Umami Tasting at Michelin Ajikitcho (Incl. Meal)

If you’re on the hunt for a culinary experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and authentic flavor, the Umami Tasting at Michelin Ajikitcho in Osaka might just be your next highlight. This guided tour offers a rare peek into Japan’s renowned washoku tradition, focusing on the essence of umami — that elusive fifth taste that elevates Japanese cuisine to perfection. While we haven’t personally participated, extensive reviews and descriptions paint a vivid picture of what you can expect, and it’s clear this experience is packed with valuable insights and delicious moments.

Three aspects stand out immediately: the chance to learn broth-making directly from the owner-chef, the opportunity to indulge in a carefully curated kaiseki meal, and the bilingual support that makes it accessible whether you speak English or Chinese. Plus, conveniently located in Osaka, it’s easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day — perfect if you’re heading to the Expo or just exploring the city’s food scene.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a small-group experience (limited to 2-10 participants), which might mean pre-booking is essential during peak seasons. The cost of $332 is an investment, but for those genuinely interested in Japanese culinary arts and culture, many will see it as well worth the price. This tour is ideal for food lovers, curious travelers eager to learn, and anyone wanting an authentic, hands-on Japanese experience—all wrapped into one.

Good To Know

• Authentic Learning: You’ll personally learn how to make dashi, the backbone of umami, directly from the owner-chef.
• Cultural Insights: The experience includes explanations about different broth ingredients and their significance in Japanese cuisine.
• Small Group: Limited to 2-10 people, offering a personalized, intimate setting.
• Bilingual Support: Translation in English or Chinese helps clarify the process and enhances understanding.
• Gourmet Kaiseki Meal: A carefully prepared traditional course featuring homemade broths, soba noodles, Omi beef steak, and more.
• Convenient Location: Close to Yotsubashi Station, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Umami Tasting Experience

The Setting and Location

The tour begins at Ajikitcho Horieten, a well-regarded restaurant in Osaka’s Nishi Ward. The location is easy to access — just a five-minute walk from Yotsubashi Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line — making it a perfect stop before or after exploring the city. Its reputation for quality and authenticity sets the tone for what’s to come.

The Broth-Making Lesson

The highlight of the experience is the hands-on broth-making segment. You’ll be welcomed with explanations about umami and its importance in Japanese cuisine. The owner-chef will personally teach you how to prepare the fundamental kombu kelp and bonito broth, which many consider the heart of washoku.

You’ll get a chance to touch the ingredients — like full-sized kombu kelp — and observe the shaved bonito flakes, which are often a source of curiosity for visitors. The chef’s detailed instructions help demystify the process, and reviewers have shared praise for the clear, friendly guidance. One guest noted, “Watching and tasting the broth being made changed the way I see Japanese cuisine — it’s all about respecting ingredients and patience.”

Tasting the Broths

After the demonstrations, you’ll sample several types of broth, crafted from different ingredients such as dried shiitake mushrooms, sea bream bones, and shellfish. This tasting reveals how subtle variations in ingredients create distinct umami profiles. As one reviewer put it, “It was fascinating to taste the difference between the kombu-bonito broth and the shiitake or seafood ones — each had its own character.”

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The Kaiseki Meal

Following the broth lesson, the focus shifts to the meal itself. The chef prepares a traditional kaiseki course, with a menu that varies daily but always emphasizes authenticity and seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between a regular or a ‘special’ course, which might include premium items like Omi beef steak or rice cooked in an earthenware pot with sea bream.

The meal is served with a matcha-infused soba noodles that you dip into flavorful broths, highlighting the harmony of textures and flavors. Many reviewers appreciate the balance of presentation and taste, noting that each dish feels thoughtfully crafted rather than just a meal. One guest commented, “The soba noodles with broth were a revelation—simple, yet packed with umami.”

Additional Touches and Souvenirs

The experience isn’t just about tasting. Staff are happy to take photos for you, capturing the moment of your broth-making and meal. As a small bonus, guests receive homemade souvenirs like matcha salt packets and special noodle soup sets, adding a memorable keepsake to their adventure.

Practical Details and Practicalities

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts approximately three hours—a manageable window for a culinary immersion in the middle of your day. With groups limited to 2-10 people, it offers a more personalized feel, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interactions.

Cost and Value

At $332 per person, the experience is an investment. It covers the meal, the broth-making lesson, and bilingual support, making it quite comprehensive. When you consider the depth of knowledge gained and the quality of the meal, many find it creates excellent value especially for those keen on Japanese cuisine or culture.

Cancellation and Language

You can cancel up to five days in advance for a full refund — a good policy for planning. The tour provides English and Chinese translation, which can make all the difference for non-Japanese speakers trying to fully grasp the nuances of broth ingredients and culinary techniques.

Suitability and Age Restrictions

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old; it’s more geared toward adults or older teens interested in food and culture. Participants are responsible for their personal safety during the experience.

What Reviewers Say

Many guests mention the personalized attention given during the broth-making, with one noting, “The chef was so enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge, and I learned a lot about Japanese flavor profiles.” Others appreciated the small group size, which fostered a relaxed atmosphere. Some pointed out that the dishes served during the meal varied daily, adding an element of surprise.

One reviewer found the experience particularly informative, saying, “I now know why umami is considered the fifth taste—it’s all about balancing flavors, and this tour made it so clear.” Others found the cultural explanations invaluable, especially the touch on ingredients like dried shiitake and sea bream bones, which are staples in Japanese cooking.

The Sum Up

This Umami Tasting at Michelin Ajikitcho offers a rare opportunity to go beyond just eating in Japan. It’s a hands-on, educational journey that teaches you about the fundamentals of Japanese flavor, with a chance to taste, touch, and learn directly from an expert chef. The experience’s small-group setting ensures intimacy and focused attention, enriching the learning process.

While the price may seem high, many see it as an investment in understanding Japan’s culinary secrets and acquiring skills that can elevate their home cooking. It’s best suited for foodies, culture seekers, and curious travelers who want a meaningful, authentic experience in Osaka.

If you’re eager to deepen your appreciation of Japanese cuisine and take home more than just a meal, this tour could be exactly what you’re looking for.

FAQs

Is the experience suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes, the tour provides bilingual translation in English and Chinese, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long does the entire experience last?
The experience takes about three hours, combining the broth-making lesson with a traditional meal.

Can I choose my meal course?
Yes, you can select between a regular or special course menu, which might include premium ingredients like Omi beef or sea bream rice.

What ingredients will I learn about?
You’ll learn about kombu kelp, bonito flakes, dried shiitake mushrooms, sea bream bones, shellfish, and other ingredients that build umami in Japanese dishes.

Are souvenirs included?
Yes, guests receive small homemade souvenirs such as matcha salt packets, noodle sets, and towels.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Not suitable for children under 6 years old, but older children interested in cuisine might enjoy it.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine; there’s no strict dress code, but be prepared for some hands-on activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to five days in advance for a full refund, but a 100% fee applies if canceled within four days of the experience.

This detailed look at the Umami Tasting at Michelin Ajikitcho shows it’s more than just a meal — it’s a chance to connect with Japanese culinary tradition in a memorable, personal way. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about Japanese flavors, it promises a rewarding journey into the heart of washoku.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby