Shop, Cook & Eat Like a Local in Northern Kyushu
Join Haruka, a certified bilingual Gut Health Coach, for a local farmer's market visit and hands-on cooking experience. Shop for seasonal ingredients, then prepare and enjoy a meal together in her traditional Japanese home.
Who Is This Seasonal Table Experience For?
Guests staying in Beppu, Yufuin, Fukuoka, or Hiroshima who are looking for a unique day-trip experience.
Residents of Japan and returning clients seeking a deeper connection to Northern Kyushu through its food culture.
Food lovers interested in seasonal ingredients, local markets, and Japanese home cooking.
Where Are We Located?
Located in Northern Kyushu, Nakatsu is a convenient destination for travelers exploring the region.
Still largely undiscovered by international tourists, Nakatsu offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, with traditional confectionery shops, shrines, temples, and Nakatsu Castle all within walking distance of the station. Some visitors even describe it as a "little Kyoto" of Kyushu.
Click the button below to learn how to get here from Fukuoka International Airport, Beppu Station, and Hiroshima Station. ✨
Step 1: Please select the number of participants from the options below, check my availability, book your spot, and complete your payment.
Step 2: Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive the meeting point details and digital recipes from gutchefjapan@gmail.com two days before your experience.
How to Book Your Seasonal Table Experience
Experience Pricing
Solo: $399 (1:1 immersive experience)
Includes ¥4,000 market budget
2 people: $499 ($250 per person)
Includes ¥6,000 market budget
3 people: $599 ($200 per person)
Includes ¥7,000 market budget
*Includes your market budget, pick-up and drop-off at Nakatsu Station, and transportation during the experience.
Learn More About Haruka’s Local Kitchen Experience
Where Is This Private Experience Hosted?
Our “temple of fermentation” (our fermentation studio) is just a 5-minute drive from Nakatsu Station, where I will pick you up.
We're easily accessible by express train from Fukuoka International Airport, Beppu Station, and even Hiroshima Station.
What time does the experience start & end?
We'll meet at Nakatsu Station at 10:00 AM, and I'll drive you to a local indoor farmer's market in my town. Together, we'll explore the market, learn about seasonal ingredients, and shop for items to cook with. After the experience, I'll drop you off back at the station at around 2:00 PM.
What should I bring to this private experience?
You don't need to bring much - just a water bottle and a reusable shopping bag if you'd like to take home any local products or souvenirs from the market. Aprons and notepads are welcome but entirely optional.
Pick-up Point at Nakatsu Station 🚉
There are two exits at Nakatsu Station: the South Gate and the North Gate.
I will be waiting for you at the South Gate at 10:00 AM.
You will see a supermarket called “SunLive” and a FamilyMart near the South Gate!
Who’s My Host?
Having lived in Vancouver, Canada, and worked with guests from around the world, I've come to appreciate how deeply seasonal eating is woven into everyday life in Japan.
As a certified Gut Health Coach, I've learned that lasting change doesn't come from strict rules or drastic diets. It happens when we feel inspired by new ideas and discover simple habits that fit naturally into our daily lives.
My hope is that this experience inspires you to bring more seasonal, local, and fermented foods into your own kitchen long after you return home.
FAQs
-
Our cooking studio is part of our home, which we share with two cats and one dog. If you have severe pet allergies, this experience may not be suitable. However, we're happy to keep our cats and puppy upstairs during your visit if that helps.
While we keep our home and cooking equipment clean and well maintained, our seasonal menus change throughout the year and we cannot guarantee that ingredients are completely free from cross-contamination. We regularly use soy sauce, miso, and other fermented ingredients that may contain soy, wheat, or gluten.
Unfortunately, I am unable to accommodate guests with coeliac disease, soy allergies, or other severe food allergies. If you have any concerns about dietary restrictions, please get in touch before booking.
-
Yes, absolutely! We'll shop together at the farmer's market and choose seasonal ingredients that suit your dietary preferences. Vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian guests are all welcome, and we'll create a delicious meal together using locally sourced ingredients.
-
Your safety is our top priority. We monitor weather conditions closely and make a final decision 24–48 hours before each experience.
✅ Heavy Rain Advisory (no risk of landslides/flooding): Experience continues as scheduled (no credit)
✅ Heavy Rain Warning (risk of landslides/flooding): May be canceled → Future Credit issued
✅ Storm / Strong Wind (15–25 m/s): May be canceled → Future Credit issued
✅ Special Warning (25+ m/s or severe damage expected): Canceled → Future Credit issued
Future Credits are valid for 18 months, transferable, and non-refundable. Credits are issued based on the final 24–48 hour assessment, as weather conditions can change.
We are not responsible for accommodation, transportation, or other personal expenses if an experience is canceled due to weather. Delays or cancellations due to personal reasons are not eligible for credit.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
-
As our experiences require advance preparation and have limited availability, this policy helps us manage bookings while allowing guests to retain the value of their booking in the event of unexpected changes to their plans or illness.
Guest-Initiated Cancellations (Including Illness)
✅ 7+ days' notice: Receive 100% credit valid for 18 months
✅ 2–6 days' notice: Receive 50% credit valid for 18 months
✅ Same-day cancellations: No credit available, as preparation has already begun
✅ Rescheduling: Please contact us at least 7 days before your scheduled experience
✅ Flight or Transportation Disruptions: If your travel is affected by extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we may issue future credit valid for 18 months (proof may be required)
Organizer-Initiated Cancellations
If we need to cancel an experience due to unforeseen circumstances on our end, such as illness or an emergency, guests will receive a full refund of the experience fee or may choose to reschedule for another available date.
Please note that we are not responsible for transportation, accommodation, or any other expenses incurred as a result of a cancellation.
Click here to check my full policy. -
Yes! You are welcome to join with your child(ren) as long as you can keep a close eye on them, especially when using knives and the gas stove.
-
Unfortunately, no. Our business is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
-
Please reach out via email or Instagram using the same method you initially used to contact me as soon as possible (my email is gutchefjapan@gmail.com).
I will pick you up at Nakatsu Station at your arrival time. Please note that if you arrive late, we may not be able to extend the experience duration, so kindly plan your trip ahead and aim to arrive on time.