Top Kansai Classes & Workshops

Experience the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi in a quiet workshop near Gion and Kawaramachi in Kyoto. In this hands-on experience, you will repair cracked or chipped ceramic pieces using lacquer and gold powder, transforming broken pottery into something beautiful and unique. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you will carefully work on bowls or plates while learning the basic techniques of Kintsugi. Rather than hiding imperfections, this traditional method celebrates them as part of an object’s history and character. During the workshop, you will also learn about the history of Kintsugi and the Japanese philosophy that values imperfection and mindfulness. Your finished piece will become a one-of-a-kind souvenir and a meaningful reminder of your time in Kyoto, offering a calm and authentic introduction to Japanese culture.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Instead of buying souvenir chopsticks from a shop, this hands-on experience lets you make your own from scratch. Learn specialist techniques, including how to use a traditional Japanese "kanna" hand plane, how to smooth the surface, and how to finish the wood with natural oil. Crafted from beautiful Japanese wood, the chopsticks make a meaningful souvenir to keep for years to come.

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.

Step into the elegance of Japanese tradition with an authentic kimono and tea ceremony experience in Kyoto. Begin by choosing your favorite kimono from our beautiful collection, with friendly staff helping you dress. Complimentary hair styling is also available for women to complete your traditional look. Once dressed, enter a peaceful Japanese-style tea room and discover the customs and rituals behind the tea ceremony. Your experienced instructor will demonstrate how to prepare matcha using traditional utensils, including the bamboo whisk (chasen). Then, try it yourself! Whisk your own bowl of matcha and enjoy it with traditional Japanese sweets. More than simply watching a ceremony, this is a hands-on cultural experience where you can dress, learn, participate, and taste. Enjoy a memorable journey into Japanese culture in the heart of Kyoto.

If you’re curious about geisha culture in Japan, then this experience allows you to meet a “maiko” (apprentice geisha) in Kyoto. Rather than hoping for a chance sighting on the city streets, enjoy dedicated time to watch a traditional dance, play games together, ask questions, and take photos. To round off the evening, sit down to a seasonal multi-course dinner accompanied by Japanese sake.

Swap sightseeing for a deep immersion in Japanese traditional crafts with this dyeing class at the Kyoto Shibori Museum. You'll learn how to dye a silk cotton furoshiki (wrapping cloth) using the sekka shibori method. At the end of the lesson, you'll leave with a beautiful cotton furoshiki to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto.

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.

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 12 types of wood from the forested Arashiyama, with 3 types included free of charge, 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

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

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.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

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 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 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.

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.