Matsuyama Cooking Class Experience | The Joy of Making Tai-meshi and Jako-ten by Your Own Hands

While Matsuyama is famous for tai-meshi and jako-ten, the experience of "making it yourself" rather than just eating has become a new travel trend. Around Dogo Onsen town and Okaido area, cooking classes and cooking studios for tourists are increasing, allowing visitors to experience the joy of recreating authentic flavors with their own hands. There are programs where you can learn tips to recreate the taste of renowned restaurants like Kotori at home, allowing you to revive travel memories in your kitchen again and again. Fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and direct sales stores are used, offering the charm of experiencing Ehime Prefecture's seasonal flavors. Classes suitable for all levels are available, from cooking beginners to experienced cooks.

Authentic Class to Recreate Uwajima Tai-meshi with Original Flavors

The authentic class for making Uwajima tai-meshi, Matsuyama's signature dish, is the most popular program. The fee is 5,500 to 8,000 yen per person, with a duration of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Professional chefs generously share recipes for recreating flavors that have been beloved locally for many years. With a small group format of 6-10 people, each participant receives careful individual instruction. You can taste the dishes you've prepared on the spot, and recipe cards are provided to take home for recreation at home. Aprons and towels are provided, so you can participate empty-handed.

Special Plan Starting with Selecting Ingredients at the Market

The "Market & Cooking" plan, which begins with selecting ingredients yourself at the local market in Ginten-gai, offers a special experience for deeper understanding of food culture. The fee is 8,000 to 12,000 yen per person, with a total program duration of about 3 hours: approximately 1 hour of market exploration + about 2 hours of cooking. After touring famous market stores known only to locals and learning how to identify seasonal ingredients, you'll cook ${d1} using those ingredients. Ingredient costs are included in the fee, and leftover ingredients can be taken home as souvenirs. The market stroll, listening to stories about market history and ingredient-related episodes, is as enjoyable as a food tour.

Jako-ten and Local Sake Pairing Lesson

For those who want to delve deeper into Matsuyama's food culture, the jako-ten and local sake pairing lesson is recommended. The fee is 7,000 to 10,000 yen per person, combining jako-ten cooking practice with tasting of 3-4 types of local Japanese sake. The marriage of limited sake directly shipped from local breweries with the cuisine offers a luxury that can only be experienced here. The duration is about 2 hours, mainly featuring evening classes starting at 6 PM. For those who don't drink alcohol, tea pairing lessons are also available. With a small group limit of 8 people, food knowledge expands in a harmonious atmosphere.

Kids Cooking Class for Family Fun

Matsuyama's cooking schools also offer kids cooking classes for children aged 4 and above. With pricing of 4,500 to 7,000 yen per parent-child pair, you'll complete child-friendly menus like yakibuta tamago-meshi under professional supervision. Through local traditional snacks and regional cuisine, children naturally develop interest in food culture. Classes run for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, mainly starting at 10 AM. Child-sized aprons and step stools are provided, ensuring a safe cooking environment. The time spent tasting the completed dishes as a family will become the best travel memory.

Reservation Tips and Day-of Flow

Cooking class reservations can be made through official websites or travel booking sites, with applications typically for 2 or more people. Weekends often fill up 1-2 weeks in advance, so it's recommended to book immediately once your travel dates are decided. The day's flow consists of: reception and changing (10 minutes) → ingredient explanation (15 minutes) → cooking practice (60-90 minutes) → tasting (30 minutes) → recipe card distribution and cleanup. An efficient schedule would be: arrive in Matsuyama about 30 minutes by bus from Matsuyama Airport or 2 hours 40 minutes by limited express Shiokaze from Okayama, visit Dogo Onsen Honkan in the morning, then participate in cooking classes before noon. Those with food allergies must declare them when booking. An increasing number of schools offer vegetarian and vegan classes.