Top Japan Classes & Workshops

Practice the Japanese metalwork craft of tankin during this private ring-making workshop in Tokyo. Customize your piece by choosing the material, thickness, and texture as you use special hammers and tools to form the shape. Get feedback from your instructor as you try out the technique on your one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Kyudo is a Japanese martial art based on shooting an arrow from a Japanese bow to a target to reach a complete focus of mind and body. The main difference of kyudo and western archery is that, in kyudo, every movement follows a traditional routine that pays respect to the equipment and to the opponent. You will come to the archery range and dress in an authentic kyudo uniform, which will include dogi—the upper wear—and hakama—the lower wear. I'll give a brief explanation about the art of kyudo as well as instructions and demonstrations. With the knowledge you'll gain, you will learn to shoot arrows at the target. You'll also understand the fun and challenging aspect of the sport, particularly while wearing the traditional hakama and armor. Usually in kyudo, you are not allowed to pull the arrow unless you master the basics. But during our lesson, you will be able to enjoy the real kyudo experience even as a complete beginner. It will be a great time if you are looking for a nice photo or movie to show to your friends.

Instead of buying chopsticks from a shop, create a handmade pair during this traditional woodworking experience in Tokyo. Learn to shape raw wood using a Japanese hand plane, with step-by-step guidance on techniques that you wouldn’t pick up from a video. Then, finish at the end with a beautiful souvenir to remember your time in Japan.

Rather than drinking matcha in a restaurant, this traditional tea ceremony lets you watch a tea master prepare it from scratch. Held in a beautiful teahouse overlooking a famous garden, the setting offers peaceful views as you take part. The session includes two cups of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, all served through a series of graceful rituals. Note that children 6 and under are not permitted to join this experience.

Skip the more generic kimono rental services in Tokyo by choosing this small-group experience. Tailor your outfit to your tastes by choosing from a variety of vintage kimonos. Your selection will be customized to your size, you'll learn how to wear it, and you'll take photos in the final product.

Guests can punch, shape, file, and polish their own rings from scratch in a hands-on workshop experience, creating a truly personal piece of jewelry. Whether crafting matching rings for couples, meaningful keepsakes with friends or family, or a unique design for themselves, each participant takes home a one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasure as a lasting memory of Tokyo.

Create your own original pair of jeans using premium Okayama denim in the heart of Tokyo’s iconic Harajuku district. This hands-on workshop at Daruma Jeans lets you customize key details such as patches, buttons, and rivets while learning about Japanese denim craftsmanship and culture. Guided by experienced staff in a beginner-friendly environment, you’ll gain insight into how authentic Japanese jeans are crafted while exploring the connection between Harajuku’s street fashion culture and Japanese denim craftsmanship. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends, this unique Tokyo experience combines fashion, creativity, and Japanese craftsmanship in one memorable activity. Take home a one-of-a-kind pair of jeans made by you — not just a souvenir, but a wearable memory from Japan. “Made in Japan. Crafted by You.”

Experience the samurai experience in a museum-like place with lots of armor on display! You will choose your favorite kimono and hakama, change into a samurai costume, and learn how to use a sword from a samurai. You will learn how to draw a sword, hold a sword, swing a sword, and retract a sword. After learning basic sword usage, they practice a simple chambara (sword fight). Then we will try to exterminate bad guys to the music! You can take videos with your smart phone, take pictures with the samurai, and have a great samurai time. The teachers are authentic teachers who have appeared in major Japanese dramas and movies. Since you have come all the way to Japan on a trip, you will have a wonderful experience of Samurai culture! The dojo has many weapons on display, including swords and spears. You will also find armor on display. Samurais are waiting for you in a space that does not seem modern. ・One person can also join the tour. ・Same-day reservations are also possible.

Learn about Chado, an ancient zen tea ceremony, with this guided experience in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in an authentic tearoom equipped with tatami mats and learn to prepare a bowl of matcha tea. Sample multiple types of tea and learn your preferences. Enjoy three kinds of local Japanese confectionary, too.

Taste the best of Sapporo regional specialties by going on this combination of a market tour, a cooking class, and lunch. As you explore Nijo Ichiba market with a guide, you’ll discover more about local produce. A private tour means you can learn to cook at your own pace, and you’ll have direct access to your guide for questions. It’ll be the ultimate hassle-free day as all ingredients, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are included.

If you haven’t been lucky enough to catch a sumo tournament in Tokyo, don’t worry—this behind-the-scenes experience lets you get closer to the wrestlers than you could watching a match. Not only do you watch a live demonstration, you also tuck into a hearty dinner with the sportsmen while you ask about their profession.

What makes this experience truly unique is the opportunity to create a functional Japanese knife through a hands-on process guided by a local craftsman in historic Asakusa. Rather than simply observing, guests actively take part in shaping and refining their own blade using whetstones, gaining firsthand insight into the precision, patience, and craftsmanship that define Japanese knife-making. The small-group setting allows for personal instruction in a calm, welcoming workshop, making the experience accessible to beginners while remaining deeply authentic. Guests leave not only with a handcrafted knife, but with a genuine connection to one of Japan’s most respected artisan traditions.

Head deep inside one of the world’s most under-the-radar natural wonders on this small-group guided expedition through a Japanese ice cave. This site is hard to reach for most independent travelers, but special entry permits are included in the tour. Follow the light of a headlamp into the mysterious, ice-cold cavern, carved by lava eruptions from Mt. Fuji over a millennium ago—a thrilling, out-of-the-box adventure.

Create a unique piece of jewelry by crafting a ring from vintage Japanese coins that tell a story of the nation's history. Choose from coins dating back to the Meiji, Taishō, or Shōwa eras, and transform them into a stunning ring through a hands-on process of shaping, hammering, and polishing. With expert artisans guiding you, even beginners can confidently navigate the crafting journey and leave with a one-of-a-kind treasure that embodies Japan's rich heritage.

Practice the time-honored arts of samurai swordsmanship during this hands-on Kendo workshop. Work one-on-one with an experienced Kendo instructor, with all equipment and armor included. Learn practical skills and put your new moves to the test during a tournament-style combat game. All experience levels are welcome, and participants receive bottled water and a souvenir Kendo towel.

If you’re on the hunt for a great souvenir to take home from Japan, then this experience is the perfect choice. Learn how to make your own wooden chopsticks from scratch, with step-by-step guidance from a skilled artisan. During the session, you can find out fascinating insights about the cultural meaning of chopsticks, before making your own personalized pair, using traditional techniques.

Enjoy a world of quiet elegance at Nishiki Orizuruya. All plans include kimono rental (with free hair styling for women) and are guided in English. 1. Authentic Tea Ceremony: After a captivating demonstration, learn to whisk your own matcha using a traditional bamboo whisk. Your prepared tea is paired with exquisite, seasonal Wagashi (traditional sweets) sourced from a celebrated 100-year-old Kyoto confectionery shop. 2. Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy: Combine the meditative art of tea with the flow of brush and ink. After savoring your matcha and sweets, learn to write your favorite kanji using a brush and ink. A great chance to create a personal keepsake. 3. Tea Ceremony & Guided Nishiki Market Tour: Enjoy the complete tea ceremony experience, then set out on a culinary adventure. Explore the bustling stalls of "Kyoto’s Kitchen" (Nishiki Market), hidden local shrines, and ancient specialty shops to discover the deep roots of Kyoto's food culture.

Skip the tourist traps and immerse yourself in an authentic samurai experience at a dojo just outside Tokyo. Learn proper technique while dressed in traditional training clothes, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the blade by learning about samurai history. Then, you practice your skills by slashing, sparring, and using the bow and arrow in a 3-hour class.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

Refine your cooking skills and enrich your knowledge of Japanese cuisine during an immersive half-day kaiseki ryouri (haute cuisine) cooking class in Tokyo. In a small group, prepare several different dishes featuring Wagyu beef, Japanese vegetables, and traditional seasonings. Then, sit down to feast on the fruits of your labors, accompanied by sake and green tea.

Immerse yourself in the world of sumo at Sapporo's first sumo show restaurant, where history and culinary delight meet. Learn the ancient rules of sumo and witness expert demonstrations from retired wrestlers. Feel the thrill as you step into the ring for your own match, limited to a select few. Savor a hearty Chanko-nabe prepared by former sumo athletes, and enjoy an intimate view of the Dohyo from your seat. Each guest leaves with a souvenir photo alongside the wrestlers, making this a unique celebration of Japanese culture that you won’t forget.

Discover the culinary traditions of Japan in Osaka, one of Japan’s best food cities, on this small-group cooking lesson at a local's home. Learn how to prepare popular Japanese dishes including *okonomiyaki* (savory pancakes), *takoyaki* (deep fried octopus balls), and miso soup. You can expand your Japanese cuisine knowledge, and best of all, eat your creations when you’re finished.