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Hearth-Steamed Rice

"Kamado": Traditional Japanese Kitchen Equipment Once Found In Every Home

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Our Japanese rice cooking experience is offered at Kamado, located within the sightseeing complex, Shika no Fune in Nara City. Our food is made with local ingredients from Nara and all of our rice is cooked inside of our kamado hearth so that you can enjoy the most authentic Japanese home cooked meal. Our hearth was built by a local craftsman from Uda City in Nara. Unfortunately though, the number of craftsmen specializing in kamado hearths is decreasing. We began offering a rice cooking experience to customers at Kamado about two years ago. Our guide is Hitomi Yamashita, who also manages the food and goods store in the same shop. To start, let's go over an explanation of how the rice is prepared.

See an experience report for this facility!

Photos

  • The inside of Kamado with center counter and table seating.

    The inside of Kamado with center counter and table seating.

  • From the left, approximately 9, 7, and 5 liter pots.

    From the left, approximately 9, 7, and 5 liter pots.

  • Ms. Yamashita (left) kindly giving an explaination to guests in front of the hearth.

    Ms. Yamashita (left) kindly giving an explaination to guests in front of the hearth.

  • The rice we use is Hinohikari, grown and harvested in Nara. It has consecutively been awarded an A rank in taste from 2012 to 2015, four years running.

    The rice we use is Hinohikari, grown and harvested in Nara. It has consecutively been awarded an A rank in taste from 2012 to 2015, four years running.

  • Our kindling comes from the Japanese hinoki cypress, also known as the "tree of fire" (hi no ki) because of its easy to burn wood.

    Our kindling comes from the Japanese hinoki cypress, also known as the "tree of fire" (hi no ki) because of its easy to burn wood.

  • Using billows on a fire will make the flames grow! The ashes from the fire are later collected and spread onto rice fields.

    Using billows on a fire will make the flames grow! The ashes from the fire are later collected and spread onto rice fields.

  • Rice cooked in a kamado hearth comes out glistening. Prepared with just the right amount of water, you will feel the soft texture of every grain.

    Rice cooked in a kamado hearth comes out glistening. Prepared with just the right amount of water, you will feel the soft texture of every grain.

  • The flame we used to cook the rice is very hot, so please be careful.

    The flame we used to cook the rice is very hot, so please be careful.

  • We change our sides each week. Nara-style pickled vegetables and miso soup are the absolute best sides to have with onigiri.

    We change our sides each week. Nara-style pickled vegetables and miso soup are the absolute best sides to have with onigiri.

  • Enjoying a delicious meal after your hard work is over is the best part! We offer a number of great side dishes to eat with your rice.

    Enjoying a delicious meal after your hard work is over is the best part! We offer a number of great side dishes to eat with your rice.

  • For reservations for the rice cooking activity or tea ceremony workshop, please call us at 0742-94-3500 (Mayu).

    For reservations for the rice cooking activity or tea ceremony workshop, please call us at 0742-94-3500 (Mayu).

  • On the Shika no Fune premises is also the elegant, seasonal cooking restaurant, Saezuri.

    On the Shika no Fune premises is also the elegant, seasonal cooking restaurant, Saezuri.

Reviews

4
  • LaurierTiernan

    I liked building the fire, and stoking the fire, and then being taught how to make the onigiri by hand.

  • socketjester

    Being so involved with the process of making onigiri was wonderful. It's extra special when you make something that's unique to you. And even better when you get to eat it at the end. The staff were extremely friendly and the food was delicious!

  • Dylan

    A very simple but down to earth unique experience. The rice was delicious and would definitely recommend to anyone who is spending time in Nara and wants to try something a little different. Our guide was very enthusiastic about her job which was extremely refreshing.

  • unbeaten japan

    This is a pleasant experience for almost any foreign tourists, especially because it includes a light meal in the price.
    Perfect for families with kids.
    Location is excellent, being in downtown Dara in proximity to the famous deer Park and temples and shrines.

Experience information

Name of facility
Shika no Fune: Kamado
Name of experience
Hearth-Steamed Rice
Address
11 Inoue-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8317
Telephone number
0742-94-5520
Business Hours
Weekdays 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Weekend and public holidays 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The activities are offered on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and every other Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Exceptions may apply in the case of some special events)
Closed
Wednesdays, and every other Tuesday
Price
3500 yen
Payment Methods
Online with credit card at nara-experience.com (done together with reservation)
Number of guests accepted (groups)
2 to 8 people
Languages spoken
Japanese only
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Notice
・Children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by a guardian
・We recommend coming in clothes you don't mind getting dirty

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