Top Kansai Cooking Classes

Experience authentic Japanese home cooking in a real local home in Osaka with Keiko, who has over 20 years of teaching experience. This private cooking class goes beyond simply following recipes—you’ll discover Japanese food culture, learn authentic cooking techniques, and enjoy personalized guidance in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Using fresh ingredients and traditional family recipes, you’ll create dishes you can easily recreate at home. Recipes, photos, and videos are included, making this a perfect experience for food lovers, couples, families, and anyone seeking an authentic cultural experience in Japan.

Learn about umami and why dashi is the soul of Japanese cooking Shave traditional dried bonito flakes — a rare experience even for Japanese Compare four varieties of dashi to understand how delicate flavor is built Make your own miso soup and onigiri, alongside three seasonal side dishes Step into the birthplace of Taichiro Kobayashi — a philosopher and art historian

Step away from the digital noise and rediscover your inner rhythm in the profound stillness of a historic setting. This is a meditative journey where you become the protagonist of your own tea ritual. Unlike traditional floor-seated ceremonies, this experience is hosted in the seated Ryurei style (with comfortable chairs), allowing you to relax completely with no prior experience needed. Under gentle guidance, ladle steaming water from a traditional iron kettle (kama) to whisk your own vibrant matcha—perfectly paired with signature handcrafted raw chocolate to nourish both mind and body. In this intimate sanctuary of shared silence, embrace a moment of true serenity and reset your senses.

Experience the tea ceremony and immerse yourself in the traditions of Kyoto. Brew a delicious cup of tea in an authentic and vibrant Japanese atmosphere. With careful instruction, you will be able to make a creamy matcha tea like no other. At the same time, you will enjoy a live performance of Japanese harp "Koto", a traditional Japanese stringed instrument.

Experience the Beauty of the Seasons and Kyoto’s Tradition through Decorative Sushi Rolls First time making sushi? No problem! Join us in Kyoto for a unique decorative sushi roll-making experience where art meets tradition. In this class, you’ll learn the basic techniques of creating decorative sushi rolls, inspired by traditional Japanese motifs unique to Kyoto. Enjoy making decorative sushi rolls with seasonal designs and Kyoto-inspired motifs that change throughout the year. This is a special experience where you can feel the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Relax in a traditional Japanese setting as you enjoy a warm and welcoming sushi-making experience with beautiful Japanese aesthetics. Visitors from overseas are also warmly welcomed! Dive into Japanese culture while creating stunning sushi art.

Discover the heart of Japanese food culture with unique hosts from Osaka who have traveled the world and now bring their stories, flavors, and laughter to this special sushi-making experience. You’ll not only learn how to make authentic sushi using fresh local ingredients — you’ll also enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere filled with cultural exchange and fun conversations.

I am a certified chef with 10 years of experience working in restaurants. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, my goal is to provide hands-on instruction, useful tips, and a fun atmosphere where you can enjoy the process of cooking and tasting your own creations at home. I promise to describe Japanese seasonings in detail. Shaving bonito flakes to make Japanese broth is an authentic technique that many Japanese people have not experienced. Japanese people love straight shrimp tempura, and I will teach you how to make perfectly crispy and straight shrimp and vegetable tempura using hidden techniques. Vegetarians are welcome, and please let me know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions. Japanese cuisine features a variety of delicious vegetable dishes!"

Led by local host who is a 5th generation Matcha tea farmer, our guests can be a part of legacy passed down for generations. You will have a chance to visit local Matcha Farmers, invited to traditional Japanese style home to enjoy delicately crafted Matcha Lunch Set, participate in Matcha tasting and tea tasting. You will not only learn all about Matcha but also smell, taste, and even take home some of those premium Matcha from farm previously owned by the Imperial Family.

What sets this experience apart is its focus on real Japanese home cooking, rather than restaurant-style or overly complex recipes. Instead of spending hours preparing everything from scratch, this class is designed around how locals actually cook at home—efficient, practical, and full of flavor. By making takoyaki, gyoza, and ramen in one session, you get to experience three iconic Japanese dishes in a short, well-paced 2–2.5 hour class without feeling rushed. The small-group setting (maximum 6 participants) creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can truly engage with the instructors and other guests. With local guides supporting the class, you receive personal attention, clear explanations, and a safe cooking environment. Located in central Kyoto near Shijo–Karasuma, this experience feels less like a tourist attraction and more like being invited into a local kitchen—sharing food, culture, and conversation the Japanese way.

This class goes beyond the usual cooking lesson —you’ll learn the secret plant based ingredient that gives our gyoza its meaty texture, and discover an easy trick for making ramen noodles from scratch, no special equipment needed. The broth itself is rich and creamy, built on the deep umami of traditional dashi. It’s a hands on experience loved by vegans and meat-eaters alike. Led by a former food writer with deep knowledge of Kyoto’s food scene, Yukari can also recommend the best restaurants around the city based on your taste.

This cooking class takes place every Tuesday. As a chef and nutritionist who previously ran a French restaurant serving home-style meals on the World Heritage site of Yakushima, I also focus on healthy Japanese cuisine. I will carefully teach you how to recreate the recipes at home. You will learn about culture and history using ingredients unique to Kyoto. Most of the ingredients used in class are vegan. Fish and eggs may also be used. If you have any allergies, please let me know in advance. If you would like a completely vegan diet, please also send me a message.

- Guided by an Urasenke tea master - Easy-to-access café in central Kyoto - Compare different Japanese teas such as matcha, sencha, and hojicha - Learn the basics of Japanese tea culture in a relaxed way - Whisk your own bowl of matcha - Enjoy traditional wagashi sweets - Comfortable table-style experience, no floor sitting required This experience is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Japanese tea culture in a more relaxed and accessible way. In a comfortable café in central Kyoto, an Urasenke tea master will introduce you to the world of Japanese tea. You will learn how matcha, sencha, hojicha, and other teas differ in flavor, aroma, color, and preparation style, then taste and compare them for yourself. You will also learn how to whisk matcha yourself and enjoy it with traditional wagashi sweets. It is a comfortable way to experience the essence of Japanese tea culture during your time in Kyoto.

1) We use fresh fish purchased fish store where has 70 years history. They always get flesh and seasonal fish. 2) We teach you about traditional seasonings! Not only will you learn how to make sushi, If you're interested, we can also talk about seasonings commonly used in Japan, as well as soy sauce and vinegar made using traditional methods. 3)Beginners, Family, Friends, and couple are welcome! Anyone can join! We can also arrange private tours if you let us know in advance via message.

Take more than a memory home from Kyoto: learn ramen-broth skills you can use in your own kitchen. Vegan and gluten-free guests are welcome, with options available to suit their dietary needs. At Musoshin Ramen Dojo in Gion, a professional chef guides you through a hands-on cooking and tasting experience using seasonings available in your country. Keep the ramen recipe, a Musoshin bandana, and chopsticks engraved with your name. Musoshin was founded in Kyoto in 2012. Our Toronto restaurant has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide for five consecutive years. Our Gion restaurant was selected for Dazhong Dianping’s 2026 Must-Eat List (必吃榜) and was one of just three restaurants from Japan invited to the awards ceremony.

You will learn the basic information of soy sauce such as the making process, the variety of soy sauce type. Then taste 5 different types of soy sauce and experience food pairing with each. It includes the tips to how to use each type of soy sauce for daily cooking, so that guests can have more cooking variety even after they are back home. This workshop is perfect for those who love cooking and want to deepen their knowledge of Soy sauce. *Preschooler (under 7 years old) is free and can join with a parent. If you would like us to prepare tasting for them, please include them in the number of participants.

Step into the world of the Samurai and experience the essence of Japan. Feel the thrill of holding a sword and discover Japanese culinary culture through a hands-on sushi workshop. Enjoy a truly special moment where you can connect with the authentic spirit of the Samurai.

Sushi won’t bode well in your suitcase, but tips and tricks for getting to the world-famous Japanese dish right at home are easier to take back with you. This private sushi-making cooking class in Osaka includes matcha with Japanese sweets and equips you with the knowledge and techniques you need to create authentic sushi, promising the undivided attention of your private instructor.

"Learn how to make authentic, vegan-friendly Japanese dashi (broth) with us." Our private, one-group-only format makes the class a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Your group only — no strangers, no shared sessions. This is our home in Arashiyama, Kyoto. When you are here, it is yours for the day. We cook together, eat together, and talk — about food, about Japan, about whatever comes up. In one afternoon, you will make vegan soy sauce ramen broth from scratch, roll maki sushi with our homemade tofu and Hatcho miso filling, assemble temaki by hand, and finish with hand-whisked matcha and warabi mochi. Your hosts are Satoru, a professional chef with over 30 years of experience, and Akiko, a fluent English speaker. Every ingredient is explained. 100% plant-based and dashi-free. You will always know exactly what is in your food.

Experience authentic Japanese home cooking in a warm and welcoming local home in Osaka. Learn to make two types of ramen with handmade noodles, crispy handmade gyoza, traditional wagashi, and your own bowl of matcha. Guided by Keiko, who has over 20 years of teaching experience, you’ll learn traditional cooking techniques, Japanese food culture, and the secrets of her homemade miso, aged for about 10 months. This private, hands-on cooking class includes personalized instruction, printed recipes, and photos and videos to help you recreate the experience long after your trip to Japan.

The culinary adventure doesn't end with sushi. We'll also guide you through the traditional process of making your own Miso soup from scratch. You'll learn to shave Katsuobushi (dried bonito) from a block, a time-honored technique that enhances the soup's rich umami flavor. Join us as we delve into the traditional techniques of Japanese cuisine. This is more than just a cooking class - it's a cultural experience that will equip you with new culinary skills, unforgettable memories, and the ability to recreate a taste of Japan wherever you are.

Unlike many tea ceremony experiences held in commercial venues, this experience takes place inside Toto-an, a historic family home and Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The host grew up connected to this house and its history, offering personal stories that bring the space to life. Guests can use and learn about authentic Sasayama-yaki pottery, including rare pieces created by the host's great-grandfather, a local potter whose work remains part of the family's legacy. Rather than simply watching a performance, you'll experience tea culture in a living, personal setting where history, family heritage, local craftsmanship, and hospitality come together. Located in the rural town of Tamba Sasayama, this experience offers a rare opportunity to step inside a real Japanese family home and connect with local culture in a way that few visitors can experience.

The unique appeal of the Wagyu Sukiyaki Cooking Experience is that it offers more than just a meal — it provides a hands-on opportunity to experience Japanese home culture and the rich flavors of wagyu beef. Some of the highlights include: Cooking authentic sukiyaki yourself using high-quality wagyu beef Learning traditional Japanese home-style ways of enjoying sukiyaki Discovering Japanese food culture and ingredients while cooking with the instructor Enjoying both a cooking experience and a freshly prepared meal in one activity Easy participation for beginners with clear and friendly guidance Experiencing authentic Japanese home cooking beyond what you would normally get at a restaurant One of the most special aspects of this experience is the chance to connect with everyday Japanese food culture in a warm and interactive way.

Experience authentic Japanese home cooking in a local Osaka home. With over 20 years of experience teaching Japanese cooking and more than 3 years of welcoming international guests, I offer a high-quality and authentic culinary experience that goes beyond a typical cooking class. Throughout the class, I will take photos and videos of your experience and share them with you after the lesson, so you can cherish the memories and recreate the dishes at home using the recipes provided. Enjoy delicious food, learn about Japanese culture, and create unforgettable memories in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

This hands-on cooking experience lets you create a unique “sushi cake,” a modern and visually stunning style of sushi popular for celebrations in Japan. With guidance from an English-speaking instructor, you will learn how to assemble sushi rice and fresh ingredients into a beautifully layered cake. The experience also includes making fruit daifuku, a traditional Japanese dessert filled with fresh fruit and sweet bean paste. Set in a small-group environment, this class focuses on creativity, cultural insight, and memorable photo opportunities in Osaka.