Top Kansai Cooking Classes

Become truly immersed in traditional Japanese culture as you and your party members will enjoy the entire 300-year old historic property to yourselves. We serve organic matcha locally sourced from Kyoto, Uji in a traditional tea room. Enter into this space separate from the rush of life and truly experience the serenity of tea ceremony. Adorn an authentic silk wedding Kimono or wield a Samurai Katana to commemorate your visit to Kyoto! You are welcome to take photos during your visit. You can even bring the experience home with you as we offer a large array of Matcha Chawan (Matcha Tea Bowl) and authentic silk Kimono for purchase. An experience like no other being the only Samurai house in Kyoto with such offerings. We are able to offer this traditional space and still be very conveniently located only an 8 minute walk from Kyoto station, making this experience a seamless addition to your time in Kyoto.

You found the best experience in Kyoto for families! Come visit our home and let's have an every day home-cooked meal together. When you arrive, take a load off, drink some tea, and let's chat about your trip. We will segue into food talk and then we will preview the food that we will cook together that night. After that, we'll put aprons on and gather around the kitchen counter to slice, dice, and mix up the dishes. You will learn about the staples that we have from which most Japanese dishes can be made. We are a busy family, but we are foodies and love to open our doors to the world. So as long as you are ok with coming over to a family home and making a meal with the kids, the cat, and the dog, let's enjoy the time together. We open our home and hearts to you, in a setting where kids, pets, and adults can relax, eat, and talk together. Step into our house on the hill and become a part of our family for the day.

Get dressed up in authentic samurai armor in Kyoto and experience a rare, hands-on look at Japan’s warrior past. This three-in-one experience includes an armor fitting, a traditional calligraphy session, and a premium matcha tea experience to help you do more in less time. Also, to ensure you have well-composed images of your time in armor, the on-site staff can help take your photos.

This experience is suitable for people who love culture, adventure, and cute things.By joining this tour, you can experience the true hospitality culture of Kyoto.You can experience making hand-rolled sushi with the okami in a 120-year-old Kyoto townhouse. You can see the culture and history of Kyoto, and experience the precious and special atmosphere of living in a local area. You can experience the unique experience of interacting with old things. Enjoy making hand-rolled sushi with the okami, using the Kyoto dialect. We hope you will immerse yourself in the local area and get a feel for the everyday life of Kyoto people. While you are making your sushi rolls, you will of course enjoy a homely atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in a homestay, so please come and visit us. We look forward to seeing you.This immersive local cultural experience will give you a deeper insight into the people of Kyoto.Come and make unforgettable memories with us in a Kyoto townhouse MACHIYA.

1. Authentic Experience Unlike standard sushi classes, this experience covers every step, from preparing rice to crafting perfect nigiri. You’ll use authentic tools and techniques under the guidance of skilled instructors. 2. Cultural Insight Learn not only how to make sushi but also its cultural significance in Japan. It’s more than a cooking class—it’s an exploration of tradition. 3. Personalized Instruction With small group sizes, you’ll receive guidance tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. 4. Hands-On Fun Grate fresh wasabi, slice sushi-grade fish, and assemble sushi in an engaging, interactive environment. 5. Graduation Ceremony Celebrate your achievements with a fun graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion. 6. Take-Home Skills Learn techniques and recipes to make sushi at home, impressing friends and family. 7. Unique Setting Held in the heart of Japan, this class offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Learn the basics of tea ceremony in Osaka, ask questions, and make your own matcha tea bowl using the traditional kurinuki pottery method. The workshop takes place in a century-old, two-storey studio in Ikuno Ward, a local neighborhood. You’ll also receive two chopstick rests, while your finished bowl is shipped after three months at your expense.

Step into the Matcha capital, Uji, and experience the heart of Japan's finest green tea. Walking through the famous Byodo-in temple, known for its appearance on the 10-yen coin, you will grind tea leaves into matcha powder and drink your fresh matcha tea. A must-try experience for matcha lovers! ⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our tour guide will use these platforms to contact you. ⚠️ Please wear a mask during the Matcha making workshop. ✅ English Guided Tour – Explore Uji City with our friendly and knowledgeable guide. ✅ Hands-on Matcha Experience – Grind your own matcha powder using a traditional stone mill, then enjoy your freshly made tea with your choice of Japanese sweets or matcha ice cream. ✅ Visit Byodo-in Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture featured on the 10-yen coin. ✅ Learn the History of Uji Tea – Discover why Uji is known as Japan’s top region for high-quality green tea.

Private Morning Meditation in Kyoto Start your day in Kyoto’s serene mornings: Experience the city before the bustle begins, enjoying the tranquil light, quiet sounds, and peaceful atmosphere. A fusion of tradition and wellness: Combine the ancient art of Shakyo (sutra calligraphy), the refined ritual of traditional matcha tea, and the relaxing techniques of Head Healing for a one-of-a-kind meditative experience. Engage all your senses: See the morning light, hear the gentle brush strokes, smell the aroma of tea and ink, touch the brush and feel the healing touch, and taste authentic matcha — fully immersing in mindfulness. Personalized and intimate: Designed for 1–2 participants, each guest alternates between calligraphy and head healing, ensuring a tailored and private experience. A gateway to Japanese culture: This experience blends traditional practices with modern wellness, making it perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, restorative, and uniquely Kyoto morning.

This vegan food tour highlights small, family-run shops loved by Kyoto locals—not tourist chains. Rather than focusing on labels, it shows how Kyoto’s culture naturally supports plant-based food. Led by a Kyoto-based host with over 10 years of local experience, guests gain insider access to hidden spots in the Umekoji area. Through storytelling and tastings rooted in Buddhist culture and shojin ryori, travelers learn why plant-based cuisine has thrived here for centuries. The tour moves at a relaxed pace through quiet neighborhoods and ends with Japanese tea and seasonal vegan sweets in a 100-year-old machiya, offering a calm and authentic taste of local life.

A Special Experience of Traditional Japanese Soba Making Soba has been enjoyed in Japan since the Jomon period. In this hands-on experience, you will make, cut, and cook soba noodles yourself. Exploring the different ways to enjoy soba is part of the fun. You can savor it cold and refreshing, warm and comforting, pair it with various condiments, or change up the dipping sauce—the possibilities are endless. This is a rare opportunity to deeply connect with traditional Japanese cuisine—especially the unique flavor of dashi and soba.

Experience an authentic private matcha tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto tea room, guided in the spirit of omotenashi—Japan’s philosophy of wholehearted hospitality. Hosted by a Kyoto local from a kimono family, this is not a demonstration, but a quiet and personal cultural experience. Inside a real tea room, you will observe the careful preparation of matcha and learn the meaning behind each movement, tool, and gesture. Every element reflects centuries of tradition and the intention to create harmony between host and guest. You will be welcomed as a guest and served matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a genuine tea gathering. This fully private experience offers a rare opportunity to step away from the crowds and encounter the living culture of Kyoto in an intimate and meaningful way.

The session begins with a clear and insightful introduction to the cultural background and philosophy of the tea ceremony. You will then observe a demonstration by the host, where every movement is performed with care, precision, and intention. After that, you will prepare your own matcha, guided step by step. By the end of the experience, you will not only know how to make matcha, but also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture — and experience a sense of calm. This experience is an ideal experience for those who are looking for something more meaningful than just a typical tourist activity. 2 bowls of Matcha (one by the host, one made by you or with a companion) and traditional seasonal Japanese sweets are included. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Subway Karasuma Oike Station. You may also continue the experience at home—preparing matcha for yourself or for someone special—using carefully selected tea bowls and matcha available for purchase at the venue.

Don’t just leave Kyoto with the memories of great sushi, but learn to make the iconic Japanese dish yourself during a cooking class with a professional sushi chef. You’ll master rolling rice and seasoning the filling, so you can recreate the dish at home for friends and family. Plus, tasting matcha, sake, and Japanese sweets ensure you leave feeling full.

Ever wondered what your own taste in sake looks like—literally? At My Sake World Kyoto Kawaramachi, you don't just taste sake, you create it. Never tried sake before? Even better—our friendly English-speaking guides walk you through eight distinct sakes, then help you blend an original bottle using lab-style flasks and pipettes, no experience needed. This isn't a "watch the master" show. It's yours to shape: adjust sweetness, dryness, and aroma until you land on a flavor nobody else has ever made. Take it home in a bottle with a label you designed yourself—a memory made with your own hands, not bought off a shelf. Set in lively Kawaramachi, steps from Nishiki Market and Kiyomizudera, this fully indoor studio reimagines a centuries-old Kyoto blending tradition for today's traveler. Perfect for couples, friends, and curious first-timers who want a hands-on story to tell, not just a photo to post. Come curious, leave with a Kyoto memory only you could have made.

Live like a samurai with this private experience near Osaka Castle, where you’ll learn all about samurai culture and be professionally photographed in your own suit of armor. A workshop on the martial art of Iaido will teach you about Japanese swordsmanship and let you try some cool moves. You’ll also draw calligraphy and experience a samurai tea ceremony.

Get a taste of Japan with a fully private, one-group-per-day sushi experience. Start anytime between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM: — 11:00 AM is ideal for lunch — 5:00 PM is ideal for dinner With no other guests, enjoy hands-on guidance, learn at your own pace, and fully enjoy your creations. You’ll make and enjoy 20+ pieces of sushi, including practice and a final assortment — more than enough for a full and satisfying meal. Making nigiri is easier than you think. With sanitary gloves and step-by-step guidance, you’ll be shaping sushi with confidence in no time. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll learn how to select fresh ingredients and craft beautiful nigiri using authentic techniques refined over decades. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a sushi lover, this fun and interactive experience will leave you with new skills and great memories. Guest Reviews: Sushi sKool K on Google Maps

Teacher Shinichi Kono has been a sushi chef for over 30 years. The teacher will carefully instruct you in step of the process how to making sushi. Guests will be able to experience Japanese tradition. The sushi restaurant where this class will be held, tools such as knives, and ingredients used in sushi. Everything is of high quality and guests will have an experience like no other.

Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful moment in a quiet tea room. Delight in exquisite Japanese sweets and the finest matcha—an experience that soothes the soul. We proudly serve exquisite confections from a long-established Kyoto wagashi shop, perfectly paired with one of the finest matcha selections from Marukyu Koyamaen. Among countless tea experiences in Japan, few can match the level of quality we offer in both sweets and tea. “Chanoyu The KYOTO uzumasa” is a hidden sanctuary nestled in the historic district of Uzumasa, where the refined elegance of the Heian period still lingers. Step inside and you’ll be welcomed by a stylish interior, leading to a meticulously designed garden and an authentic tea room. The atmosphere—crafted with the utmost care—feels like a world apart. Take your time, and immerse yourself in the deep and beautiful world of Chanoyu.

Japan is known for its excellent cuisine, and on this tour, you’ll become a tofu expert! Start your day with a tour of a tofu shop and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the tofu production process. You won’t have to worry about buying ingredients for your cooking class as everything is provided. Enjoy a cooking lesson where you’ll learn to make multiple dishes, and then get to eat them afterwards with a local beer (or soft drink).

A Master Cutler and your chef guide will invite you to sharpen your own santoku knife, which you can take home as a cherished memento at the conclusion of the workshop. Our goal is for you to not only acquire knowledge but also to carry a tangible embodiment of your time in Japan, creating lasting memories for years to come. We aim to demystify this craft and showcase the wide range of knives and tools used by both professional chefs and enthusiasts. With over a dozen different types of knives utilized in kitchens across Japan, we provide a comprehensive explanation of this unique assortment of tools.

There's no better way to explore Japanese food then by making it yourself. With this private cooking class in Kyoto, you’ll learn about typical Japanese ingredients and how to assemble them into a healthy, artful meal. Skip the search for a restaurant and let a local chef guide you through the recipes step-by-step. Menus change monthly but can be customized on request, whether you want to learn how to make a bento box lunch, tonkatsu cutlet, or other favorites.

Don't just eat sushi, learn how to make it at home in this centrally-located cooking class in Osaka. Practice the techniques to make perfect sushi and learn about the many different styles, from nigiri to gunkan. Get personalized tips from your guides so you can sharpen your Japanese cooking skills. ・The class is conveniently located in Dōtonbori, Osaka ・Learn the ingredients required to make 12 pieces of sushi at home ・Eat when you're hungriest with afternoon and evening class options ・Vegetarian, vegan, and halal sushi is available upon request

We usually teach children mainly about eating manners and how to hold chopsticks. What is the most important thing to hold chopsticks correctly? The most important thing to hold the chopsticks correctly is the muscle strength of the fingers! I think they are stiff because we usually do not use them at all. If you can move your middle finger, you can use small items and noodles. While training to loosen these muscles, you will actually practice grabbing what you can grab, which will motivate you and make the practice fun. Also, the way you eat shows how you feel about the other person. Are you eating in a pleasant way? You are having difficulty grasping and eating with cross chopsticks or tearing your food with one chopstick at a time. You are eating like a dog. Spill often The way you use chopsticks and the way you eat can change your impression. We all enjoy good food, and having good manners will make it more enjoyable. While communicating We hope you will enjoy learning them.

Join us to learn how to make two of Japan’s most popular homemade dishes: MAKI Sushi (sushi rolls) and TEMARI Sushi (bite-sized rice balls). In this fun and interactive class, you’ll start with a 30-minute orientation, followed by 1.5 hours of hands-on cooking. Afterward, relax and taste your creations with drinks, including sake, beer, and soft drinks, for 1 hour. Our friendly instructors, fluent in English, Japanese, and Spanish, will guide you through each step. We provide all ingredients and tools—just come ready to cook, learn, and enjoy!