Have you ever wanted to truly experience Japan’s breakfast culture? At The RYOKAN O, we offer our guests a unique breakfast experience—making and enjoying fresh, handmade onigiri (rice balls) with your own hands. This experience goes beyond a simple meal; it’s a precious opportunity to connect with the essence of Japanese food culture.
Why Onigiri is So Special
Onigiri is one of the most beloved and familiar foods for Japanese people. Simple yet filled with the warmth and care of the maker, onigiri has been a companion to Japanese life for centuries. The onigiri-making experience at The RYOKAN O offers you a rare chance to directly feel the heart of Japanese food culture.
The Joy of Creating Your Own Onigiri
The Pleasure of Choosing from Various Ingredients
At our establishment, we provide onigiri fillings that Japanese people commonly enjoy, such as kelp (kombu) and pickled plum (umeboshi). Each filling has its distinctive flavor—the deep oceanic taste of kelp, the refreshing tartness of pickled plum—allowing you to choose according to your preferences. Even the time spent deciding which filling to choose becomes an enjoyable part of this experience.
Feeling the Warmth of Handmade Food
The experience of shaping onigiri with your own hands is a special time to feel the warmth of Japanese home cooking. The warmth of rice in your palms, the joy of wrapping the filling, and the sense of accomplishment when it’s complete—all of these become unforgettable morning memories.
A Fun Experience for the Whole Family
Onigiri making is extremely popular with children as well. We’ve designed the experience so that even small children can participate safely, allowing the entire family to enjoy creating breakfast together. The serious expressions on children’s faces and their delighted smiles when they complete their onigiri will surely become special memories for your family.
Onigiri Making Steps: 7 Easy and Fun Steps
At our establishment, we provide clear instructions so that even first-time participants can enjoy making onigiri with confidence:
Step 1: Wet Your Hands
First, thoroughly wet your hands. This important preparation prevents rice grains from sticking to your hands.
Step 2: Add Flavor with Salt
Lightly rub salt on your palms. This salt gives the onigiri a subtle flavor throughout and improves preservation.
Step 3: Place Rice in Your Palm
Put an appropriate amount of rice in your palm. The warmth of the rice at this moment is part of the charm of handmade food.
Step 4: Place Your Chosen Filling in the Center
Put your selected filling in the center of the rice. Enjoy the unique characteristics of each filling—the aroma of kelp, the color of pickled plum.
Step 5: Wrap the Filling
Add more rice to cover the filling completely. When the filling is properly wrapped, it creates a well-balanced flavor.
Step 6: Shape into a Triangle
Gently roll between both palms to form a beautiful triangle. This step requires the most technique and provides the greatest sense of achievement.
Step 7: Finish with Seaweed
Finally, wrap with nori (seaweed) to complete. The fragrant aroma of nori enhances the deliciousness of the onigiri even more.
Hygiene Considerations
At our establishment, we prioritize hygiene in the onigiri-making experience above all else. We provide vinyl gloves for the preparation process, so you can enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind. In our clean and safe environment, you can wholeheartedly experience Japanese food culture.
Experience Details and Reservation Information
Schedule and Pricing
- Experience Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Price: ¥2,000
- Experience Content: Hands-on onigiri making experience (available upon request)
How to Make a Reservation
Reservation Deadline: By 12:00 PM the day before Inquiries: theryokano@gmail.com
Reservation Process:
- Submit your reservation request
- You will receive an automatic tentative reservation confirmation email
- Within 3 business days, staff will contact you with final confirmation
- Reservation is complete when you receive the final confirmation email from staff
*Please note: Your reservation is NOT complete until you receive the final confirmation email from our staff.
For More Details and Reservations
For detailed information about the onigiri breakfast experience and to make your reservation, please visit our dedicated page:
Onigiri Breakfast Experience & Reservation Page
The Appeal of This Breakfast Experience
Handmade onigiri breakfast offers special attractions that typical hotel breakfasts cannot provide:
Fresh Deliciousness
Freshly made onigiri has rice where every grain is alive, and the fillings can be enjoyed at their peak flavor.
Value as a Cultural Experience
Rather than simply eating a meal, this is a precious experience where you can physically feel Japan’s traditional food culture.
A Unique Breakfast Experience
The onigiri you make yourself is a one-of-a-kind original in the world, reflecting your mood and preferences for that particular day, making it a truly special breakfast.
A Special Time Only Available at The RYOKAN O
This handmade onigiri breakfast experience is an important element of The RYOKAN O’s cherished concept of “a lodging to deeply enjoy Nakatsugawa travel.” You can directly experience the essence of culture that lives within Japanese daily life—something you cannot obtain merely by touring tourist sites.
In the quiet morning hours, making onigiri with your own hands and tasting the fresh results—within this seemingly simple act lies the essence of the culture Japanese people have treasured: “putting your heart into what you make.” This is why staying at The RYOKAN O becomes a deep cultural experience that goes beyond mere accommodation.
Conclusion
The handmade onigiri breakfast at The RYOKAN O is a special experience that connects you with the heart of Japanese culture. Through the simple yet profound art of onigiri making, you can feel the essence of Japanese food culture. We hope you’ll enjoy this special breakfast experience to make your stay in Nakatsugawa richer and more memorable.
The onigiri created by your own hands will beautifully color the beginning of your wonderful day in Nakatsugawa. If you would like to enjoy this special experience, please make your reservation by 12:00 PM the day before. For detailed information and reservations, please visit our dedicated page. We also share glimpses of our “handmade onigiri breakfast” experience on Instagram, so please be sure to check it out.