VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

Every culture has its own ways of marking moments, recognizing the unique times that punctuate ordinary life. In Japan, these special days are called hare no hi — literally “sunny days” — and food has long been a common way to celebrate events like seasonal festivals, family reunions, and other important milestones.

Many families still maintain older cultural traditions around home-cooked meals ordinarily reserved for extraordinary days. This workshop is centered around a traditional dish from Ishikawa called sasa-zushi, or “bamboo sushi.” 

What is sasa-zushi?

Sasa-zushi is a traditional Kanazawa favorite, still prepared to celebrate special occasions at home. Every home cook has their own personal twist on the recipe, as these living traditions continue to evolve. The family prepares it all together as a group: first, line a press molds with a layer of sushi rice, add your own choice of toppings, then press, slice, and wrap each individual piece in a bamboo leaf. 

Friendly, Knowledgeable Hosts

All of our home cooking teachers a are locals, all with plenty of experience cooking at home direct from the heart, and not just from cookbooks.

Our hosts also like to share personal stories about their everyday lives, their families, and local customs. The experience is focused on preparing food, but it also offers an opportunity to learn more about life in Japan and in Kanazawa through a conversational back-and-forth. 

Creating Lasting Memories

・Get a close, intimate view of life in Japan, and especially Kanazawa.

・Great for families: a fun activity for all ages, and a special shared mealtime. 

・Experience a warm, at-home atomosphere usually off-limits to tourists. 

・Make treasured travel memories that strengthen family bonds and enrich the ming and soul.