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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Machiko

Hiroshima, Japan

USD
$70-$116 per person

Enjoy homestyle Honshu cuisine with a local family in Hiroshima

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Machiko

A proud mother of three beautiful children who are fussy eaters, Machiko comes up with new and interesting meals for her family everyday. This has made Machiko very passionate about cooking and experimenting with new recipes. She learned to cook from cookbooks and by watching cooking videos online. Machiko is excited to share home cooking with travelers visiting Hiroshima, so they can learn more about the everyday lives, culture and cuisine of Hiroshima. Machiko is eager to accommodate your preferences so feel free to include in your booking request if there are specific dishes you are interested in trying.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-5 guests) Machiko lives in a beautiful house with her children and husband, Daishi, who will join you for your experience whenever they are available. Machiko lives in a leafy residential neighborhood, located about a 20-minute streetcar ride from the city center. Her home is artistically decorated with an old turntable and several albums, an aquarium, family photos and the children's toys! Enjoy a meal of typical home-cooked Japanese dishes that Machiko cooks for her family. Your menu might include dishes such as miso soup, a chirashi sushi salad or shiraae (tofu and vegetable salad), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), or karaage (deep-fried seasoned chicken or other meat or seafood). For dessert enjoy green tea ice cream.

Cooking experience: (1-5 guests) Join Machiko in her home for a traditional Japanese cooking class. During your 1.5 hour cooking class with this Hiroshima local in her kitchen, you will learn to cook 2-3 homestyle dishes from Machiko's family recipes. Machiko likes to use traditional cooking techniques - for example, when you learn to make the salad dressing, Machiko will teach you to use a mortar and pestle to crush the sesame that is the dressing's base. After cooking, sit down together at her dining table and share the authentic Japanese meal you helped prepare. Your meal concludes with a dessert such as green tea ice cream. Machiko's Japanese cooking class in Hiroshima is suitable for couples, family, beginners and children. Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Hiroshima.

Notes: This is a family-friendly experience! Your children of any age are welcome in Machiko's home.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Miso soup
  • Salad
  • Japanese omelette
  • Chicken karaage
  • Rice balls
  • Green tea ice cream
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Machiko is a warm and wonderful host, who lives in a very convenient location near from the city center. She welcomed us with warm smile into her clean and tidy house. Although she was a little nervous at first (since it was her first-time hosting), Machiko tried to know about us and listened to us very thoughtfully. She puts a lot of effort into making the cooking and dining experience with her as enjoyable as possible, by reading books and customizing the dishes based on the travelers needs. You will get to taste a real Honshu family meal with Machiko. And, she has beautiful Japanese style table wares - you can feel the Japanese atmosphere while eating food with these. If you are interested in something or have any questions, she will be happy to answer them!

Miki and John , Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (13)
5/5 Machiko and Daishi (and Yuta) are just wonderful hosts. They are super friendly, curious in their guests, and extremely generous with their time. I really felt part of their family for a short moment. I loved learning cooking okonomiyaki with them. I take a cooking class every time I'm on vacation abroad, and this was without a doubt the best cooking class I ever had.
- FredPine November 24, 2024
Our family had a great time. Home cooking (definitely not restaurant food - just as good but different stuff), got to talk to real people. I highly recommend!
- Angelique July 23, 2024
I have traveled to Japan many times and this is one of my best experiences in Japan. Machiko and her husband were very friendly and welcoming. She taught me how to make two dishes that I requested, which were tofu hamburg and omurice. Overall I enjoyed the cooking experience in a Japanese family a lot and also the chat we had! Hope to see them again soon in Hong Kong!
- vickiwS July 11, 2024
Welcomed into Maiko and daishi's home warmly an amazing experience would highly recommend , we cooked together and ate with all the family while discussing travel experiences
- Sofi_K July 02, 2024
We had an awesome time with Machiko and family! They welcomed us into their home like family; we had a fun time cooking, had great conversations and, of course, the food was delicious. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a cooking class that is more personal and relaxed.
- Benjamin June 29, 2024
We are completely thrilled with the entire experience. At the beginning we received a very friendly welcome and exchanged ideas extensively with the hosts. Afterwards, dishes such as tempura and miso soup were prepared and eaten together. We recommend this experience to anyone who wants to experience Japanese food culture in an authentic way. There is also extensive exchange with locals. (Google Translated)
- Reeeth111 June 13, 2024
Unfortunately I was dropped by a taxi in the wrong location in the pouring rain but luckily had Machiko's Whatsapp number so was able to contact her. She cycled to collect me and she and her husband could not have made me more welcome. We chatted first, she is well read, has great English and put no time pressure on my visit. We cooked lunch together, it was delicious and her youngest son came in from school. As it was still raining, she and her husband kindly drove me back to my hotel. We arranged to meet again the next evening with her whole lovely family. As I had planned a visit to the Hiroshima museum and listen to a hiroshima bomb survivors testimony (the mother of a friend in London) she accompanied me to act as interpretor and also was interested. I had taken a few gifts but couldn't repay her kindness and help enough. I can't reccomend her highly enough and I think we will remain friends, her family will always be welcome at my home in London
- wwarehouse May 14, 2024
It was a very nice experience to met Machiko and her family in their home. It was very exciting to cook together in a relaxed atmosphere. Machiko is a very lovely and curious person. She loves meeting people from all over the world. The cooking course was conducted in a professional manner in a private setting. Looking back, we can say that it was a highlight of our 3-week trip to Japan, as we were given an insight into the everyday life of a Japanese family. We can highly recommend the course. Machiko and her husband even made time to take us to a park and viewing platform. Thank you very much.
- makiko April 18, 2024
The cooking class with Machiko & her family was one of our greatest experiences in Japan! We really enjoyed the conversations with them and were able to choose what we would like to cook :) The time flew by and we would book a cooking course with Machiko again via Traveling Spoon at any time!
- jb0nt March 08, 2024
Machiko and her family were very welcoming and we had a great time together with them. Machiko gave step-by-step instructions and explained things well. The food was very good and we can’t wait to try them when we get home. Thank you, again, Machiko for making such a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
- Mary_T January 21, 2024
I was very well taken care of. First we drank tea and got to know each other. During the event we had interesting conversations, while we cooked and ate. I left there with new knowledge, insights and inspiration. Maybe I'll fill the suitcase with basic Japanese spices/basic goods and take it home! (Google translated)
- majasA January 20, 2024
Machiko is a great treasure. My mom wanted to learn to make certain Japanese dishes and Machiko customized the cooking lesson to incorporate the recipes into the meal. She was lovely to chat with and learn about Japanese life. Her kind husband joined us at lunch as well and we learned about modern life in Japan. Our time shared with them will be deeply treasured. Thank you Machiko!
- Dina O June 22, 2023
In the midst of Sakura (cherry blossom time), we were invited to Machiko Moridawa’s home to cook. At our request, she prepared okonomiyaki-Hiroshima style (a Japanese savory pancake differing from its Osaka cousin in that it layers the ingredients rather than mixing them together). Step-by-step instructions made it easy for my brother to try his hand (with not a bad flip!). In addition to a full meal we enjoyed seeing her home and meeting husband, Daishi, and two of her three children. Machiko’s follow-up provided two videos to assist our efforts in making the “add anything” dish for Canadian friends. A wonderful experience. Thank you!
- 400kara April 24, 2023
Read More
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Machiko

$70-$116 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $92 $80 $70
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $116 $98 $92
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $92 $80 $70
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $116 $98 $92
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm

Meet Machiko

A proud mother of three beautiful children who are fussy eaters, Machiko comes up with new and interesting meals for her family everyday. This has made Machiko very passionate about cooking and experimenting with new recipes. She learned to cook from cookbooks and by watching cooking videos online. Machiko is excited to share home cooking with travelers visiting Hiroshima, so they can learn more about the everyday lives, culture and cuisine of Hiroshima. Machiko is eager to accommodate your preferences so feel free to include in your booking request if there are specific dishes you are interested in trying.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-5 guests) Machiko lives in a beautiful house with her children and husband, Daishi, who will join you for your experience whenever they are available. Machiko lives in a leafy residential neighborhood, located about a 20-minute streetcar ride from the city center. Her home is artistically decorated with an old turntable and several albums, an aquarium, family photos and the children's toys! Enjoy a meal of typical home-cooked Japanese dishes that Machiko cooks for her family. Your menu might include dishes such as miso soup, a chirashi sushi salad or shiraae (tofu and vegetable salad), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), or karaage (deep-fried seasoned chicken or other meat or seafood). For dessert enjoy green tea ice cream.

Cooking experience: (1-5 guests) Join Machiko in her home for a traditional Japanese cooking class. During your 1.5 hour cooking class with this Hiroshima local in her kitchen, you will learn to cook 2-3 homestyle dishes from Machiko's family recipes. Machiko likes to use traditional cooking techniques - for example, when you learn to make the salad dressing, Machiko will teach you to use a mortar and pestle to crush the sesame that is the dressing's base. After cooking, sit down together at her dining table and share the authentic Japanese meal you helped prepare. Your meal concludes with a dessert such as green tea ice cream. Machiko's Japanese cooking class in Hiroshima is suitable for couples, family, beginners and children. Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Hiroshima.

Notes: This is a family-friendly experience! Your children of any age are welcome in Machiko's home.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Miso soup
  • Salad
  • Japanese omelette
  • Chicken karaage
  • Rice balls
  • Green tea ice cream
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Machiko is a warm and wonderful host, who lives in a very convenient location near from the city center. She welcomed us with warm smile into her clean and tidy house. Although she was a little nervous at first (since it was her first-time hosting), Machiko tried to know about us and listened to us very thoughtfully. She puts a lot of effort into making the cooking and dining experience with her as enjoyable as possible, by reading books and customizing the dishes based on the travelers needs. You will get to taste a real Honshu family meal with Machiko. And, she has beautiful Japanese style table wares - you can feel the Japanese atmosphere while eating food with these. If you are interested in something or have any questions, she will be happy to answer them!

Miki and John , Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (13)
5/5 Machiko and Daishi (and Yuta) are just wonderful hosts. They are super friendly, curious in their guests, and extremely generous with their time. I really felt part of their family for a short moment. I loved learning cooking okonomiyaki with them. I take a cooking class every time I'm on vacation abroad, and this was without a doubt the best cooking class I ever had.
- FredPine November 24, 2024
Our family had a great time. Home cooking (definitely not restaurant food - just as good but different stuff), got to talk to real people. I highly recommend!
- Angelique July 23, 2024
I have traveled to Japan many times and this is one of my best experiences in Japan. Machiko and her husband were very friendly and welcoming. She taught me how to make two dishes that I requested, which were tofu hamburg and omurice. Overall I enjoyed the cooking experience in a Japanese family a lot and also the chat we had! Hope to see them again soon in Hong Kong!
- vickiwS July 11, 2024
Welcomed into Maiko and daishi's home warmly an amazing experience would highly recommend , we cooked together and ate with all the family while discussing travel experiences
- Sofi_K July 02, 2024
We had an awesome time with Machiko and family! They welcomed us into their home like family; we had a fun time cooking, had great conversations and, of course, the food was delicious. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a cooking class that is more personal and relaxed.
- Benjamin June 29, 2024
We are completely thrilled with the entire experience. At the beginning we received a very friendly welcome and exchanged ideas extensively with the hosts. Afterwards, dishes such as tempura and miso soup were prepared and eaten together. We recommend this experience to anyone who wants to experience Japanese food culture in an authentic way. There is also extensive exchange with locals. (Google Translated)
- Reeeth111 June 13, 2024
Unfortunately I was dropped by a taxi in the wrong location in the pouring rain but luckily had Machiko's Whatsapp number so was able to contact her. She cycled to collect me and she and her husband could not have made me more welcome. We chatted first, she is well read, has great English and put no time pressure on my visit. We cooked lunch together, it was delicious and her youngest son came in from school. As it was still raining, she and her husband kindly drove me back to my hotel. We arranged to meet again the next evening with her whole lovely family. As I had planned a visit to the Hiroshima museum and listen to a hiroshima bomb survivors testimony (the mother of a friend in London) she accompanied me to act as interpretor and also was interested. I had taken a few gifts but couldn't repay her kindness and help enough. I can't reccomend her highly enough and I think we will remain friends, her family will always be welcome at my home in London
- wwarehouse May 14, 2024
It was a very nice experience to met Machiko and her family in their home. It was very exciting to cook together in a relaxed atmosphere. Machiko is a very lovely and curious person. She loves meeting people from all over the world. The cooking course was conducted in a professional manner in a private setting. Looking back, we can say that it was a highlight of our 3-week trip to Japan, as we were given an insight into the everyday life of a Japanese family. We can highly recommend the course. Machiko and her husband even made time to take us to a park and viewing platform. Thank you very much.
- makiko April 18, 2024
The cooking class with Machiko & her family was one of our greatest experiences in Japan! We really enjoyed the conversations with them and were able to choose what we would like to cook :) The time flew by and we would book a cooking course with Machiko again via Traveling Spoon at any time!
- jb0nt March 08, 2024
Machiko and her family were very welcoming and we had a great time together with them. Machiko gave step-by-step instructions and explained things well. The food was very good and we can’t wait to try them when we get home. Thank you, again, Machiko for making such a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
- Mary_T January 21, 2024
I was very well taken care of. First we drank tea and got to know each other. During the event we had interesting conversations, while we cooked and ate. I left there with new knowledge, insights and inspiration. Maybe I'll fill the suitcase with basic Japanese spices/basic goods and take it home! (Google translated)
- majasA January 20, 2024
Machiko is a great treasure. My mom wanted to learn to make certain Japanese dishes and Machiko customized the cooking lesson to incorporate the recipes into the meal. She was lovely to chat with and learn about Japanese life. Her kind husband joined us at lunch as well and we learned about modern life in Japan. Our time shared with them will be deeply treasured. Thank you Machiko!
- Dina O June 22, 2023
In the midst of Sakura (cherry blossom time), we were invited to Machiko Moridawa’s home to cook. At our request, she prepared okonomiyaki-Hiroshima style (a Japanese savory pancake differing from its Osaka cousin in that it layers the ingredients rather than mixing them together). Step-by-step instructions made it easy for my brother to try his hand (with not a bad flip!). In addition to a full meal we enjoyed seeing her home and meeting husband, Daishi, and two of her three children. Machiko’s follow-up provided two videos to assist our efforts in making the “add anything” dish for Canadian friends. A wonderful experience. Thank you!
- 400kara April 24, 2023
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $92 $80 $70
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $116 $98 $92
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $92 $80 $70
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $116 $98 $92
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.