Hokkaido Nature and Gourmet Experience near Lake Toya

Cook a feast from Hokkaido's seasonal harvest on a private hilltop overlooking Lake Toya

A hands-on culinary activity near Lake Toya, Hokkaido, where you spend four hours exploring a private 5-acre property, learning the stories behind local ingredients, and preparing a full seasonal meal in a cozy kitchen before eating it together. A live guide speaks English, Japanese or Cantonese. Pickup is included.

The experience

You arrive at HOKKAIDian Homestead, a private property built to share the food and life of Hokkaido. After welcome drinks and a seasonal platter, your guide takes you on a walk through the grounds (forest and farm on a hilltop with views across the region), pointing out where ingredients come from and what makes this corner of Hokkaido distinct. The property sits on 5 acres, so there is room to move between the natural surroundings and the working kitchen without feeling rushed.

Then you move indoors to the cozy kitchen and dining area. This is where the hands-on part begins: you learn to prepare a full course meal using the seasonal seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables the guide has just walked you through. You hear the stories behind each ingredient (why it matters, how it is grown or caught, what it tastes like in this season), and you handle the cooking itself, not just watch a demonstration. The menu shifts with the season, so what you make depends on when you visit.

When the cooking is done, you sit down to eat the feast you've made. Coffee or herbal tea closes the meal. Pickup is included, and your guide speaks English, Japanese or Cantonese.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel or a meeting point.
• welcome drinks and a seasonal platter.
• a guided walk through the 5-acre property.
• hands-on preparation of a full seasonal meal.
• a seated feast featuring Hokkaido seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables.
• homemade dessert.
• coffee or herbal tea.
• a live guide in English, Japanese or Cantonese.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 11:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Cantonese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by HOKKAIDian Homestead

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Japanese or Cantonese, so you can follow comfortably in your preferred language. This works for solo travelers, families and small groups who want to cook and eat together rather than watch a chef work.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Japanese and Cantonese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of cooking will I actually do on the day?

You prepare a full seasonal meal in the kitchen using Hokkaido seafood, meat, and local produce. The guide teaches you as you work, so the focus is on learning the techniques and the stories behind the ingredients rather than following a recipe alone.

How long is the whole experience?

The activity runs four hours from arrival to the end of the meal, including the welcome refreshments, the guided walk outdoors, the hands-on cooking, and the seated feast.

What does the welcome platter and the final meal actually include?

The welcome platter is a seasonal selection of refreshing bites. The full course meal features a seasonal Hokkaido seafood bowl, roasted meat and vegetables using local ingredients, homemade dessert, and coffee or herbal tea.

How do I get there, and what if I don't have a car?

Pickup is included with the booking. Your guide will arrange collection from your hotel or a meeting point near Lake Toya, so you don't need to arrange your own transport.