Top Kansai Cooking Classes

Enjoy a cooking class in an atmospheric setting—a beautiful wooden house in Kyoto. The cooking experience introduces you to local recipes that you wouldn’t be able to find in restaurants, and techniques that have been passed down through many generations of the host’s family. Dishes prepared vary depending on the time of year, but sample menu items could be chikuzenni (braised chicken and vegetables), braised burdock root, and miso soup.

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.

-Newly opened Tea Experience with Kimono at Gion, operated by Orizuruya, trusted with 90+ Excellent Tripadvisor reviews -Experience multiple key aspects of Japanese culture in one session -Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic setting -Wear a beautiful kimono to enrich your cultural journey -Small group experience limited to 10 people for personalized attention This immersive cultural experience in Kyoto allows you to enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, complete with kimono dressing and optional calligraphy lessons. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and families seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s heritage. Guests will select a beautiful kimono, receive complimentary hairstyling, and learn the graceful art of preparing matcha. The experience also includes pairing matcha with exquisite sweets from a century-old confectionery, creating a memorable and authentic Japanese cultural journey.

Leave Osaka behind and explore more of Japan’s Hyogo prefecture on this day tour of Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge—the longest suspension bridge in the world. You won’t have to worry about organizing transportation or getting lost on Japan’s complex public transportation systems, and a lunch buffet that features both Japanese and Western cuisines is also included to keep you energized throughout the day.

Why This Course is Perfect for Vegetarians Unlike traditional sushi classes, this course is designed to celebrate the richness and versatility of plant-based ingredients. As a vegetarian, you'll feel right at home exploring the essence of Japanese cuisine without compromising your dietary preferences. You'll learn to transform humble ingredients into satisfying, umami-rich creations that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. This isn't just a cooking class—it's a celebration of vegetarian living, where you'll discover dishes that can easily be incorporated into your everyday meals. Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian or simply curious about plant-based Japanese cuisine, this class is an unforgettable journey into the flavors and techniques of Japan.

Experience an authentic tea ceremony, which is at the heart of Japanese culture and is a centuries old ritual, in Kyoto. You’ll be provided with a tea bowl, tea scoops and whisks, and instruction on how to make matcha. You’ll also try matcha and sweets, and you are encouraged to ask questions. Photos and short videos are permitted. Usually guests sit on the floor, but chairs and tables are also available if preferred.

The refined setting of a Japanese tea ceremony can feel intimidating to travelers. This immersive small-group Kyoto experience unravels some of the mystery. With the help of an expert, don a beautiful kimono and have your hair styled, then participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an elegant tea room; learn how to prepare matcha; and, if you like, create your own piece of calligraphy.

The tea ceremony goes in a small group. The maximum number of people are 6 for each session.But during peak seasons, it will increase to a maximum of 8 people. Experience an authentic tea ceremony, which is near the Zen buddhist monastery Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Daitoku-ji had many famous priest graduates in the history and has a close relationship with tea ceremony culture which has given a major influence to Japanese culture. We are also not far from the World Cultural Heritage site, the Golden Pavilion Temple. (Kinkaku-ji)It's only four stops away by bus. You’ll be provided with a tea container, tea bowl, tea scoops and whisks, and instruction on how to make matcha. You’ll also enjoy two bowls of matcha and two kinds of Japanese sweets. Tea ceremony is a learned experience, and it leads to enlightenment, similar to Zen’s understanding of realizing the truth through self-discovery.

The best way to appreciate Japan’s great food is to learn to cook it yourself. This immersive tour starts with meeting your guide (and chef), to cook a meal together, and explore the Karahori Shotengai market (if option selected). It’ll help you learn about ingredients, techniques, and culinary traditions before you cook. The cooking experience will cover dishes such as sushi, character bento boxes, or Japanese curry rice. You’ll be able to ask questions and go at your own pace.

Experience hand-made udon at a Michelin-listed restaurant. You'll get detailed guidance to recreate Udon at home, along with a recipe after the class. If you wish, you can enjoy making udon while sipping Japanese sake or beer. Our chef will cook your noodles and serve them with special broth which is made from all-natural, additive-free ingredients, using kombu, shiitake mushrooms, and katsuobushi (Bonito stock) in beautiful bowls. You can also order side dishes, like tempura or extra udon (they are not included in the fee). Vegetarians are welcome. Let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions. The instructor will take and share photos of your experience.

In this tea ceremony experience, you not only learn the traditional way of preparing matcha but also enjoy it in the special atmosphere of a temple, allowing you to relax and find peace. Additionally, the foot bath experience includes a light massage, providing a luxurious time to refresh both body and mind. In this serene environment, you can capture your own special moments and take home a truly enriching experience.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s second biggest city and step into the world of matcha. In this tea ceremony class in Osaka, you’ll learn about the deep history and etiquette of this intricate Japanese tradition from a friendly English-speaking host. Traditionally, participants sit in a kneeling position known as “seiza”, but this class allows you to take part from the comfort of a chair, so you can focus on making matcha the authentic way.

I think it will be a special and unforgettable time for you to experience making Japanese soba, a traditional Japanese culture, in a calm temple. And you can't get the taste of soba noodles you make yourself anywhere else. I would like to sincerely share with you the traditional culture of Japan.

Learn how to cook five different quintessential Japanese dishes during this hands-on gastronomy lesson, in the private home of an Osaka local. Discover the role of key ingredients like seaweed and dried fish and watch a live demonstration before rolling up your sleeves and tackling recipes on your own. Then, enjoy your freshly prepared meal together, topped off with a bowl of green tea ice cream.

Avoid superficial travel experiences and gain a deeper, more meaningful introduction to Japanese tradition in Kyoto with a private tea ceremony inside a traditional home. Instead of simply observing, you’re guided by a tea master who explains the purpose behind each gesture as you learn to prepare matcha the traditional way. It’s a calm, immersive experience that replaces uncertainty with clear understanding of etiquette and ritual.

Start your moring by cooking a classic Japanese breakfast. Learn how to make onigiri (rice ball), miso soup, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet). Discover the flavors of Japanese home cooking and culture. Japanese breakfast a beautifully balanced meal providing all the nutrients you need to start your day. As you prepare and eat each dish, you'll connect to Japanese tradition, balance, and mindfulness, deepening your understanding of the food culture. Alongside your cooking, a selection of small side dishes will be served to complement your traditional Japanese breakfast. A friendly, English-speaking guide will be with you every step of the way in a small intimate class setting. This ensures you can fully enjoy each step, ask questions, and connect with the tradition at your own pace, so you really get the most out of every moment. Once you mater these cookings on the experience, you will be recreate them in your own country, bringing a taste of Japan right into your kitchen.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich traditions with a visit to Miyagawa Tokusaburo shoten, a 100-year-old house near Katsura Imperial Villa. Go beyond the typical tourist experience and learn the traditional etiquette and history of the tea ceremony in a calm, quiet setting, and wear a rare, antique kimono that’s over 80 years old.

Take a deep-dive into Japanese culture and experience Osaka like a local on this evening walking tour. Join your guide on an exploration of the city’s historic districts, including the former ghetto and the Red Light district. Learn about Osaka’s history, heritage, and local traditions; venture down the backstreets to visit quirky sites often missed by travelers; and sample traditional street foods. Upgrade to include a delicious dinner.

Learn about the rituals of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony by visiting a traditional teahouse. Instead of sharing the activity with strangers, partake in a private ceremony just for your party. Learn about the history of matcha from your instructor before witnessing the tea rituals. Try your hand at some of the rituals yourself, too.

Learn to make artistic sushi rolls during your own private ‘kazarimaki’ class in Kyoto. Kazarimaki is the art of making designs within a sushi roll, using edible pigments extracted from plants to create colorful patterns in the sushi. Your instructor also provides a kimono (for women) or other traditional garments (for men and children) to wear during the experience.

Deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and traditions at this matcha tea ceremony held in a traditional townhouse. To help you get the most out of your experience, the tea master explains everything you need to know—including tea etiquette, utensils, and rituals. You can also learn how to prepare your own cup of matcha. The session ends with a question-and-answer segment and the chance to enjoy traditional Japanese sweets.

Step into a stylish, modern izakaya where you can enjoy a hands-on, make-your-own Takoyaki experience like no other! Cook, flip, and customize your own Takoyaki with your favorite ingredients — including vegetarian-friendly options — while our staff guides you along the way. In addition to the experience, you can savor a wide range of Japanese dishes, from Osaka classics like Kushikatsu to premium specialties made with Wagyu beef, sea urchin, and salmon roe. We also offer a large selection of drinks, including Japanese sake, shochu, and whiskey. Seafood, sushi, oden, and other traditional dishes are also available, giving you the chance to explore Japanese cuisine far beyond Takoyaki.

Step into a peaceful, authentic tea ceremony experience in a traditional Kyoto machiya over 130 years old. In this intimate small-group session, you will learn the meaning, history, and philosophy behind Japanese tea culture in a clear and approachable way. Your host will guide you through each step of the ceremony, explaining the etiquette and spirit of tea. Watch a graceful tea ceremony performed by your host, then experience it for yourself by preparing matcha using traditional tools. Enjoy high-quality Kyoto matcha paired with carefully selected traditional Japanese sweets in a calm, non-touristy setting that many guests describe as one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Kyoto.

• Like a homestay experience — welcomed as family, authentic Osaka hospitality. • Explore a real neighborhood market — wander through narrow back streets where Osaka locals shop every day. • Make your own Osaka-style box sushi (hako-zushi) — each person presses their own using a traditional wooden mold, like a proper Osaka chef. • Eat what you made — enjoy your sushi with tempura, miso soup. • Optional sake tasting — sample 2–3 carefully selected Japanese sakes. • Whisk your own matcha latte using traditional tea tools, served with a Japanese sweet. • Take home a printed English recipe card — recreate your box sushi and matcha latte back home. • Taught by an experienced home cook — your host has run a beloved cooking class with a waitlist for over 200 Japanese adults and children. • Intimate and personal — maximum 5 guests, so you get real attention and real conversation. • Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs welcome with advance notice.