Yuka's Osaka Cooking Base

01/08/2026

Today in Nagoya! 🇯🇵✨

I enjoyed two of Nagoya’s most iconic local dishes: an toast (crispy toast topped with sweet red bean paste) and hitsumabushi (grilled eel served in three delicious ways).

Every region in Japan has its own unique food culture, and exploring local specialties is one of the best ways to experience Japan.

Which one would you like to try first? 😊

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24/07/2026

Tenjin Matsuri – Day 1! 🎆

Today is Yoimiya (the eve of the festival), and this is Miyairi, when the portable shrines and participants enter Osaka Tenmangū Shrine to pray for a safe and successful festival.

The city is full of excitement—and this is only the beginning!

Day 2 is tomorrow!

15/07/2026

🎆 Tenjin Matsuri is almost here! 🎆

You may have noticed this festival poster in my kitchen!

Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three greatest festivals, takes place on July 24 and 25 every year. My kitchen is just a short walk from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, so around this time the whole neighborhood starts to come alive. The streets get busier, locals get excited, and you’ll soon hear the festival music as rehearsals begin.

✨ Please note that my cooking classes will be closed on July 24 and 25 so I can enjoy this very special local festival.

This year will be extra special for me because I’ll be watching the famous fireworks from a boat for the very first time! I’m so excited and can’t wait to share some photos afterwards. 🎆

If you’re visiting Osaka this week, you’re in for a wonderful atmosphere!

15/02/2026

👹🔥 Namahage Sedo Festival in Akita

Today’s photos are from the Namahage Sedo Festival held in Oga City on the Oga Peninsula, at Shinzan Jinja.

This sacred Shinto ritual takes place once a year in February.

Namahage are visiting deities who come to warn against laziness and bad behavior, drive away misfortune, and bring good fortune to the community. Dressed in fierce oni masks and straw capes, and carrying large knives, they appear dramatically through fire and snow.

Although they look frightening, their purpose is to protect families, encourage diligence, and pray for a healthy and prosperous year.

A powerful winter tradition filled with fire, faith, and folklore in northern Japan. 👹🔥✨

Would you dare to meet Namahage?

27/01/2026

I’ve just published a new blog post:
“Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama” — The Meaning Behind Japan’s Mealtime Words
https://osakacookingbase.com/itadakimasu-and-gochisousama-the-meaning-behind-japans-mealtime-words/

These words may sound simple, but they carry a deep meaning in Japanese culture. ✨
They express gratitude—not just for the food, but for everyone involved in bringing the meal to the table.

If you’re traveling in Japan, these are truly magic words worth remembering. 🍽️🇯🇵

When eating with Japanese families, you may notice that something feels missing if these words are not said. Before a meal, people say “Itadakimasu.”After finishing, they say “Gochisousama.” Paren…

07/01/2026

Welcome to Osaka Cooking Base 😊
We are a small, home-style cooking class held on weekday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in Osaka.　
Available Menu　
・Okonomiyaki　
・Ramen+Gyoza　
・Bento　
・Katsu Curry

Our classes are intentionally small, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere. This is not a commercial studio or a fast-paced cooking lesson. Instead, we cook together slowly, talk, laugh, and share stories — just like friends in a home kitchen.

In addition to cooking, our local tour takes you to hidden gems in the neighborhood — long-loved local shops where you can experience traditional Japanese food culture and enjoy real conversations with shop owners. It’s a uniquely Osaka experience that goes beyond recipes.

This class is perfect for those looking for something more personal and meaningful, rather than a standard, assembly-line style cooking class.

You can read more reviews from past guests on Google Maps here:
👉https://maps.app.goo.gl/bSj1YHPxBf9nSZSK9

Bookings can be made here:
👉https://osakacookingbase.com/book-class/

If your preferred date is shown as closed, feel free to contact us — we will do our best to accommodate you whenever possible.

Private classes and special menu requests are also available upon request.
Please don’t hesitate to send us a message or email to ask.

We look forward to cooking with you in Osaka 🍳