Homestay style cooking lesson
ー Hanyu.no.obasanchi ー
A cooking class where you can experience Japanese culture and stay overnight
The name “Hanyu.no.obasanchi” means “Your Aunt’s House in Hanyu City, Saitama, Japan.”
We chose this name with the hope that visitors would feel as if they were visiting a relative’s home in Japan, experiencing Japanese cuisine and culture, and enjoying a relaxing overnight stay to refresh both body and mind.
― About Hanyu-no-Obasan ―
In my younger days, I traveled to Africa and also had the chance to visit Asia and Europe.
The kindness I experienced and the delicious food I enjoyed during my travels left a lasting impression on me.
I’m happy to have the opportunity to give back the warmth I was given to visitors from abroad.
‘Are Japanese people shy and cold?’ Of course not! We love to welcome people.
I hope you can think of me as your aunt in Hanyu—not literally, but because I want to treat you like my own family and make you feel at home.
My name is Mii. Feel free to call me ‘Aunt Mii’ or ‘Mii-san.
Acquired Licenses
- Chef’s License (National Qualification)
- Food Education Instructor (National Association of Cooking Schools)
- Food Coordinator (Japan Food Coordinator Association)
- Macrobiotic Master (Japan Food Safety and Culinary Association)
- Spice Instructor (Japan Instructor Skills Association)
- Herb Coordinator (Japan Horticultural Society)
- Wine Expert (Japan Sommelier Association)
- SAKE DIPLOMA (Japan Sommelier Association)
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)
※There are cats at Hanyu.no.obasanchi. If you have allergies, please consider carefully. For more details, please check here.
※The entire facility is non-smoking.
― About the Service ―
- Private (or semi-private) lessons, limited to one group per day!!
- Experience popular aspects of Japanese culture all at once with our basic services!!
- Enjoy additional Japanese cultural experiences for even greater satisfaction!!
- Comprehensive free services included!!
- Choose from 4 plans!!
※The group size is limited to 1 to 3 people.
※The minimum age requirement is 13 years old. For our kids policy, please see here.
~ Basic Services ~
※All four of the above are included in the basic services.
Details
can be found here.
※Accommodation is limited to one night only, extended stays are not available .
※Accommodation is limited to one night only, extended stays are not available .
~ Plus Services ~
- Onigiri Lesson (Breakfast)
- Kimono Rental
- Japanese Alcohol Lecture (Sake or Japanese Wine)
※The Onigiri Lesson is for breakfast.
※The Japanese Sake Lecture can be experienced during or before/after dinner.
※For more details, please check here
~ Choose from 4 Plans ~
Basic Services
Basic Services + 1 item from Plus Services
Basic Services + 2 item from Plus Services
Basic Services + 3 item from Plus Services
~ Free Services ~
- Transportation service to Hanyu Station or Shingo Station
- Loan of a handy translation device (one per group)
- Beverages and small snacks provided in the mini fridge in the guest room
- Living room tea bar (coffee, black tea, Japanese tea, herbal tea) & Japanese sweets
- Use of washing machine & dryer (please inform us if needed)
- Loan of analog games and manga (e.g., jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, etc.)
- Chopstick usage lesson (① for those interested)
- Brief lecture on Japanese dining etiquette (② for those interested)
- Private kitchen tour (③ for those interested)
- Simple Japanese conversation lesson (④ for those interested)
- Post-dinner Bon Odori (traditional dance) lesson (⑤ for those interested)
- Sparkler fireworks at night (⑥ for those interested, canceled in strong wind or rain)
※①~⑥ can be selected up to 2 activities due to time constraints. Please inform us of your desired options by their numbers when applying.
Especially Recommended For
Hanyu.no.obasanchi is open to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. ※Please see here
・Those who want to experience Japanese cuisine and culture but are worried about communication
Even if you are not fluent in Japanese or English, you can still enjoy Japanese cuisine and cultural experiences (such as matcha, calligraphy, and kimono). ※For information on languages and communication methods, please see here.
・Those who would like to stay in a Japanese home but feel a bit nervous
Don’t worry. We will treat you like a nephew, niece, or family member and provide warm hospitality. ※Please see here.
・Those seeking a unique experience beyond tourist destinations
Tourist sites and hot springs are wonderful, but wouldn’t you like to experience daily Japanese life and townscapes while immersing in Japanese culture? You might find unexpected commonalities with your own lifestyle.※For those interested, we offer a free supermarket tour (approx. 30 minutes) after check-out the following day.
・Those who require halal options for Japanese cooking classes
We provide a pork-free area, halal ingredients, and dedicated halal cookware, ensuring a comfortable cooking experience.※For more information on halal options, please see here.
・Those who wish to refresh both mind and body
For those living in Japan who rarely get a chance to meet their families, or for anyone wanting to fall in love with Japan again, come and refresh yourself. Discounts are available for Japanese speakers. ※For details on Japanese speaker discounts, please refer to here.