Top Kansai Food & Drink Classes - page 2

This Session is personally hosted by the owner — a former sake brewer who trained for a year at a sake brewery in Osaka. It is a masterclass-style experience where you can learn about the history, brewing process, and cultural depth of Japanese sake while savoring its diverse flavors. The session takes place at "Sake Pairing Bar Potan", a refined space designed with traditional Japanese architecture where sake truly takes center stage. Located in the Fukushima area, just minutes from central Osaka, it offers a serene yet accessible setting to learn directly from a sake professional. As for me, the owner — I Traveled around 35 countries at the age of 20, immersing myself in different cultures. That journey made me rediscover the beauty and richness of Japan, inspiring me to share its culture with people around the world through sake. Beyond sake itself, I also love cross-cultural exchange, and I look forward to enjoying meaningful conversations with all of you during the experience.

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.

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.

Ramen is a Japanese specialty of noodles in a broth with mixed toppings such as pork, seaweed, and egg. There are lots of different varieties of ramen, so save time and learn how to make three types in one class (salt ramen, soy sauce ramen, and miso ramen). No need to worry about bringing anything with you as all utensils and ingredients are provided.

This is an activity where even beginners can easily make nigiri sushi. You will be able to experience making sushi using popular sushi ingredients such as tuna and salmon. It will be a once in a lifetime unique experience where you can learn about Japanese culture through traditional Japanese cuisine. A sushi chef will carefully teach you how to make sushi. Once you know how to make it, try making nigiri sushi yourself. It's a very fun and meaningful experience where you can both experience making sushi and eating delicious sushi. Please come and experience Japanese culture with us! Children 3 years old and under are welcome to join for free by sharing a dish with an adult. As we need to prepare a seat in advance, please contact us before your visit if you are bringing a child who is 3 years old and under.

Learn about the rituals of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony by visiting the idyllic setting of Camellia Garden Teahouse. Instead of sharing the activity with strangers, enjoy a very intimate and special experience of having a private ceremony for just your party. The tea instructor explains more about the history of Matcha tea, before performing the tea rituals, and giving you the chance to try making it yourself too.

As Kyoto’s original small-group sushi-making experience, this workshop emphasizes depth, personal guidance, and authentic technique. Limited to just 8 guests, the class offers a relaxed, interactive pace with ample time for questions, hands-on practice, and individual feedback from a Japanese instructor. Guests build a strong foundation in sushi-making — from properly seasoning rice to shaping nigiri and rolling maki — using premium fresh fish and carefully selected local ingredients. The experience takes place in a beautifully restored historic townhouse near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, providing a calm, refined setting in which to fully engage with the craft and enjoy the sushi you create.

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Kyoto with an authentic tea ceremony experience. Held in the tatami room of a 41-year-old traditional sushi restaurant, this activity offers a tranquil setting infused with the essence of Kyoto. The calming aroma of tatami, the soft natural light, and the peaceful atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture.

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.

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.

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.

Make the most of your time in Kyoto by combining two classic experiences: wearing a kimono and taking part in an authentic tea ceremony. Led by a professional tea master, learn about the tools and traditions behind preparing Japanese green tea. To enhance the experience, kimono rental is included, offering an atmospheric way to appreciate this centuries-old tradition. Tickets must be exchanged at the starting point before entry.

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.

・Savor the aroma of freshly ground matcha as you grind tea leaves ・Enjoy a unique matcha experience on a sky terrace in Arashiyama ・Learn the art of whisking matcha with a bamboo whisk from a guide ・Take in the views from the terrace and recharge for your next adventure ・Enjoy a family-friendly activity with no strict rules or prior experience

Learn the difference between Japanese home cooking and the Japanese food you get at restaurants in this cooking class in Osaka. Since it is private, you can take the lesson at your preferred pace and receive personalized feedback from your host throughout the session. The recipes you’ll make are more accessible so you’ll have an easier time recreating them at home.

Making mochi is an art, and this fun class in Osaka lets you try making it for yourself. Get tips and learn authentic techniques from an experienced instructor before you start handling traditional tools, such as a mortar and pestle. Instead of store-bought varieties, you'll get to enjoy freshly-made mochi and taste the difference.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our tea ceremony experience is designed to be welcoming, approachable, and meaningful. While the traditional tea ceremony is often seen as formal and solemn, we aim to share its beauty in a comfortable and accessible way. Guests enjoy the experience seated on chairs, allowing anyone—including those unfamiliar with floor seating or with limited mobility—to participate with ease. Throughout the session, you will explore the history of tea in Japan, learn how Zen philosophy shaped the heart of the tea ceremony, and observe authentic techniques performed up close by a tea master, allowing you to appreciate the subtlety and refinement of this art. In the second half, you will savor carefully selected traditional sweets from long-established artisans and make your own bowl of matcha using premium tea sourced from a family-run farm. We conclude with a Q&A session to deepen your understanding. We hope this experience becomes the beginning of your journey into Japanese tea culture.

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. Your hosts are Satoru, a professional chef with over 30 years of experience, and Akiko, a fluent English speaker. Guests have come to us from more than 20 countries. Some are experienced cooks. Some have never held a Japanese knife. Some are vegan and have spent their entire trip anxious about what is in their food. We have learned to read the room. And we genuinely enjoy it. One group. Maximum 4 guests. Every time.

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.

Experience the culinary delight of making and eating tempura in Osaka. Sizzle up a variety of delicious types of tempura—succulent shrimp, crispy vegetables, and savory kakiage. In this family-friendly class led by Max, a Japanese-American chef and restaurant owner. Savor your freshly fried creations with a side of rice, comforting miso soup, a delectable dessert, and green tea all while enjoying a stunning view of Osaka. With options tailored to your unique dietary needs, this meal promises to be both delicious and accommodating.