Top Nara Prefecture Food & Drink Classes

Soy sauce is an indispensable ingredient in Japanese food. After touring a genuine soy sauce brewery with a history of more than 100 years, visitors will enjoy a hands-on experience of pressing soy sauce from moromi, the base of soy sauce, using a traditional wooden press. Finish by attaching your own label to the bottle. You will taste the freshly pressed soy sauce, which has not been heated, with fresh tofu on the spot. [Highlights of the Experience] Experience at a natural-brewed soy sauce shop that has been in continuous operation for three generations since 1918. You will also have a chance to try your hand at squeezing soy sauce by hand using our original squeezer. The squeezed soy sauce is then packaged in bottles and decorated. The squeezed soy sauce is then filled into bottles and decorated to create your own personalized soy sauce. Mitarashi dumplings with an original sauce made from Tokusei soy sauce in collaboration with a popular local store of long standing.

Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese house ┗ Savor the serene, tranquil setting that creates a truly special atmosphere. Taste two types of Nara single-origin matcha ┗ Compare flavors and aromas, and discover your personal favorite. Witness the tea master’s demonstration ┗ Observe expert skill and hospitality firsthand as the tea master prepares matcha. Learn tea ceremony basics ┗ Explore its history, etiquette, and the proper use of tea utensils. Whisk your own matcha ┗ Get hands-on experience using a bamboo whisk (chasen) to prepare matcha yourself. Blend focus and relaxation ┗ Find a perfect balance of concentration and calm as you create your own cup of matcha.

1. Cook with "Local Friends" (Mune & Hitomi) Connect with friendly, English-speaking hosts who have traveled the world. It feels less like a class and more like visiting a friend's home. 2. Authentic 70-Year-Old Typical Japanese Home Step into a real, private residence (not a commercial studio). Experience the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional house built over 70 years ago. 3. Master 3 Styles of Onigiri & Enjoy a Full Meal Go beyond the basics by making Traditional, Typical, and Innovative rice balls. Includes miso soup and side dishes for a satisfying Lunch or Dinner. 4. Perfect Location: 5 Mins from Nara Station Ideally located just a short walk from JR/Kintetsu Nara Stations. Easy to access for day-trippers from Kyoto (35 min) or Osaka (40 min). 5. Deep Cultural Immersion & "Real Talk" Experience authentic daily life in Japan. Relax in a private setting and ask honest questions about Japanese culture, lifestyle, and history.

Join a hands-on cooking class in a welcoming Japanese home, where you will prepare traditional washoku dishes using seasonal ingredients. You will learn essential techniques and practical tips that are easy to recreate in your own kitchen. During this experience, you will discover the cultural significance of Japanese home cooking, including the importance of seasonal harmony in meals. You will also gain insights into how food brings people together and reflects Japan’s values—not just as a meal, but as a way to connect and bring good fortune to those gathered at the table. This experience is suitable for all skill levels and can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences.

The host's home is located in a quiet residential area. You can experience Japanese food as if you were staying with a Japanese family. The menu is Japanese home cooking, either “Oshizushi (pressed-sushi) Set”, “Seasonal Omotenashi Gozen (hospitality dish)” or "Sushi home party". After having fun cooking, you can enjoy a tasting in a traditional Japanese-style room with alcove. Don't worry—the table is sunken kotatsu-style, so you won't have to sit seiza-style. After your meal, enjoy the Japanese cultural experience of tea ceremony. The host's home is within 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Ikoma Station. Ikoma Station is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto. Why don't you try Japanese food experience in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, where time passes slowly and nature abounds.

In our small-class format, under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll learn how to make sushi and enjoy the taste of your own creations. This is more than just a cooking class; it's a journey of exploring tradition. Upon completion of the course, we will award you a certificate to celebrate your achievement.

This exclusive experience, available only through our collaboration with Umenoyado Brewery, offers a unique chance to explore the birthplace of sake, Nara. As a leading sake brewery in the region, Umenoyado provides a private tour that includes a brewery visit, tasting session, and chef-prepared sake-pairing lunch, specially designed for this tour. You’ll explore cutting-edge sake-making techniques and learn from the brewery’s staff about the intricacies of sake production. In the VIP room, enjoy rare sake and learn how temperature and vessels influence the taste. Finally, savor a lunch curated to pair perfectly with sake, while engaging with the chef about the ingredients and cooking methods. This special experience blends tradition and innovation, offering a memorable journey into the world of sake.

Join an experienced cook in her Nara home to enjoy a private, hands-on Japanese cooking lesson. Learn to make authentic dishes from scratch, including fresh sushi, soup, and dessert. Share conversation while you cook, and sit down to a meal together. Immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine and culture.

Taste five expertly selected teas locally sourced in Nara prefecture Talk with locals for inside tips on places to visit while in Japan Private, one-on-one instruction from a skilled tea master Hands-on matcha practice with personalized feedback Enjoy authentic wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)

1. Authentic Experience 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.

You will be guided directly by a skilled craftsman from Nara as you experience authentic handmade udon making using Japanese wheat, along with tempura cooking featuring fresh local vegetables. More than just a cooking class, this experience lets you learn about Nara’s food culture and its local connections, with the highlight being enjoying your very own “Tempura Udon” that you’ve prepared yourself.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Japan with a Handmade Soba & Tempura Cooking Class in Nara. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll learn to knead, roll, and cut buckwheat noodles, and fry up crispy seasonal tempura. Savor the satisfaction of enjoying your freshly prepared soba with a variety of toppings. To elevate your experience, local sake is available for purchase, allowing you to toast with fellow food enthusiasts. This interactive class is an ideal outing for families, couples, and anyone wanting to dive into Nara's culinary traditions.

Make one of the most popular Japanese foods, "Sushi" by yourself on the 1.5 hour cooking class with a Japanese teacher at Umemori Sushi School in Nara. Make your own favorite sushi with us and take a photo of them. After making Sushi, let us enjoy them with other Japanese food (optional). We believe that this will be an unforgettable memory for you.

Hosted in cofunia, a 100-year-old farmhouse at the foot of ancient burial mounds along the Yamanobe Trail, this hands-on workshop invites you into Japan’s slow food culture. Highlights - Located in a 100-year-old farmhouse on Japan’s oldest trail, Yamanobe-no-michi - Hands-on fermentation-focused Japanese cooking - Seasonal ingredients from local farmers and our garden - Outdoor picnic on ancient sacred ground Guests choose from two seasonal menus. Overnight guests can enjoy both over two days. Menu A: Kakinoha-zushi Bento - Salmon & pickle sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves - Baked spring rolls with glass noodles and veggies - Tofu-miso salad (Shira-ae) - Soy sauce koji egg (pre-prepared) - Local pickles (pre-prepared) Menu B: Onigiri Bento - Two rice balls: miso paste & umeboshi - Koji teriyaki chicken - Seasonal salad or spinach with dashi soy - Fried koya tofu (pre-prepared) - Local pickles (pre-prepared)

- Authentic Experience Unlike standard sushi classes, this experience covers every step, from preparing rice to crafting perfect nigiri and tempura. You’ll use authentic tools and techniques under the guidance of skilled instructors. - 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. - Personalized Instruction With small group sizes, you’ll receive guidance tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. - Hands-On Fun Grate fresh wasabi, slice sushi-grade fish, and assemble sushi in an engaging, interactive environment. - Graduation Ceremony Celebrate your achievements with a fun graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion. - Take-Home Skills Learn techniques and recipes to make sushi at home, impressing friends and family. - Unique Setting Held in the heart of Japan, this class offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

You can experience the traditional and authentic process of making udon by hand—kneading, stepping on, and cutting the dough yourself. The class is English-friendly, making it comfortable for international visitors. With direct instruction from a skilled craftsman, even beginners can enjoy learning authentic techniques. In a cozy, local izakaya-style atmosphere, you can also enjoy interacting with other participants and international guests—an experience that combines hands-on activity, delicious food, and cultural exchange.

Authentic Experience: Unlike typical cooking classes, this experience covers every step—from preparation to perfecting the art of tempura. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, you'll use authentic tools and techniques. Cultural Insight: You'll not only learn how to make tempura but also understand its cultural significance in Japan. It's more than a cooking class—it's a journey exploring tradition. Personalized Instruction: With small class sizes, you'll receive personalized instruction tailored to your skill level, whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook. Graduation Ceremony: Celebrate your achievement with a fun graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion. Take-Home Skills: Master the techniques and recipes to make tempura at home and impress your friends and family. Unique Setting: Held in the heart of Japan, this class offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Learn to make sushi, one of Japan’s most popular foods, with a hands-on sushi lesson from a cooking instructor. Put on a traditional Happi, and look like a sushi chef as you shape your own beautiful sushi rolls. Then sit down for a delicious meal of sushi and udon you prepared yourself.

Night Tea Ceremony Experience – Yobanashi In this tea ceremony experience, you can discover the world of “Yobanashi”, a unique style that can only be enjoyed here. “Yobanashi” refers to a tea gathering held at night. In this experience, you will step into a dimly lit room wrapped in deep darkness, where the space is enclosed by dark curtains and illuminated only by the gentle flicker of candlelight. This serene and mysterious atmosphere invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the “Yobanashi” tea ceremony. Step away from the noise of everyday life, calm your mind, and take a moment to quietly reflect within yourself. Just a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, and conveniently located near major sightseeing spots, it’s the perfect place to stop by and take a relaxing break during your journey. In this peaceful environment, we offer you an experience that lets you touch the essence of Japanese culture through a cup of matcha.

How to Make Temari Sushi 1) Make Perfect Sushi Rice For all sushi, the rice is just as important as the toppings or fillings. Mastering rice preparation allows you to create all kinds of mouthwatering sushi recipes. 2) Choose Your Fillings At our shop, we meticulously prepare each temari sushi filling and always offer a variety of options. Freely combine sashimi, vegetables, and condiments to enjoy their distinct flavors and textures. One set of ingredients makes 9 pieces, so be sure to try all the fillings! ❤ Key Points ❤ Instructors carefully guide you through the techniques of hand-rolled sushi. You can recreate it at home. Shape the nigiri sushi and decorate with toppings to your liking—a simple process enjoyed with all five senses. Discover new combinations too. The possibilities for temari sushi are endless! Once you master the techniques at Umemori Sushi School, unleash your creativity and enjoy making your own original temari sushi!