Cook Like a Sumo Wrestler! Chanko Nabe & Sake Tasting Class

chanko nabe with my friends, and it was such a fun experience. We put all the food into the pot, meat, vegetables, everything and while it was cooking, we started doing a sake tasting together. Everyone was trying different types of sake, comparing flavors, laughing, and just enjoying the moment. Some were smooth, some were strong, some a little sweet and it was really interesting how each one felt different with the food. We even cut some of the vegetables into fun shapes before putting them in, so it felt like we were playing while cooking 😄 The chanko nabe came out super rich and comforting, and with the sake it tasted even better. It wasn’t just dinner it was a whole experience with friends.

Chanko Nabe making and eating was truly a one of a kind Japanese experience. I tasted not just authentic Japanese food but the culture itself. The flavors coming together in a pot made the experience extra special. On a personal note, I love the meatballs, the fresh vegetables, and the broth. SUPERB! Sake—— this left me completely blown away. The taste of sake is very unique. A taste that you can only found here in Japan. Having a sip or two, feels good. You should try this with your friends and family. You are cooking together & tasting sake- experiencing the Japanese culture while having fun….will certainly bring my other friends here.

This was one of the most authentic and unforgettable Japanese food experiences I’ve ever had. The chanko nabe and sake tasting class was perfectly organized and deeply immersive from start to finish. We began by learning the history and cultural background of chanko nabe — the famous hot pot dish traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers. The instructor explained everything clearly and made the story behind the dish come alive. It wasn’t just cooking — it felt like stepping into a piece of Japanese food culture. Then we started preparing the ingredients ourselves. We cut fresh vegetables and meat, learned decorative Japanese cutting techniques like making star shapes from shiitake mushrooms and flower shapes from carrots, which added a beautiful artistic touch. We prepared the broth using kombu and water and added handmade Japanese-style meatballs using bamboo tools — a very unique and traditional method. While the chanko nabe was cooking, we moved on to the sake tasting session — and this was truly extraordinary. We sampled many types of sake from different regions of Japan, each with its own flavor profile and brewing style. Some were made purely from rice, while others had fruit or special seed-based notes. The instructor explained each variety in detail — how it’s produced, how to taste it, and what makes it unique. The guidance made the tasting experience much richer and more meaningful. By the time we finished the tasting, the chanko nabe was ready. We seasoned it with ponzu and yuzu kosho spice paste, plus just a small pinch of salt — and the result was incredible. Warm, deeply flavorful, comforting, and perfect for winter. After the sake tasting, the meal tasted even more satisfying. Everything — the instruction, the ingredients, the cultural explanations, the atmosphere — was top quality. This is not just a cooking class; it’s a full Japanese culinary experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Japan who wants a true, hands-on, traditional food experience.

+5

Many different interesting Sakes. It was my first time to try Chanko Nabe and it was so delicious. It is a very nice location and super supportive staff.

5 star experience and service. We had Mochi making, Japanese craft, sake pairing and Chanko nabe. Prices are affordable considering the standard. If you are looking for a place not very crowded and flexible with lots of customization with the experience you are looking for, this is should be your go to place.

+1

Chanko was amazing, they guided us thoroughly and had surprise same tasting and mochi making. Also had fan crafting that we were able to take home with us!

We had a nice explanation and the food was good, also the selection of sakes were fantastic. Very good experience, very rich food and explanation was detailed, with a good selection of sake as well.

I got this experience with KOKO JAPAN for free. I am very thankful, it was so much fun tasting Saké while making Nabe with the group. Thank you for this great experience!

It was a great experience, fun and the food was very delicious, the experience of making sweets was interesting and it is the first time to try the monaka

They prepare everything in advance and let us cook the most important things. It was super fun! Also we learn about sumo wrestlers and how they eat. I will recommend💘