Top Kansai Cooking Classes

Learn to create your own bento box, the iconic (and tasty) convenience meal enjoyed daily by millions of Japanese, during this cooking class in Kyoto. Uncover the origins of this uniquely Japanese foodstuff, and watch master chefs as they demonstrate key cooking techniques, before learning to make your own. Finish your course by enjoying your handmade bento box with other food lovers.

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.

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.

Ramen and gyoza are two of Japan’s most popular and tasty dishes, and rather than just eating them in restaurants, this cooking class teaches you to make them from scratch. Rather than having to source ingredients, everything you need is provided, with a chef to provide step-by-step guidance. Then, at the end, you can enjoy the best bit—savoring the taste of your delicious Japanese foodie creations.

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.

Learn how to make an authentic cup of matcha during your time in Osaka in this small-group class. Whether you're traveling solo or are part of a group, your instructor walks you through each step and corrects any mistakes. All of the tools and ingredients are prepared for you, and your tea break comes with Japanese sweets for the full experience.

Travelers who love Japanese food and want to learn how to make it at home will enjoy this cooking lesson experience. Tour a local market and learn about Japanese ingredients, as well as how to select the best ones. Take a cooking lesson in your instructor’s home, and also see how the locals live and dine. Enjoy eating what you produce afterwards.

Ramen is one of Japan’s most popular dishes—a noodle and broth soup, topped with various meat or vegetable combinations. On this tour, learn how to make ramen from scratch at a local ramen factory, including making the noodles, mixing the soup, and adding the toppings. Finish by enjoying your delicious bowl of home-cooked ramen. The factory is also Halal-certified and vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

Osaka is home to some of Japan's best food, and this group sushi-making session is a great way to sharpen your culinary skills. Instead of just going out for sushi, why not learn how to make it at home, too? Eat when you're hungriest with classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

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.

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.

Japan is known for its exceptional sushi, and Kyoto has no shortage of great restaurants—but this experience goes a step further by letting you make your own sushi from scratch. During the class, enjoy an introduction to sushi and Japanese food culture, then learn how to prepare around 10 pieces yourself, which you can enjoy at the end alongside a tasting of Japanese sake.

Skip the usual food and restaurant scenes for this small-group cooking class in a local hostel. Learn everything needed to prepare miso soup and *okonomiyaki*, savory pancake dishes also known as Osaka’s “comfort food.” Meet in the hostel near Nagahoribashi subway station and cook with your group and city locals invited by your host.

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.

Making sushi is a skill that is difficult to master alone. Get a hands-on experience under the guidance of an expert in this class at an Osaka restaurant. In a small group of no more than 14 participants, learn how to make sushi, as well as other typical Japanese dishes including miso soup and yakitori chicken.

A tea ceremony is an essential Kyoto cultural experience, and this small-group session lets you take part in one in an intimate setting. Watch an expert prepare matcha using traditional rituals, utensils, and techniques that incorporate mindfulness. Along the way, learn practical skills you can recreate at home, and enjoy the opportunity to prepare a cup of tea yourself too.

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.

Swap crowded group experiences for this intimate alternative of a private tea ceremony just for your personal group. Held in a hidden townhouse, the experience includes a short film about matcha, followed by a step-by-step tea ceremony and the chance to make your own cup. As a private experience, it’s family-friendly, and children are welcome.

Discover the historic and natural environs of Nara, without the stress of planning routes and navigating, on this afternoon excursion from Kyoto or Osaka. Visit Todaji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue, and Kasuga Shrine, which features over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Then stop by Nara Park, home to more than 1,000 deer.

Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a ceremonial kimono during this small-group cultural experience in Kyoto. Learn about the meaning of different kimono patterns and the history behind the tea ceremony from your guide, then watch the professional tea master prepare a cup of tea. Sip your tea and learn about Japanese manners during a tea ceremony, then enjoy the opportunity to try your hand at brewing your own.

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.

Enjoy an immersive culinary experience, and learn how to cook a traditional Japanese meal with a private cooking class in Kyoto. Instead of being in a crowded kitchen, this is a private lesson just for you, which means you can enjoy one-on-one guidance. There are several set menus to choose from: teriyaki chicken, sushi, tonkatsu or Kansai street snacks such as gyoza (dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

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.