouchi Studio in Tokyo.
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