Hiroko welcomed us wearing a kimono, and from the very beginning, her warmth set the tone. In her simple yet beautiful studio, we started with a cup of warm hojicha while she shared stories about her hometown and the ingredients grown by her family on their farm. You could truly feel her sincerity and respect for fresh, local produce.
We cooked rice in a donabe to make onigiri, and the aroma of the freshly steamed rice was unforgettable. Making miso soup with her homemade miso and preparing Japanese rolled omelet together was both fun and meaningful.
Beyond what we cooked, Hiroko generously prepared vegetable tempura, dessert, and finished with Fukuoka green tea. Every detail felt thoughtful and full of care.
It felt like spending time at an sister’s home—cooking together, being warmly welcomed, and generously taken care of.
Without a doubt, this was the most heartfelt highlight of my trip to Fukuoka. I highly recommend this experience.