Takoyaki Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku

The Takoyaki Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, offers a unique chance for foodies to learn the art of making traditional Japanese takoyaki. During this interactive one-hour class, you will craft the iconic snack from scratch, discovering the secrets to its crispy exteriors and fluffy, octopus-filled interiors. With limited availability, this popular class provides a hands-on culinary adventure that’s sure to satisfy the senses. What other delectable surprises might this experience have in store?

Key Points

• Takoyaki cooking experience located in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, with a duration of one hour and limited to 6 participants in Japanese and English.
• Participants can learn to cook the traditional Japanese street food made from flour batter and chopped octopus, with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
• The cooking session includes instructions on pouring batter, adding octopus, grilling, rotating, and flipping the takoyaki, as well as dressing it with traditional toppings.
• Reservations can be made without upfront payment, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, but no refund for cancellations less than 24 hours before the session.
• The experience is not recommended for children under 4 years old, and participants with gluten intolerance may be unable to participate due to the flour-based batter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The takoyaki cooking experience takes place in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, and lasts for an hour.

It’s a small group activity limited to 6 participants, available in both Japanese and English. Given its popularity, this class is likely to sell out quickly.

The price starts from $22.95 per person. Participants will grill and enjoy hot, delicious takoyaki, a traditional Japanese snack made with flour batter, chopped octopus, and various toppings.

The experience is well-reviewed, with staff praised for their support and the overall enjoyment of the cooking process.

What Is Takoyaki?

Takoyaki is a beloved Japanese street food, made by pouring a savory batter into a special round griddle pan and filling it with bite-sized pieces of tender octopus.

As the batter cooks, it’s rotated and flipped, creating a spherical shape with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Traditionally, takoyaki is served hot, topped with a sweet and savory sauce, dried bonito flakes, and aonori seaweed.

The combination of the salty, savory, and umami flavors, along with the unique texture, makes takoyaki a truly delightful culinary experience.

It’s no wonder it’s a popular snack enjoyed throughout Japan.

Cooking and Serving Takoyaki

As participants gather around the specialized takoyaki griddle, they’re taught the art of crafting these delectable spheres.

First, the chef pours the batter into the round indents, then quickly adds chopped octopus. The takoyaki are grilled, rotated, and flipped to achieve a crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Finally, the takoyaki are dressed with traditional toppings:

1. Dried bonito flakes
2. Aonori (green seaweed flakes)
3. Takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise

The warm, savory bites pair perfectly with a cold drink, making for an enjoyable hands-on culinary experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers can reserve their spot for the takoyaki cooking experience without paying upfront. There’s no need to worry about having the money ready right away. However, they should book early, as the popular class tends to sell out quickly.

Booking and Cancellation Policy:

	Free Cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance	Full Refund
Less than 24 hours	No Refund

The cooking class can be cancelled for a full refund if done so at least a day before the scheduled session. Last-minute cancellations, however, will not be eligible for a refund. Customers can check availability for different start times on the booking platform.

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting Point and Location

The takoyaki cooking experience is located just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

The address is 1-14-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.

To reach the meeting point, participants should proceed along Kabukicho Central Road towards TOHO Cinemas, where Shinjuku Ale is situated next to Karaoke 747.

The directions are:

1. Exit Shinjuku Station and head towards Kabukicho.
2. Walk along Kabukicho Central Road.
3. Look for TOHO Cinemas, and Shinjuku Ale will be right next door.

Participant Restrictions

While the takoyaki cooking experience is suitable for most participants, there are a few restrictions to note. The activity isn’t recommended for children under 4 years old.

Plus, those with gluten intolerance may need to refrain from this cooking class, as the main ingredient is flour-based batter.

The staff, however, can provide accommodations for non-fluent English speakers by using translation machines.

The takoyaki cooking experience is designed for adults and older children who can safely handle hot griddles and enjoy this popular Japanese snack.

Participants should check for any dietary restrictions before booking.

Additional Offerings

Along With the takoyaki cooking experience, the activity organizers offer further options to enhance the outing.

Participants can purchase:

1. Additional meals, such as side dishes or desserts, to complement the takoyaki.
2. Bottled drinks, including beer, soft drinks, and water.
3. Souvenirs, like aprons or cooking utensils, to commemorate the experience.

The staff may use translation machines to assist non-fluent English speakers, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews have highlighted the takoyaki cooking experience as a must-try activity in Tokyo. Recent participants rave about the friendly, attentive staff who guide them through the entire process. Many noted the "authentic, hands-on experience" and the "delicious, freshly-made takoyaki." Several reviews emphasized the small group size, allowing for personalized attention. One visitor summed it up as an "absolute blast" and the "highlight of my trip." The experience has consistently earned 5-star ratings, with reviewers commending the value and recommending it to anyone visiting the area.

Rating	Percentage
5-stars	100%
4-stars	0%
3-stars	0%
2 or 1-stars	0%

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to Cook?

You can’t bring your own ingredients to this cooking experience. The experience is designed for participants to learn how to make takoyaki from scratch using the provided ingredients and equipment. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option Available?

Unfortunately, there’s no vegetarian or vegan option available. The experience focuses on cooking and eating takoyaki, which contains octopus. The staff may not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions beyond gluten intolerance.

Can I Take the Leftover Takoyaki Home?

Unfortunately, participants can’t take leftover takoyaki home. The cooking experience is designed to be enjoyed on-site, with no option to pack up leftovers. Any uneaten takoyaki will be discarded at the end of the session.

Is There a Dress Code for the Experience?

There’s no strict dress code for the experience. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that they don’t mind getting a bit messy from the cooking process. The focus is on having fun and enjoying the takoyaki-making experience.

Can I Request a Dietary Accommodation?

Sure, you can request a dietary accommodation. The experience provider notes it’s not suitable for those with gluten intolerance, so they’d likely be able to accommodate other dietary needs if you let them know in advance.

Sum Up

The Takoyaki Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku offers a unique and interactive culinary adventure for foodies. Participants learn to make traditional Japanese takoyaki, featuring crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors filled with chopped octopus. With the class conducted in both Japanese and English, it’s a popular choice due to its limited availability. Guests can enjoy their creations alongside cold drinks, making for an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: