Top Kansai Classes & Workshops

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.

The tea ceremony is a cornerstone of traditional Japanese culture, but participating can feel intimidating to visitors. This small-group experience in Kyoto's Gion district lets you approach 'the way of tea' in a relaxed way, without the typical formality. Learn about the history of tea in Japan and how Zen philosophy shaped the ceremony while watching a master prepare tea. Afterward, make your own bowl of matcha and enjoy traditional sweets.

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. Note that children 6 and under are not permitted to join this experience.

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.

The refined setting of a Japanese tea ceremony can feel intimidating to travelers. This immersive small-group Kyoto experience unravels some of the mystery. With the help of an expert, don a beautiful kimono and have your hair styled, then participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an elegant tea room; learn how to prepare matcha; and, if you like, create your own piece of calligraphy.

What makes this experience unique is the chance to take part in authentic Japanese knife-making in the historic setting of Kyoto. Rather than simply observing, guests actively shape and refine their own knife using traditional tools, gaining hands-on insight into the precision, patience, and care that define Japanese craftsmanship. The small-group format and calm workshop atmosphere make the experience accessible for beginners while remaining deeply rooted in Kyoto’s artisan heritage, allowing guests to leave not only with a handcrafted knife, but with a genuine connection to a craft that has been preserved for generations.

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.

Japan is known for its world-class kitchenware, and with this hands-on experience, you can learn how to forge your own knife. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you, as all materials are provided to make the class as hassle-free as possible. Also, the group size is kept small so you can get plenty of help throughout.

What makes this workshop special is the material itself: you'll work with real vintage Japanese coins, each one decades old and full of history. Unlike typical souvenir shopping, you'll create something with your own hands using traditional metalworking techniques — and the ring you take home is truly one of a kind. Classes are kept small, so whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned craft lover, you'll get personal guidance every step of the way. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it's an easy add to any itinerary and one of the few experiences where your souvenir tells the story of both Japan and your trip.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

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.

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.

Create your own Japanese chopsticks in the heart of Osaka! This relaxing, hands-on experience lets you discover Japanese craftsmanship while creating a unique souvenir to take home. Your booking includes our Standard Wood option, and you can customize your chopsticks on-site for an additional fee. Choose your favorite wood, add a wooden gift box, or explore other options to make your chopsticks truly your own. With friendly English-speaking instructors and no experience required, it’s an easy and memorable way to experience Japanese culture just 5 minutes from Shinsaibashi Station.

This “kintsugi” workshop introduces a traditional Japanese craft that repairs broken ceramics with gold powder. Held in a great location near Gion and Yasaka Shrine, the session teaches practical techniques while exploring the philosophy of embracing imperfections. It’s an ideal way to learn new skills, create a meaningful souvenir to take home, and learn more about Japanese culture.

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.

Don’t return home from Japan with any old eating implement. Instead, shun standardized souvenirs for your own personalized chopsticks during a craft workshop in Kyoto. Select your material from more than 10 types of wood from the forested Arashiyama and master the art of whittling your chopsticks down to perfect points.

Experience the excitement of sumo up close with a live show in Kyoto. Watch powerful wrestlers compete while learning about the rules, traditions, and culture of Japan’s national sport from an English-speaking host. Get even closer to the action with a chance to challenge a sumo wrestler and take memorable photos together. Watch exciting live sumo matches Learn about sumo traditions and techniques Chance to challenge a sumo wrestler Take photos with the wrestlers Enjoy an authentic Japanese cultural experience in Kyoto

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.

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.

Prepare for battle and learn the skills of the samurai during an interactive class studying the ancient Japanese martial art of kenbu. Learn everything from basic choreography movements to more complex actions that incorporate a sword and folding fan. After your class, participate in a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion and a souvenir towel.

Create your own pair of traditional Japanese chopsticks in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. In this beginner-friendly experience, you will shape, sand, and finish your chopsticks while learning about their role in Japanese daily life and culture. The workshop includes Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood at no additional cost, known for its light weight and pleasant natural aroma. Guests may also choose to upgrade to other premium woods such as whitewood, cherry, walnut, or purpleheart for an additional fee, each offering a unique color and texture. Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the cultural background of chopsticks and Japanese craftsmanship in a simple and engaging way. No prior experience is needed, and all steps are carefully guided. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your handmade chopsticks as a meaningful and personal souvenir from Japan. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a creative, cultural, and memorable activity in Kyoto.

Supercharge your souvenirs during an *umeshu* and syrup-making workshop that helps you create your own bottle of stone fruit wine or syrup to take home. A small group promises personalized attention from your instructor as you learn about the heritage of the drink, which dates back a thousand years, and taste different types of umeshu to see which one you like best.

・Create your own metal ninja waepons in a real ninja house in Arashiyama ・Discover the hidden weapon culture of Japan’s samurai and ninja era ・Learn the traditional casting process in a hands-on workshop ・Design the shape, prepare the mold, pour molten metal, and polish the finish ・Take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by your own hands