The Gohan Society Culinary Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program

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Each year, The Gohan Society U.S. - Japan Culinary Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program sends accomplished Sous Chefs, Chefs de Cuisine, or Executive Chefs to Japan for a fourteen-day culinary cultural exchange program in order to expand their interest in Japanese cuisine and culture and to learn authentic cooking techniques that they can teach and apply in their respective kitchens.


To apply for the scholarship, click below:

The application submission deadline is October 2, 2024. Only the first 50 completed applications received by The Gohan Society will be considered for this program.

To learn more, please join our mailing list on the Contact Us page and stay connected to our program.


Meet our recent Chef Scholars Here




 

2025 Tentative Program Itinerary

(Program details subject to change)

2/20 – Departure for Japan, travel day.
2/21 – Arrive at Haneda International Airport. Explore Tokyo.
2/22 – Free time in Tokyo. Optional tour: Visit Kappabashi restaurant supplies street and Asakusa.
2/23 – Morning transfer to Kanazawa. Explore Kanazawa in the afternoon.
2/24 – Free Day in Kanazawa. Group dinner.
2/25 – Visit Yamato Soy Sauce & Miso Company. Visit Fukumitsuya, sake brewery. Meeting with chef owners and restaurant hosts.
2/26 – Day 1 of Stage: Times to be determined
2/27 – Day 2 of Stage: Times to be determined
2/28 – Day 3 of Stage: Times to be determined. Event with Mayor of Kanazawa.
3/1 – Depart Kanazawa, travel to Kyoto.
3/2 – 9 AM to 1 PM Tour Bamboo Forest, Golden Temple, Silver Temple and Nishiki Market. Free time: Lunch and afternoon. Dinner with Gohan group.
3/3 – 9 AM to 1 PM Explore Fushimi Inari shrine, Toji Temple, Heian-Jingu Shrine, Sanju-Sangendo Temple, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and return to Nishiki Market. Free afternoon in Kyoto.
3/4 – Day trip to Sakai, meet knife craftsmen. Travel to Tokyo.
3/5 – Visit Tsukiji Old Fish Market and Ginza department store food courts. Special Fugu Dinner.
3/6 – Trip to Toyosu Fish Market to view Tuna auction, and Fugu cutting workshop. Dinner at Tokini.
3/7 – Meeting with Imperial Hotel’s Executive Chef Sugimoto at 10:30 AM.  Farewell dinner at Asakusa Imahan.
3/8 – Return to U.S.

What is Included

- Air tickets and all transportation during the program (except for free days)
- Accommodations (except for extended personal stay)
- Meals (except for free days)

Eligibility

- Must have a genuine interest in Japanese cuisine and culture.
- Must have 6+ years of experience in a professional kitchen.
- Must be a working Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Chef at the time of the application process and the scholarship program.
- Must have consent from workplace supervisor (if applicable) to participate in program.
- Preferably applicant has not traveled, worked, or resided in Japan.

Only the first 50 completed applications received by The Gohan Society will be considered for this program. Deadline October 2, 2024.