Top Kansai Cooking Classes

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.

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.

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 expertly crafted matcha and traditional sweet treats.

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.

Japan is known for its exceptional sushi, and Kyoto has no shortage of great restaurants—but this experience goes a step further by letting you make your own sushi from scratch. During the class, enjoy an introduction to sushi and Japanese food culture, then learn how to prepare around 10 pieces yourself, which you can enjoy at the end alongside a tasting of Japanese sake.

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.

Enjoy a cooking class in an atmospheric setting—a beautiful wooden house in Kyoto. The cooking experience introduces you to local recipes that you wouldn’t be able to find in restaurants, and techniques that have been passed down through many generations of the host’s family. Dishes prepared vary depending on the time of year, but sample menu items could be chikuzenni (braised chicken and vegetables), braised burdock root, and miso soup.

Discover the culture behind *izakaya*, the Japanese equivalent to tapas, during a half-day cooking class with dinner in Kyoto. Rather than just dining on popular home dishes, learn tips and tricks for getting the food right at home during a session with a master chef before preparing and eating your own izakaya-style creations. It’s the perfect chance to explore the country’s cuisine beyond the typical sushi and teriyaki offerings.

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.

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.

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.

Rather than drinking matcha in a restaurant, this traditional tea ceremony lets you watch a tea master prepare it from scratch. Held in a beautiful teahouse overlooking a famous garden, the setting offers peaceful views as you take part. The session includes two cups of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, all served through a series of graceful rituals.

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.

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.

Embark on a culinary adventure in Kyoto's historic Gion district by visiting a charming specialty restaurant where the art of ramen takes center stage. Step into the kitchen and immerse yourself in the ancient tradition of noodle-making, using a unique ramen machine to craft noodles from scratch. As the fragrant broth simmers, anticipation builds for the ultimate reward: savoring a steaming bowl of ramen meticulously prepared by the skilled hands of the restaurant’s chef. Indulge in this delicious masterpiece, a testament to both craftsmanship and the rich culinary heritage of Japan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

【This plan is also available for children under 13 years old. Please join us as a family.】 By joining this mochi pounding experience, participants will gain insights into the cherished history and cultural significance of this Japanese tradition. Participants will use traditional tools such as a mortar and pestle to pound and shape the glutinous rice dough. Afterward, they can enjoy freshly made mochi in its plain form or topped with delicious accompaniments such as kinako (roasted soybean powder), sweet red bean paste, nori (seaweed), and sweet soy sauce. This immersive activity provides a unique window into Japan's rich culinary traditions, making it a must-try for anyone curious about the country’s timeless gastronomic heritage. Experienced instructors will teach you patiently, so feel free to join with peace of mind!

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.

Step into the timeless atmosphere of Kyoto’s Gion district and discover the refined world of Japanese tea ceremony at THE TEA CEREMONY GION Orizuruya. Begin your journey by choosing a beautiful kimono, with our staff assisting you in dressing and, for female guests, offering hairstyling to complete the elegant look. In this intimate space, you’ll then experience the true essence of Japanese culture through chanoyu - the art of serving and enjoying matcha. Guided by our hosts, you’ll not only observe an authentic tea ceremony but also try making matcha yourself, savoring the flavor of a bowl of tea you’ve whisked with your own hands. Seasonal Kyoto sweets, elegant tearoom décor, and the quiet spirit of hospitality combine to create a moment of peace and mindfulness. Whether you are traveling solo or with someone special, we invite you to dress in a kimono, step into the tea room, and take home unforgettable memories filled with the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

Ramen is one of the world’s most popular meals, but few people have mastered the art of home-cooked noodles. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare the perfect bowl of soupy ramen, from blending ingredients to cutting the noodles using hand-forged Japanese knives. After you’ve mastered the basics, sample your freshly prepared meal, along with ginger chicken and salad. Workshops include a complimentary craft cocktail.