©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Kamado Rice-Cooking Experience

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Kamado Rice-Cooking Experience

The kamado, a traditional Japanese cooking stove once found in every home

3.20 4

Last update :

The kamado rice-cooking experience takes place at Kamado, a restaurant in the Shika no Fune tourism complex in Nara City. The restaurant serves simple Japanese home cooking made with ingredients from Nara, and all its rice is cooked in traditional kamado stoves. The stoves at the heart of the restaurant were built by a craftsman in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. It is said that fewer and fewer craftspeople now have the skills to build them. The kamado rice-cooking experience began about two years ago. Participants are guided by Hitomi Yamashita, who is responsible for selling food products and merchandise at the restaurant. The experience begins with an explanation of the rice-cooking process.

Read the Full Experience Report!

Photos

  • Inside Kamado. Most seats are at the counter, with table seating also available.

    Inside Kamado. Most seats are at the counter, with table seating also available.

  • From left are rice pots with capacities of approximately 9, 7.2, and 5.4 liters.

    From left are rice pots with capacities of approximately 9, 7.2, and 5.4 liters.

  • Ms. Yamashita, right, carefully explains the process in front of the kamado stoves.

    Ms. Yamashita, right, carefully explains the process in front of the kamado stoves.

  • The rice used is Hinohikari, grown in Nara Prefecture. It received the highest Special A taste rating for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015.

    The rice used is Hinohikari, grown in Nara Prefecture. It received the highest Special A taste rating for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015.

  • Hinoki cypress is used for firewood. It is sometimes called “fire wood” because it burns well.

    Hinoki cypress is used for firewood. It is sometimes called “fire wood” because it burns well.

  • Using the bellows to blow air into the fire increases the heat! The wood ash is later spread over a field on the property.

    Using the bellows to blow air into the fire increases the heat! The wood ash is later spread over a field on the property.

  • Freshly cooked kamado rice has a glossy sheen. It has just the right amount of moisture, and each grain has a pleasantly firm texture.

    Freshly cooked kamado rice has a glossy sheen. It has just the right amount of moisture, and each grain has a pleasantly firm texture.

  • The rice is extremely hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.

    The rice is extremely hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.

  • The side dishes change weekly. Each one, including Nara-style pickles and miso soup, pairs perfectly with the rice.

    The side dishes change weekly. Each one, including Nara-style pickles and miso soup, pairs perfectly with the rice.

  • The best part is sitting down to eat afterward! The rice and side dishes bring out the best in one another.

    The best part is sitting down to eat afterward! The rice and side dishes bring out the best in one another.

  • For reservations and inquiries about tea lessons and other experiences, call Mayu at 0742-94-3500.

    For reservations and inquiries about tea lessons and other experiences, call Mayu at 0742-94-3500.

  • The Shika no Fune complex is also home to Saezuri, a reservation-only restaurant serving elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

    The Shika no Fune complex is also home to Saezuri, a reservation-only restaurant serving elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

Reviews

4

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • LaurierTiernan
    See More

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

  • socketjester
    See More

    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
    See More

    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
    See More

    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 in Japanese
鹿の舟 竈
Experience
Kamado Rice-Cooking Experience
Address
11 Inoue-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8317
Phone
0742-94-5520
Hours
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The experience is held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and every other Tuesday.
May be closed when events are held or for other reasons.
Closed on
Wednesdays and every other Tuesday
Price Range
¥3,500
Payment Method
Pay by credit card when booking online through Nara Experience.com
Group Size
2 - 8 people
Multilingual Support
None
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Important Information
Children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We recommend wearing clothes you do not mind getting dirty.
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa