Welcome to Your Culinary Adventure

About Tomoko's Kitchen

Welcome to My Kitchen 

Hello! I'm Tomoko Timbs, a Japanese chef, mother, and wellness enthusiast bringing traditional Japanese cooking and skincare wisdom to the Sutherland Shire.

At Tomoko's Kitchen, we believe that Happy Tummy equals a happy Life! 

My workshops are more than just cooking classes—they're immersive experiences where ancient Japanese traditions meet modern wellness needs.

My Story

Growing up in Japan, I learned that food and wellbeing are inseparable. The recipes and techniques passed down through generations in my family weren't just about creating delicious meals—they were about nourishing the body, balancing hormones, and caring for skin naturally.

Now, I'm passionate about sharing these time-honoured secrets with you in my cozy beachside kitchen, where you can hear the gentle waves as you learn to create authentic Japanese dishes and skincare remedies.

What Makes Us Different

  • Authentic Experience: Learn traditional Japanese home cooking techniques from childhood memories and family recipes

  • Holistic Approach: Discover the connection between gut health, hormonal balance, and beautiful skin

  • All-Natural Ingredients: Work with superfoods like koji that are safe enough to eat and gentle enough for all skin types

  • Intimate Setting: Small classes (2-6 people) ensure personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere

  • Take-Home Skills: Leave with confidence, recipes, and knowledge you can use for a lifetime

Who Our Workshops Are For

Our workshops welcome everyone, but we especially focus on:

  • Teens seeking natural alternatives to commercial skincare products and processed foods

  • Women navigating perimenopause looking for dietary approaches to hormone balance

  • Families wanting to cook together and learn healthy habits

  • Anyone curious about Japanese wellness traditions and their modern applications

The Koji Connection

At the heart of many workshops is koji—Japan's ancient fermented superfood that transforms both cuisine and skin. 

This remarkable ingredient:

  • Creates deep umami (savoury & delicious) flavours in food

  • Naturally brightens and exfoliates skin

  • Supports gut health and hormonal balance

  • Works for all ages and skin types

  • Offers a simple, clean alternative to chemical-laden products

Join Our Community - link here to subscription email

Whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby, enhance your cooking skills, address hormonal challenges naturally, or simply have fun in a supportive environment, Tomoko's Kitchen invites you to experience the joy of Japanese culinary and wellness traditions.

Come and join us to boost your "happy hormone" serotonin while learning skills that will nourish you for life!

"When hormones are balanced, there is peace in the house." — Japanese wellness philosophy

Workshop Details

  • Duration: 2.5-3 hours

  • Group Size: 2-6 people (private groups available on request)

  • Location: Sutherland Shire (accessible by ferry from Cronulla or drive through the National Park)

  • Dietary Needs: We happily accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free requirements

  • Age Recommendation: 11 years and older

  • Experience Level: No cooking experience necessary—beginners welcome!

Book Your Workshop Experience - link here to workshops page

Explore Our Workshops

Introduction to Salt Koji

$120

Discover Japanese Koji: Traditional Fermentation Workshop for Gut Health & Cooking

Master the ancient art of Japanese fermentation with our hands-on koji workshop in Sutherland Shire. Learn why this traditional superfood has been Japan's secret to gut health and longevity for over 1,000 years.

What You'll Learn:

  • Japanese koji fermentation techniques and health benefits for digestive wellness

  • Six different salt koji varieties with guided tasting and flavor comparison

  • Quick morning soup recipes using traditional Japanese ingredients

  • DIY koji-making skills to create your own fermented condiments at home

Workshop Highlights: ✓ Taste six unique salt koji varieties in one session ✓ Create your own koji to take home and mature for seven days ✓ Learn simple, healthy Japanese soup recipes for busy mornings ✓ Discover gut-friendly fermentation techniques used for centuries ✓ Small group experience (2-6 people) for personalized instruction

Perfect For:

  • Health-conscious individuals seeking natural gut health solutions

  • Food enthusiasts interested in traditional Japanese cooking techniques

  • Anyone wanting to incorporate fermented superfoods into daily meals

  • Beginners to advanced cooks looking to expand culinary skills

Workshop Details: Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Location: Sutherland Shire | All dietary requirements accommodated

Transform your kitchen into a wellness hub with authentic Japanese fermentation wisdom.

Book your koji workshop experience today and discover why this ancient ingredient is taking modern wellness by storm.

rice culture. koji, homemade, enzyme,health gut

$80/$150

Japanese Home Cooking Workshop: Master Family-Friendly Recipes & Traditional Techniques

Transform your family's mealtime with authentic Japanese cooking skills that bring everyone together in the kitchen. Learn traditional recipes and techniques that will have your teens confidently preparing delicious, healthy meals for years to come.

What You'll Master:

  • Authentic sushi rolling techniques and rice preparation methods

  • Traditional gyoza dumpling making from scratch

  • Perfect miso soup secrets using traditional dashi and fermentation

  • Essential Japanese cooking fundamentals for everyday meals

  • Family-friendly recipes designed for home cooks of all skill levels

Workshop Highlights: ✓ Hands-on instruction in traditional Japanese cooking techniques ✓ Learn to make restaurant-quality dishes at home ✓ Simple, approachable recipes perfect for busy family life ✓ Teen-friendly cooking skills that build confidence and independence ✓ Take-home recipe collection for ongoing family cooking adventures ✓ Small group atmosphere fostering creativity and fun ✓ Connect with fellow food enthusiasts in your local community

Perfect For:

  • Parents wanting to teach teens valuable cooking skills

  • Families seeking healthy, authentic meal options

  • Home cooks ready to expand beyond basic cooking techniques

  • Anyone interested in traditional Japanese cuisine and culture

  • Food enthusiasts wanting to impress friends and family

  • Beginners to intermediate cooks looking for new inspiration

Workshop Details: Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Location: Sutherland Shire | All skill levels welcome | Ages 11+

Create lasting memories while mastering time-honored Japanese cooking traditions. Join our welcoming community and discover the joy of authentic home cooking that brings families together.

koji is not only for gut health but for glowing skin

$220

DIY Japanese Koji Skincare Workshop: Natural Beauty Products Safe for All Ages

Transform your skincare routine with ancient Japanese koji fermentation techniques. Learn to create gentle, effective beauty products using traditional ingredients that are safe enough to eat and powerful enough to transform your skin.

What You'll Create:

  • Custom koji face masks for brightening and gentle exfoliation

  • Natural koji cleansers suitable for sensitive skin and children

  • Personalized skincare products tailored to your specific needs

  • Chemical-free alternatives to commercial beauty products

Workshop Benefits: ✓ Replace bathroom clutter with simple, multipurpose natural products ✓ Learn traditional Japanese skincare secrets passed down through generations ✓ Create products safe for the whole family, including babies and teens ✓ Customize formulations for different skin types and concerns ✓ Take home finished products plus recipes for ongoing DIY skincare ✓ Expert guidance throughout the hands-on creation process

Perfect For:

  • Parents seeking natural, child-safe skincare alternatives

  • Anyone wanting to reduce chemical exposure in daily routines

  • Teens looking for gentle, effective acne and hormonal skin solutions

  • Those interested in traditional Japanese beauty and wellness practices

  • DIY enthusiasts ready to create personalized skincare products

Workshop Details: Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Location: Sutherland Shire | All skin types welcome | Ages 11+

Discover why Japanese women have trusted koji for radiant, healthy skin for centuries. Join our intimate workshop and leave with beautiful, natural products you'll love using every day.

Book now

Let's cook up something special together! Schedule your appointment now and take the first step towards mastering delicious recipes that'll bring your loved ones closer around the table.

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