Japan Culinary Institute

Japan Culinary Institute
  • Recommended for Westerners

    The school’s curriculum has accounted for students who need more time and support to learn Kanji, etc.

  • Apartments Available

    This school introduces private apartments.

  • Homestay Available

    This school introduces local Japanese families where students can live while studying.

  • In-School Activities

    This school organizes regular interactive & cultural activities in the school.

  • Out-of-School Activities

    This school organizes out-of-school day-trips, excursions and events throughout the year.

*Click each feature for details

School Introduction

The Japanese Culinary Institute is a professional culinary school located in Atami, Japan. The school offers a series of programs and courses that cover various aspects of Japanese cuisine, including traditional cooking techniques, sushi making, and sake brewing. With a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, a faculty of world-renowned chefs and culinary experts, and a commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine while encouraging innovation and creativity, the Japanese Culinary Institute is the perfect place to take your passion for cooking to the next level.

The school's rigorous training program is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in the food industry and even offers a program to help you open your own restaurant. Joining the Japan Culinary Institute will allow you to discover or rediscover the endless possibilities of Japanese Cuisine.

School Staff Support Languages: Japanese, English
Minimum Course Duration: 1 day

Main Features

All lessons are taught in English
The Japan Culinary Institute offers English-language instruction to cater to international students who want to learn about Japanese cuisine.
Practical trainings at real restaurants
Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by training at real restaurants, where they can apply their skills in a real-world setting.
Plenty of hands-on lessons
The school emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, allowing students to develop their skills through experience.
Opportunities for cultural experiences
The school offers opportunities for students to experience and learn about Japanese culture, such as visits to local markets and cultural events.
Instructors are active Japanese cuisine chefs
The instructors at the school are experienced chefs who are actively working in the field of Japanese cuisine, providing students with real-world knowledge and expertise.
A wide range of courses to suit any purpose at any level
The school offers a variety of courses and programs to suit students at all levels and with different goals, from beginner courses to advanced programs.
Restaurant opening support lesson
The school provides training and support for students who are interested in opening their own restaurants, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.
Experience of internship
The school provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships at restaurants and other culinary establishments, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge in a professional setting.

School Location

Atami, a city located in the Shizuoka prefecture, is the ideal place to learn authentic Japanese cuisine as it is closely connected with nature, offering fresh ingredients such as seafood delivered from the port every morning, freshwater filtered through the mountains, and vegetables that grew taking sunlight. It is also known for its sulfate and salt-rich hot springs, and its relaxed environment and authentic Japanese culture that cannot be found in metropolitan cities like Tokyo. 

 

In addition to the Japan Culinary Institute’s main school in Atami, various lessons are organized at top-quality and popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo.

Available Courses

  • Japanese culinary specialties courses
  • Japanese Cuisine Chef training course
  • Restaurant planning Support course
  • Summer courses
  • Japanese culture course

Japanese culinary specialties courses

Course Description

The school offers courses for various Japanese specialties:

 

  • Ramen Course: This course teaches students how to make one of the most popular Japanese dishes, ramen, from scratch. Students will learn how to make the broth, noodles, and toppings that go into making a delicious bowl of ramen.
  • Yakitori Course: This course focuses on the art of making Yakitori, a Japanese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken. Students will learn the basics of preparing and grilling chicken, and how to create various types of Yakitori dishes.
  • Sushi Course: This course is all about sushi, one of the most well-known Japanese dishes. Students will learn how to make various types of sushi, including Nigiri, Maki, and Chirashi. They will also learn about the ingredients used in sushi and how to prepare them.
  • Wagashi Course: This course focuses on the art of making Japanese sweets known as Wagashi. Students will learn about the different types of Wagashi, their history, and how to make them.
  • Sake Course: This course is all about Sake, a Japanese rice wine. Students will learn about the history and culture of Sake, as well as the production process. They will also learn how to taste and pair Sake with different types of food.
  • Green Tea Course: This course teaches students about the history and culture of green tea in Japan. Students will learn about the various types of green tea, how to prepare it, and its health benefits.
  • Gyoza Course: This course focuses on making Gyoza, a type of Japanese dumpling. Students will learn how to prepare the filling, make the wrappers, and how to cook and serve Gyoza.
  • Fast & Street Food: This course teaches students about the various types of fast and street food found in Japan. Students will learn how to make dishes such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Yakisoba, which are popular at festivals and on the streets of Japan.
  • Dashi Special Workshop: This workshop focuses on making Dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock. Students will learn about the different types of Dashi, how to prepare them, and how to use them in various dishes.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Course

Duration

Intake

Application Deadline

Sushi Course

7 weeks

4 weeks

1 week

Late October

~2 months before start date

Ramen Course

2 weeks

1 week

Late May

Late July

Mid November

Yakitori Course

2 weeks

1 week

Mid June

Mid July

Mid November

Gyoza Course

2 weeks

1 week

1 day

Please inquire

Fast & Street food Course

1 week

Please inquire

Wagashi course

1 month

Please inquire

Dashi course

N/A

Please inquire

Green Tea course

N/A

Please inquire

Sake course

N/A

Please inquire

Course Features & Electives

  • Taught by high-level culinary masters

    All instructors in JCI are expert Japanese chefs.

  • Free English interpreter provided

    Don’t worry if you don’t speak a word of Japanese! Culinary classes are offered with a free English interpreter.

  • Cultural Experience:

    Beaches, hot springs, and temples in Atami
    Experience Japanese culture first-hand in Tokyo
    Organized visits to popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo

Tuition Fees

Duration

Tuition fees

Enrollment fees

Sushi Course

7 weeks 

US$ 6,900

US$ 3,000

4 weeks

US$ 3,800

US$ 1,500

1 week 

US$ 2,400

US$ 500

Ramen Course

2 weeks

US$ 3,200

US$ 1,000

1 week

US$ 1,400

US$ 500

Yakitori Course

2 weeks

US$ 3,200

US$ 1,000

1 week 

US$ 1,400

US$ 500

Gyoza Course

2 weeks

US$3,800

N/A

1 week

US$1,900

1 day

US$300

Fast & Street food Course

1 week

2,200 USD

N/A

Wagashi course

1 month

Please inquire

N/A

Dashi course

N/A

Please inquire

N/A

Green Tea course

N/A

Please inquire

N/A

Sake course

N/A

Please inquire

N/A

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Japanese Cuisine Chef training course

Course Description

This Japanese Cuisine Chef training course is perfect for those who are passionate about Japanese culture and culinary arts. It offers students an opportunity to learn professional techniques and gain in-depth knowledge of Japanese cuisine in 8, 12 or 24 weeks (which includes 12 weeks of lessons and 12 weeks of internships).

 

Japan Culinary Institute - ramen Cooking noodle course

A “Ramen course” at Japan Culinary Institute

During the program, students will learn a range of subjects including Japanese Home Cooking, Japanese traditional foods, Wagashi (Japanese sweets) and Green Tea, Kaiseki (full-course), Sushi, Yakitori, Noodles, and Kaiseki II and Sake. The curriculum covers all aspects of Japanese food culture, from the fundamental base to the sophisticated and aesthetic presentation of Kaiseki cuisine.

 

In addition to the classroom lessons, students will also have various field studies, such as visits to a sake brewery, fish market, and famous ramen shops. This immersive learning experience allows students to gain a deep understanding of Japanese culinary culture and ingredients.

 

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to work professionally in the field of Japanese cuisine. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive program that will take your passion for Japanese cuisine to the next level, this Japanese Cuisine Chef training course is the perfect choice for you.

 

 

Note: Lesson orders and contents are subject to change in order to learn different dishes organically, instead of separately.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Course

Duration

Intake

Application Deadline

Japanese Cuisine Chef training course

22 weeks

Late September

~2 months before start date

11 weeks

7 weeks

Course Features & Electives

  • Taught by high-level culinary masters

    All instructors in JCI are expert Japanese chefs.

  • Free English interpreter provided

    Don’t worry if you don’t speak a word of Japanese! Culinary classes are offered with a free English interpreter.

  • Cultural Experience:

    Beaches, hot springs, and temples in Atami
    Experience Japanese culture first-hand in Tokyo
    Organized visits to popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo

  • Various programs:

    Japanese Home Cooking
    Japanese traditional foods
    Wagashi (Japanese sweets) and Green Tea
    Kaiseki (full-course)
    Sushi
    Yakitori
    Noodles
    Sake
    And more…

  • Field studies and extracurricular activities:

    Fish Market Visit
    Green Tea Tasting
    Japanese Restaurant Visit
    Tea Ceremony
    Sake Brewery Visit
    Miso Brewery Visit
    Farming Experience
    Seasonal Traditional Foods
    Eat-Around
    Calligraphy Experience

Tuition Fees

Duration

Tuition fees

Enrollment fees

Japanese Cuisine Chef Training course

22 weeks 

US$ 19,000

US$ 10,000

11 weeks

US$ 10,500

US$ 4,000

7 weeks 

US$ 6,900

US$ 3,000

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Restaurant planning Support course

Course Description

Are you interested in opening a Japanese restaurant outside of Japan? The Japan Culinary Institute offers a range of specialized courses to support your goals. The Restaurant planning Support course cover all the necessary subjects for successful restaurant management, including market research, budget planning, equipment selection, personnel management, and advertising and promotion.

 

Participants can select from a variety of courses, including professional setting and equipment, interior decoration, facade and exterior, successful Japanese restaurant interior design and planning, and Japanese restaurant start-up lessons. Additionally, for those who have completed JCI’s Japanese Cuisine Chef Training Courses, there are customized courses available for menu planning with our specialists.

 

The Restaurant Open Training Course is designed for participants to create their own restaurant’s menu with support from the specialists.With the support of the Japan Culinary Institute, you can learn how to open and manage a successful Japanese restaurant in your country, attracting both Japanese and local clients.

 

  • This course is recommended to be taken together with a partner or chefs.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Course

Duration

Intake

Application Deadline

Restaurant planning Support course

From 1 day to 2 weeks

Please inquire

~2 months before start date

Course Features & Electives

  • Taught by high-level culinary masters

    All instructors in JCI are expert Japanese chefs.

  • Free English interpreter provided

    Don’t worry if you don’t speak a word of Japanese! Culinary classes are offered with a free English interpreter.

  • Cultural Experience:

    Beaches, hot springs, and temples in Atami
    Experience Japanese culture first-hand in Tokyo
    Organized visits to popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo

  • Japanese Restaurant Professional Setting and Equipment:

    Covers the basics of setting up a professional Japanese restaurant, including equipment and tools needed.

  • Japanese Restaurant Interior Decoration:

    Teaches participants how to decorate the interior of the restaurant to attract customers.

  • Facade and Exterior:

    Covers the exterior design and appearance of the restaurant.

  • Successful Japanese Restaurant Interior Design and Planning:

    Teaches participants how to create an interior design that meets the requirements of a successful Japanese restaurant.

  • Japanese Restaurant Start-up Lesson (1 day)

    Teaches participants how to make a profit at a Japanese restaurant.

  • Japanese Restaurant Start-up Lesson (3 days):

    Covers market research, setting targets, examining the types of restaurant, budget planning and equipment, product price range setting, per customer spending, examining sales, financing, personnel/staff plan, advertisement and promotion, logomark / logotype design, startup budget, running budget, and management plan – short-term / mid-term / long-term plan.

  • Restaurant Open Training Course with Menu Planning (1 day in private) 

    Allows participants to create their own restaurant menu with the help of specialists.

  • Restaurant Open Training Course with Menu Planning (3 days in private)

    This course offers more in-depth training to help participants create a unique restaurant menu.

Tuition Fees

Duration

Tuition fees

Japanese Restaurant professional setting and equipment

2 days

US$ 1,200

Japanese Restaurant interior decoration

1 day

US$ 500

Facade and exterior

1 day

US$ 500

Successful Japanese Restaurant interior design and planning

2 days

US$ 1,600

Restaurant Open Training Course with Menu planning *

1 day (customized lesson- private)

US$ 2,400

3 days (customized lesson- private)

US$ 4,800

* Please participate together with your partner or your chefs. The second person is free at this rate.

 

 

For those who completed between 4 weeks to 12 weeks of the Japanese Cuisine Chef Training Course:

Duration

Tuition fees

Japanese Restaurant Start-up Lesson

1 day

US$ 800

3 days

US$ 2,400

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Summer courses

Course Description

Summer in Japan is the perfect time to experience Japanese culture and cuisine through JCI Summer Courses. These courses offer a unique opportunity to learn popular Japanese culinary dishes like “Ramen,” “Yakitori,” “Sushi,” and home cooking from experienced professionals at Japan Culinary Institute. Located in the picturesque city of Atami, only 40 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, you’ll be able to enjoy the beaches, hot springs, and temples in the area during your stay.

 

Four lessons are available:

  • 1

    Lesson 1 teaches you basic Washoku techniques and home cooking, including making DASHI soup stock and traditional & home-style dishes.

  • 2

    Lesson 2 covers Ramen and other Japanese noodles.

  • 3

    Lesson 3 teaches you how to make authentic sushi and fish dishes.

  • 4

    Lesson 4 focuses on Yakitori and other chicken dishes.

 

 

There are three course options available:

  • 1

    a 4-week course covering all four lessons,

  • 2

    a 2-week course allowing you to choose two lessons,

  • 3

    and a 1-week course where you can choose one lesson based on your interests and schedule.

 

 

The culinary lessons are taught by high-level culinary masters and include a free English interpreter, so language is not a barrier.

 

For those with previous Japanese cuisine experience, there is also a one-week Kaiseki Summer Course available, which teaches the concept and techniques of Kaiseki cuisine – dishes served for entertaining guests during tea ceremonies. This course is designed to teach the basic structure and menu of Kaiseki in just one week.

 

The courses are held Monday to Friday, with some courses organized at popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo. During weekends, you can explore nearby attractions such as Mt. Fuji, beautiful Lake Ashinoko, the famous castle in Odawara, Firework Festivals, and more. Come experience the best of Japan through JCI Summer Courses!

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Course

Duration

Intakes

Application Deadline

Summer Course

4 weeks

Early May / 

Late June / 

Early August

~2 months before start date

2 weeks
1 week

Kaiseki Summer Course

1 week

Early June /

Early September

~2 months before start date

 

  • The courses are held Monday to Friday.

Course Features & Electives

  • Taught by high-level culinary masters

    All instructors in JCI are expert Japanese chefs.

  • Free English interpreter provided

    Don’t worry if you don’t speak a word of Japanese! Culinary classes are offered with a free English interpreter.

  • Cultural Experience:

    Beaches, hot springs, and temples in Atami
    Experience Japanese culture first-hand in Tokyo
    Organized visits to popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo

Tuition Fees

Duration

Tuition fees

Enrollment fees

Summer course

4 weeks

US$ 4,700

US$ 500

2 weeks

US$ 3,200

1 week

US$ 2,400

Special : Kaiseki Summer Course

1 week

US$ 2,800

US$ 500

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Japanese culture course

Course Description

This 1-week Japanese culture course offers a comprehensive overview of Japanese culture and cuisine. The two are inseparable, and understanding Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) requires a deep understanding of Japanese culture. JCI provides a unique opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and culinary culture through a variety of cultural experiences

 

Traditional Japanese culture is rooted in the beliefs of the Japanese Shinto gods. Through this course, students can experience Japanese culture in a short period of time like no other and students can choose 15 programs from the following courses:

 

  • Calligraphy
  • Japanese instruments
  • Kimono lesson
  • Cleaning Temple
  • Experience Tea Ceremony
  • Japanese Dish Making
  • Zazen / meditation
  • Japanese Flower arrangement
  • Shrine visit in kimono with tea ceremony
  • Japanese architectures visit
  • Kaiseki meals experience and Japanese table manners
  • Making Japanese sweet and tea ceremony
  • Izakaya (Japanese style pub) experience
  • Yakitori (Chicken skewers) lesson and tasting with drinking
  • Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) experience
  • Sake brewery visit  
  • Miso factory visit 
  • Fish market visit with fresh Sushi lunch
  • Ramen museum visit with tasting ramens 
  • Hot spring experience
  • Small trip to Mt. Fuji (the highest and the most beautiful mountain in Japan) and Hakone
  • Japanese castle visit
  • Visit the studio to practice singing and dancing per Geiko and Geisha
  • Japanese Traditional Arts Museum visit

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Course

Duration

Intake

Application Deadline

Japanese culture course

6 days

Please inquire

~2 months before start date

Course Features & Electives

  • Taught by high-level culinary masters

    All instructors in JCI are expert Japanese chefs.

  • Free English interpreter provided

    Don’t worry if you don’t speak a word of Japanese! Culinary classes are offered with a free English interpreter.

  • Cultural Experience:

    Beaches, hot springs, and temples in Atami
    Experience Japanese culture first-hand in Tokyo
    Organized visits to popular Japanese restaurants in Tokyo

Tuition Fees

Duration

Tuition fees

Japanese culture course

1 week

2,200 USD

 

Course fees include:

  • Entrance and experience fee for visits (museums, shrines, and hot springs)
  • Lunch fees mentioned in the programs
  • English interpretation service.
  • Transportation fees for Mt. Fuji visit

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Our Free Services

We aim to support all students who are interested in coming to Japan to study & live.
For this reason, we provide all of these services at not cost to you.
  • School & Visa
    Application Support

  • Free Japanese
    Language Lessons

  • Accommodation
    Setup

  • 24-Hour
    Emergency Assistance

For free information & consultation about this and other schools in Japan

    We will respond to your inquiry within 2 to 3 business days. Please check your spam folder if you do not see our email in your inbox.

    First and middle name(s)*

    Family name(s) *

    Email *

    Confirm email *

    Sex *

    Date of birth *

    Nationality (same as passport) *

    Country of residence *

    Current Japanese level *

    Highest level of education

    Your objectives

    In terms of your schedule, when do you plan to come to Japan to study? *

    Tell us more about your dreams and goals in Japan, as well as any other preferences or requests that you may have.

    How did you hear about us?

    DEOW Japan > Schools > Japan Culinary Institute