
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.
$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.
$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.
Follow us on social
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!