Top Japan Cooking Classes

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.

Tokyo has countless restaurants, but this small-group evening cooking class offers a more immersive way to dine. Instead of a single dish, learn to prepare a multi-course meal of classic “izakaya” (Japanese tavern) fare, such as sushi rolls, chicken balls with shiso leaves, and eggplant with miso sauce. Best of all, you get to enjoy every dish you make.

Try your hand at traditional Japanese cooking and learn how to make ramen from scratch, as well as two types of gyoza. This small-group cooking class in Nishinomiya gives you hands on experience and the chance to learn cooking techniques that can easily be replicated back home. After preparing your meal, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor together, with a seasonal dessert.

Rather than simply teaching you to make sushi, this Tokyo cooking class gives you the full Japanese culinary experience. You’ll master the art of rolling rice and seasoning your fillings under the guidance of a professional chef, as well as toasting with sake and finishing by whisking matcha. The experience now includes a sushi chef uniform. Plus, you can select from multiple start times to suit your schedule.

Discover the culture behind *izakaya*, the Japanese equivalent to tapas, during a half-day cooking class with dinner in Kyoto. Rather than just dining on popular home dishes, learn tips and tricks for getting the food right at home during a session with a master chef before preparing and eating your own izakaya-style creations. It’s the perfect chance to explore the country’s cuisine beyond the typical sushi and teriyaki offerings.

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.

Get hands-on in a Japanese kitchen in Kujo Tokyo with this private cooking tour where you learn to make ramen and gyoza from scratch. Under expert guidance, you’ll knead dough, mix fillings, and prepare classic Tokyo comfort food—then enjoy your creations. A perfect, tasty combo of cooking, culture, and delicious results for travelers who want to cook and eat like locals, with a skill they can take home and keep.

Indulge your inner foodie and learn to make ramen and gyoza like a pro with this cooking class in Tokyo. After visiting a local market and heading to a spacious kitchen, enjoy a hands-on experience with a local chef and discover how to prepare the perfect noodle soup (ramen) and minced pork dumplings (gyoza). Then, savor your creation in a fun atmosphere.

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class in a local Hiroshima home with your host Machiko. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Your cooking class will take place in a local home kitchen where Machiko will teach you how to make 2-3 traditional Japanese dishes that she enjoys cooking for family and friends. After cooking, enjoy your meal together in your host's Japanese home. On days they are available, Machiko's husband and kids may join you for your in-home culinary experience. • Private cooking lesson in a local Hiroshima home • Introduction to Japanese culture and cuisine • 100% private activity • Experience Japanese hospitality in a residential Hiroshima neighborhood • Vegetarian and vegan options available • Family friendly experience

When visiting Tokyo, don't just eat sushi: learn how to make it. This culinary experience takes place just steps from Senso-ji Temple, in the heart of the traditional Asakusa neighborhood, and immerses you in Japanese culinary culture. Learn how to prepare authentic sushi and rolls, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your effort with your classmates. Instruction is available in English and Japanese.

If you’re a fan of sushi, learn to make it yourself the authentic Japanese way during a sushi-making cooking class in Tsukiji. Your expert sushi-chef instructor will share insider tips and guide you through fish preparation, knife techniques, and sushi shaping. Learn about different types of sushi, and make two—nigiri and rolled sushi—before enjoying your creations. Sake and soft drinks are available for purchase to complement your meal.

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.

When traveling abroad, there is no other experience like cooking and eating a meal with a local. Yoshiko opens her Osaka home to visitors to cook a meal and share conversation. Enjoy learning to make dashi stock and use it to bring out the umami flavor of your dishes. Get a glimpse into the life of an Osaka local, and immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine and culture on this private experience.

Tokyo is known for its incredible food and culinary culture. Make the most of your time in Japan with a private cooking class with a local’s home. Ask questions along the way and learn at your own pace. Your Japanese instructor will show you how to make several authentic home-cooked dishes, tailored to your group’s requirements, and you can eat them when you’ve finished.

Osaka is a paradise for food lovers, with signature dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and ramen. Learn how to make some of these foods at home in this homestyle cooking class. Make ramen and gyoza from scratch, including kneading noodles by hand and making a ramen broth. Customize your gyoza filling and ramen toppings according to your tastes.

The tea ceremony is a cornerstone of traditional Japanese culture, but participating can feel intimidating to visitors. This small-group experience in Kyoto's Gion district lets you approach 'the way of tea' in a relaxed way, without the typical formality. Learn about the history of tea in Japan and how Zen philosophy shaped the ceremony while watching a master prepare tea. Afterward, make your own bowl of matcha and enjoy traditional sweets.

Learn to cook Osaka street food during this small-group cooking class. Make the famous Osaka-style tempura, hand-made udon noodles, pickled cucumber, and a delicious sweet mochi dessert. Use professional tools with guidance to help you prepare these dishes. After you’ve finished cooking, sit down and enjoy your creations with beer, sake, or green tea.

Step into the elegance of Japanese tradition with an authentic kimono and tea ceremony experience in Kyoto. Begin by choosing your favorite kimono from our beautiful collection, with friendly staff helping you dress. Complimentary hair styling is also available for women to complete your traditional look. Once dressed, enter a peaceful Japanese-style tea room and discover the customs and rituals behind the tea ceremony. Your experienced instructor will demonstrate how to prepare matcha using traditional utensils, including the bamboo whisk (chasen). Then, try it yourself! Whisk your own bowl of matcha and enjoy it with traditional Japanese sweets. More than simply watching a ceremony, this is a hands-on cultural experience where you can dress, learn, participate, and taste. Enjoy a memorable journey into Japanese culture in the heart of Kyoto.

Learn how to whisk matcha like a pro during this matcha-matching class in the heart of Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most traditional neighborhoods. Under the guidance of your instructor, learn the art of preparing matcha step by step then enjoy a cup accompanied by some delicious traditional Japanese sweets.

The greatest feature of this activity is that it is a fully private experience combining a guided walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine with an authentic matcha experience. Led by a former maiko, the experience goes beyond the taste of matcha to introduce the essence of Japanese culture through movement, space, and ma. The subtle sense of pause and harmony, explained in a clear and approachable way. After tasting several varieties of matcha, you will also prepare your own bowl of matcha in a traditional tearoom. By seeing, listening, tasting, and practicing, you can experience Japanese tea culture in a truly immersive way. As this is a completely private experience, it allows families and couples to enjoy a calm and intimate time without concern for other participants.

Most tourists only experience pre-packaged Japanese sweets, but making them isn't as hard as it seems. Learn the art of traditional Japanese sweets with a friendly, hands‑on mochi‑making class in a local Tokyo home near Shibuya. With an instructor, shape and cook mochi and dango, hear stories about the history and cultural meaning of these treats, and experience authentic daily life and hospitality in Japan.

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the heart of bustling Osaka. Tea ceremonies have been an art form in Japan since the 16th century, and this class will teach you about the cultural significance and history behind the practice. Afterward, enjoy two cups of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

Rather than a formal cooking class in a commercial kitchen space, this intimate experience allows you to learn to cook in a local’s home. Take the stress out of searching for ingredients, and benefit from the convenience of having everything you need included. Learn to make 2-3 authentic home-style dishes, that vary according to the season. Potential menu items include miso soup, onigiri (rice balls), and tamago (egg roll cooked with stock).