Top Kansai Food & Drink Classes

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.

Rather than choosing one type of cuisine, this comprehensive cooking class is ideal for travelers who love diverse Japanese dishes, as you can make ramen, gyoza, and onigiri (rice balls) in the same session. Learn special techniques that you wouldn’t find in a cookery book, and then best of all—taste all your delicious creations at the end.

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.

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).

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.

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.

A tea ceremony is a key part of Japanese culture, and Kyoto—long regarded as the country’s cultural capital—is one of the best places to experience it. During the ceremony, a tea master demonstrates the precise steps involved in preparing premium matcha, offering invaluable insights that you’d miss if drinking tea in a restaurant. You can then enjoy traditional Japanese sweets to accompany your tea.

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.

Don't just eat mochi, learn how it's made and try pounding it yourself in this interactive small-group class in Osaka. Learn about the food's history and cultural significance in Japan, as well as the special occasions when it's eaten. Customize your fresh mochi to your tastes with toppings such as sweet red bean paste, seaweed, and more.

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.

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.

With so many varieties to choose from, learning to enjoy sake can feel intimidating. This guided tasting experience in Osaka is hosted by a former sake brewer who teaches you about the beverage's history and culture, as well as its brewing process, while you savor its diverse flavors through a curated flight of sake paired with seasonal dishes.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Experience a warm cultural welcome to Japan with an authentic tea ceremony in traditional kimonos in Kyoto. Dress in a classic kimono, sip authentic matcha green tea, sample Japanese sweets and learn the customs and history behind this cherished ritual. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

When traveling abroad, there is no other experience like cooking and eating a meal with a local. Emika opens her Kyoto home to visitors to cook a meal and share conversation. Enjoy learning to make traditional Obanzai cuisine, like marinated mushrooms, slow-cooked vegetables, miso soup and tofu dishes with your Kyoto native host. Chat over the meal you prepared, and get recommendations on the city.

Discover the joy of Japanese home-style cooking in this interactive food experience. In this class, you will learn how to make gyoza (Japanese dumplings) completely from scratch, starting from the dough. The friendly local instructor will guide you step by step, making it easy and enjoyable even for beginners. You will: Make gyoza dough by hand Roll and shape your own wrappers Prepare traditional fillings Fold your own gyoza like a pro Cook them to crispy perfection After cooking, enjoy your freshly made gyoza along with a classic Japanese street food favorite — yakisoba (stir-fried noodles). We can also accommodate vegan and vegetarian options upon request. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare suitable ingredients for you. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, feel free to inform us when booking. This experience is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and enjoy authentic Japanese food culture in a fun and relaxed setting.

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.

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.

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.