The Gohan Society Culinary Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program
ABOUT
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 twelve-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.
The application for 2024 closed on September 15, 2023. Only the first 50 completed applications received by The Gohan Society will be considered for this program.
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2024 Tentative Program Itinerary
(Program details subject to change)
2/17 – Departure for Japan, travel day.
2/18 – Arrive at Haneda International Airport. Explore Tokyo.
2/19 – Travel to Kayotei, luxury ryokan in the hot springs village of Yamanaka. Day of cultural activities.
2/20 – Morning transfer to Kanazawa. Day 1 of Stage: Meet with restaurant stage hosts.
2/21 – Day 2 of Stage
2/22 – Day 3 of Stage
2/23 – Day 4 of Stage
2/24 – Depart Kanazawa, travel to Kyoto.
2/25 – Explore Kyoto.
2/26 – Day trip to Sakai, meet knife craftsmen. Travel to Tokyo.
2/27 – Tokyo: activity to be determined
2/28 – Tokyo: activity to be determined
2/29 – Tokyo: activity to be determined
3/1 – 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 September 15, 2023.