Cooking With a Local Okaasan at Kominka in Ojika Island Nagasaki

Imagine stepping into a centuries-old folk house on Ojika Island, Nagasaki, and learning the art of traditional Japanese cooking from a local "okaasan." This unique culinary experience immerses you in the island’s rich culinary heritage, where you’ll craft delectable dishes like pressed sushi and tempura using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Under the guidance of the warm and welcoming okaasan, you’ll uncover the cherished techniques that have been passed down through generations. What delights might this hands-on adventure hold in store for you?

Key Points

• Immerse in a traditional Japanese countryside experience through a cooking class with a local "okaasan" in a historic kominka on Ojika Island.
• Prepare local Ojika Island specialties like pressed sushi, tempura, fried mackerel, and spinach dish using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Learn about Ojika’s rich culinary heritage, including the signature dish oshizushi, a type of pressed sushi, and the art of tempura preparation.
• The cooking class starts at 4:30 PM and includes meeting the okaasan at the kominka in Ojika, Nagasaki.
• The experience is priced from $40.37 per person and dietary restrictions should be communicated after booking.

Experience Overview

The experience takes participants to the traditional Japanese countryside, where they’ll have the opportunity to cook alongside a local "okaasan" (meaning "mother" in Japanese) in a historic kominka, or old folk house, on Ojika Island in Nagasaki.

Priced from $40.37 per person, the activity includes preparing local specialties like pressed sushi, tempura, and fried mackerel. Participants will also make a spinach dish from scratch.

The experience starts at 4:30 PM, with the instructor meeting guests directly at the kominka. Alcoholic beverages are included. Dietary restrictions should be communicated after booking.

Ojika Island’s Culinary Traditions

Though small in size, Ojika Island boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its unique island setting. Surrounded by the sea, the island’s cuisine revolves around fresh, locally-sourced seafood like horse mackerel, known as "aji."

Traditional cooking techniques, like pressing sushi into intricate shapes, showcase the islanders’ ingenuity. Tempura, made with crisp, delicate batter, brings out the natural sweetness of local vegetables.

Even seemingly simple dishes, like spinach in sesame dressing, are elevated by the use of high-quality, handcrafted ingredients. Cooking with a local "okaasan" offers a rare glimpse into Ojika’s time-honored culinary traditions.

Oshizushi: A Local Specialty

One of the signature dishes visitors can expect to enjoy during the cooking class is oshizushi, a beloved local specialty on Ojika Island.

This pressed sushi is crafted with care, using the freshest seafood from the surrounding waters. The chef will demonstrate the intricate technique of layering sushi rice, fish, and other ingredients in a wooden mold, then pressing and slicing the result into bite-sized pieces.

The flavors meld together harmoniously, showcasing the island’s bounty. Oshizushi’s unique texture and presentation make it a highlight of the cooking experience, providing a true taste of Ojika’s culinary traditions.

Tempura: Locally Sourced Delights

Another highlight of the cooking class is the tempura, which showcases the island’s fresh and locally sourced seafood and vegetables.

The okaasan expertly prepares a batter that results in a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to tender, juicy morsels within. The prawns, squid, and seasonal vegetables are all locally caught or harvested, ensuring maximum flavor and freshness.

The tempura is a true delight, a testament to the culinary traditions and abundant natural resources of Ojika Island. Guests relish the opportunity to learn the techniques behind creating this iconic Japanese dish.

Aji Fry: Savoring the Flavors of Nagasaki

As the cooking lesson progresses, the okaasan turns her attention to the preparation of aji fry, a local specialty that showcases the unique flavors of Nagasaki.

She expertly fillets the fresh horse mackerel, revealing its silvery skin and firm flesh. With a deft hand, she coats the fish in a light batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

As the aji is gently lowered into the hot oil, the sizzling sound fills the air, and the delicate aroma of the frying fish wafts through the kominka.

Soon, the golden-brown aji fry emerges, ready to be savored alongside the other local delicacies.

Boiled Spinach in Sesame Seed Dressing

The okaasan now turns her attention to preparing the boiled spinach in sesame seed dressing, a simple yet flavorful starter.

Carefully selecting the freshest spinach from her garden, she gently lowers the leaves into the simmering water. As the vibrant green hue emerges, she drains the spinach and dresses it with a homemade sesame seed sauce. The nutty, creamy flavor of the dressing perfectly complements the tender, earthy spinach.

• The dish’s simplicity allows the natural flavors to shine.
• The boiled spinach is a nod to the island’s abundant local produce.
• The sesame seed dressing adds a delightful richness to the starter.
• Preparing this dish from scratch showcases the okaasan’s culinary expertise.
• This starter whets the appetite for the more substantial dishes to come.

Meeting and Pickup

Once the cooking preparations are complete, the okaasan will come directly to the kominka to greet your.

The meeting point is in Ojika, in the Nagasaki prefecture. From there, the okaasan will guide the participants to the traditional Japanese farmhouse where the cooking class will take place.

At the end of the experience, the group will return to the original meeting point.

The class starts promptly at 4:30 PM, so guests should plan to arrive on time to make the most of this immersive culinary adventure on Ojika Island.

Included in the Experience

For this immersive cooking experience, the okaasan provides traditional Japanese cooking utensils that guests will use throughout the session. These include a sharp Japanese knife, a wooden rolling pin, a sushi mat, a deep fryer, and a mortar and pestle.

Beyond the tools, the experience also includes:

• Freshly brewed green tea to sip on as you cook
• Sample servings of the dishes you prepare
• An opportunity to learn the okaasan’s family recipes and techniques
• Stories and insights into the local culinary traditions of Ojika Island
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your homemade meal.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Transportation Options to the Meeting Point?

The experience doesn’t provide transportation to the meeting point. However, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the Ojika area, where the instructor will pick you up directly at the kominka. Inquire about specific transportation options when booking.

Can the Experience Be Customized for Dietary Preferences?

Yes, the experience can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences. Simply notify the host about any dietary restrictions or preferences after booking, and they’ll work to adapt the menu to your needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The dress code for the cooking class is casual and comfortable. You’ll be in the kitchen, so wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit messy is recommended. No formal attire is necessary.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

The experience offers group rates, with the per-person price varying depending on the size of the group. There don’t appear to be any specific discounts listed, but the more people who book, the lower the individual cost.

Can the Experience Be Extended or Combined With Other Activities?

The experience can be extended or combined with other activities, but this may incur additional costs. It’s best to check with the provider for available options and pricing. They’re typically happy to accommodate requests to enhance the overall experience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Ojika Island’s culinary traditions at a charming kominka with a local okaasan. Learn the secrets of making delectable pressed sushi and tempura using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This authentic cultural experience offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where you’ll discover the flavors of Nagasaki and create lasting memories. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the true essence of Japanese cuisine.