Top Gifu Prefecture Classes & Workshops

Taste the Difference: Freshly Stone-Milled Matcha At a historic tea shop in Hida Takayama, you will grind tencha with a stone mill, whisk matcha, and enjoy a tasting comparison. While experiencing the aroma and flavor of fleshly ground matcha, relax and enjoy an authentic matcha experience without being overly bound by formal tea ceremony rules. Recommended for ・Those who want to casually experience traditional Japanese culture ・Matcha or Japanese tea lovers, including those interested in experiencing differences in flavor ・Anyone looking to create a special memory in Takayama

Ninja Cafe Takayama is a facility where visitors can have an authentic samurai/ninja experience in the conveniently located historical city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. The store displays historical helmets, swords, and tea utensils that are important for learning about old Japan. Why don't you don a ninja costume, experience authentic ninja training, and learn about the natural history of Japan and the role of the ninja? Ninja Cafe Takayama is a facility that both adults and children can enjoy. Please come to Ninja Cafe Takayama when you visit Nagoya, Gifu, or Takayama to create memories of your trip to Japan.

Seki has been a center for Japanese blacksmithing since the thirteenth century, and this small-group workshop takes you behind the scenes with the master craftsmen. Tour the Knife Museum, then try your hand at forging your own Damascus knife under the guidance of local craftsmen. Learn how to polish, sharpen, and engrave your own blade to take home.

This facility is visitors can have an authentic samurai/ninja experience in the conveniently located historical city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. The store displays historical helmets, swords, and tea utensils that are important for learning about old Japan. Why don't you don a ninja costume, experience authentic ninja training, and learn about the natural history of Japan and the role of the ninja? Ninja Cafe Takayama is a facility that both adults and children can enjoy. Please visit us when you come to Nagoya, Gifu or Takayama.

* Make your own chopsticks from premium Kiso Hinoki cypress in historic Magome-juku. * Experience using a traditional Japanese kanna hand plane. * Complete your chopsticks in about 20–30 minutes and take them home the same day. * Take home fragrant Kiso Hinoki wood shavings in a small aroma bag as a special souvenir. * A short, hands-on cultural experience that fits easily into your visit to Magome and the Nakasendo Trail.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a hands-on Mochi Making Experience in Takayama. At this unique workshop, you'll learn the art of transforming steamed glutinous rice into chewy mochi, a symbol of celebration and good fortune. Guided by a local host, you'll pound rice using traditional tools, shaping it into delightful treats complemented by toppings like kinako and sweet red bean paste. Set in a tranquil temple, this activity fosters community and joy, allowing you to connect with Japan's culinary heritage while creating delicious memories with loved ones.

Experience two Japanese traditions in one intimate visit to a local home. Cook regional Hida dishes with ingredients rarely encountered in typical Japanese cooking classes, then try traditional Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink. Hosted by Rena in her family home surrounded by the mountains of Hida, the experience offers a personal introduction to rural Japanese food, culture and everyday life. It’s also a wonderful cultural activity for families and children visiting the Takayama and Hida area.

[PRIVATE TOUR] If you're seeking an authentic connection with a local family, this is for you! We are a warm, fun-loving family of four, deeply rooted in Takayama. Here, you won’t just learn to cook Japanese food—you’ll experience how locals live and savor life together. Our 200-year-old wooden townhouse stands on Old Town’s main street, yet stepping inside feels like entering a quiet world where time slows down. Its small quirks remind us of its beauty and history. We’ll welcome you with Japanese tea and snacks before guiding you in preparing a traditional meal in our kitchen. As we cook side by side, we’ll share stories of life in Takayama and living in harmony with nature and the seasons. Hisa and Bob pour their hearts into every class. This is more than a cooking lesson—it’s a moment of connection, culture, and feeling at home far from home. Feel free to write us your request on food or any restrictions, we are happy to accommodate as much as possible!

While many Machiya buildings have lost their original appearance, our house still shows how life was in those days. Machiya architecture follows a certain format, and how each house pursued beauty within that format is quite different. Our townhouse was formerly run as an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The combination of the main house and the clinic is very unique, and the strange harmony of the two is very beautiful. You will get to know the Machiya architecture and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal fruits and sweets.

Follow in the footsteps of a real-life ninja during an authentic samurai and ninja experience in Takayama. This hands-on experience is more immersive than visiting a museum, as it allows you to don a costume and try your hand at moves during a training session—it’s ideal for kids and adults alike.

You can experience to make Ramen or Takoyaki or Hida local food with local people. She has very big passion to cook something for you. It will become small group. And also our company do not has cooking place so we have to rental place to cook. After booking we will choose cooking place and send you that information. Each booking has each different place so our meeting point is after decided we will send you message.

Overview Enjoy a casual matcha experience at a long-established tea shop in Hida Takayama. This is not a formal tea ceremony, but a relaxed session designed to help you enjoy matcha in a way you can easily recreate at home. Our staff will introduce the basic tools, such as a bamboo whisk (Chasen) and tea caddy(Natsume), and demonstrate how to prepare matcha. After that, you will whisk and enjoy matcha yourself. Seasonal Japanese sweets and a small souvenir are included. You may choose between tatami seating or tables and chairs. Recommended For ・Travelers who want to experience Japanese culture in an easy, welcoming way ・Matcha lovers who would like to learn how to prepare it at home ・Beginners looking for a comfortable and friendly introduction to matcha

・You can create a one-of-a-kind ring from a Japanese or international coin. ・You can choose your favorite coin and turn it into a unique travel souvenir. ・You can enjoy a fun hands-on activity with your partner, friends, family, or on your own. ・You can make a personal piece of jewelry while enjoying the stylish atmosphere of historic Hida Takayama.

Experience traditional Japanese meditation and onigiri-making at Zenkouji Temple in Hida Takayama, a serene experience that nourishes both mind and body. The chief priest, Kaiji, will guide you through a meditation session tailored for beginners, complete with detailed explanations and breathing techniques to help you find inner peace and mental clarity. Following the meditation, engage in a hands-on culinary workshop in the temple kitchen, where you will learn to make onigiri (rice balls) and miso soup using local ingredients. Enjoying onigiri after meditation offers a uniquely calming experience, connecting you deeply with local culinary traditions and fulfilling your body with wholesome food.

Visit skilled artisans whom you normally wouldn't have the chance to meet and learn about traditional crafts. Afterward, enjoy a hands-on experience painting your favorite design on a Gifu Lantern or a mini Gifu Japanese Umbrella made by the artisans. The finished piece will be an unforgettable souvenir from your trip.

An expert from a long-established tea shop in Hida Takayama for over 100 years will give a lecture on how to brew delicious tea by using a teapot that suits each tea leaves. You can choose 3 types of tea leaves from 5 types of green tea, 5 types of roasted green tea , and 5 types of blended tea and compare them.

Experience the magic of Gujo Hachiman, the heart of Japan’s most enduring summer dance tradition. This private tour takes you through the charming, water-filled streets of this historic castle town, leading to an exclusive, English-guided Gujo Odori lesson. Unlike standard tours, you won't just watch; you will learn the authentic steps and the deep cultural meanings behind the movements from a local expert. This immersive experience is perfect for culture enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a deep, rhythmic connection with Japanese folk heritage in an intimate setting. - Join a 400-year-old Bon Dance tradition alongside local people - Private experience for your group — from couples to families up to 6 - Introduction to the history and music of Gujo Odori - Dance practice session - Get dressed in a yukata and geta clogs - Walk through the historic castle town of Gujo-Hachiman at night

Forge your own kitchen knife from tamahagane, the same steel used for samurai swords, and take the finished blade home. You work one-on-one with an award-winning young master swordsmith in Seki, Japan's legendary blade town: heating and hammering the steel, applying the clay to set your own hamon (temper line), then grinding, sharpening and fitting the handle. Every step is hands-on, guided in English, using genuine swordsmithing technique scaled to a kitchen knife you'll use for years.