Top Oita Prefecture Classes & Workshops

This calligraphy workshop focuses on creating text related to the surrounding hot spring region of Beppu. Participants can learn how to write words such as '温泉' - 'onsen' (meaning 'hot spring') and '地獄' - 'jigoku' (meaning 'hell'), under the guidance of a friendly local instructor. As well as being able to take your one-of-a-kind masterpiece home with you, this is also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture, learning not only technique but also Japanese calligraphy etiquette.

'Dango noodle soup' is made by kneading wheat or rice flour with water, letting it rest for a while, then stretching and shaping the dough by hand before adding it to the broth. It's a hearty, wholesome dish made with local, seasonal vegetables such as 'taro' potato and burdock, and is seasoned with either miso or soy sauce. This is the only cooking class available in Beppu hosted within a century-old Japanese house - a truly 'local' experience!

This ikebana workshop offers more than flower arranging. Led by an experienced instructor, it combines storytelling, mindfulness, and sustainability through the use of loss flowers. With its 'kamishibai' (paper story-telling) style introduction, interactive quiz, and hands on creation, participants experience Japanese culture in a calm, personal, and meaningful way. Each guest creates a unique arrangement and leaves feeling relaxed, inspired, and more connected to nature and Japan.

Not simply an art class, this unique activity is taught directly by a professional painter. Exclusive to Beppu, this workshop is led by renowned Japanese artist Tomoe Higashi, who also speaks English. Tomoe studied art at Bath Spa university in the United Kingdom, before returning to Japan to become a full-time artist. Offering a rare chance to interact with a local artist, this workshop is centred around creating personalised cherry-blossom inspired pieces, providing participants with a cultural and artistic souvenir to take home with them.

An English speaking interpreter will take you step by step through the history, etiquette and cultural importance of the Japanese tea ceremony, while you witness a demonstration from a local professional. Following the demonstration, you'll be invited to try making your own cup of 'matcha' tea - which you'll be able to savour along with a sweet local delicacy served at the side.

Engage with the culinary traditions of Oita Prefecture in this hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare beloved local dishes. Guided by a seasoned local host and supported by an English assistant, you’ll create regional specialties like Toriten (Chicken Tempura), Dango-jiru (Miso Soup with Wheat Dumplings), and Yase-uma (Sweet Kinako Dumplings) in a cozy, homestyle setting. This small-group experience allows for personal interaction and a deep dive into Oita’s rich culinary heritage, ensuring you leave with not only cooking skills but also a digital recipe card to recreate these flavors at home.

Sound Bath – Wellness & Mindfulness in Beppu Let’s enjoy a peaceful sound relaxation session in a cozy ocean-view music house in Beppu! This musical wellness experience is performed by two local musicians using harmonic instruments like handpans (432Hz), crystal bowls, singing bowls, gank drums (528Hz), and more. Rather than a concert, this is a calming, meditative session where you are surrounded by sound, helping you release stress and rebalance body and mind. After the 60-minute session, we guide you through short meditation and can also introduce local hot springs (onsen) and optional massage sessions by Beppu professionals 。 Perfect for beginners. No need to worry about language or music skills—just come, relax, and enjoy the healing journey in Japan. ◎ Easy to join. Feel the music. Flow with nature.

What makes this activity special is the use of 'onsen' (hot spring) water direct from Beppu's water sources, in order to create natural colour variations that cannot be found elsewhere. Far more than just about dyeing fabric, the experience offers a chance to discover Beppu’s rich hot spring culture through colour and imagination. Unlike typical craft workshops, this is deeply connected to the land and traditions of Beppu, making for meaningful memories to take home with you. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends or with family, this activity offers a peaceful and personal way to connect with a truly special aspect of Japanese culture.

Unlike many calligraphy activities, this class is taught by a professional Japanese calligrapher. As well as learning to write words of your choice, you will also have the rare chance to witness the aesthetic precision of a live calligraphy demonstration, giving you a real sense of 'wa' (和) - a concept cherished by the Japanese since ancient times.

Discover the art of wood-carving in this hands-on workshop, in which you’ll create your very own, custom-made accessory/keepsake. Guided by a skilled local artisan, you’ll carve intricate 'kanji' (Chinese characters) or a design of your choice into Japanese boxwood - a wood known for its beauty and use in traditional craftsmanship. This experience offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about local culture and artisan techniques. No prior experience is necessary - just bring your creativity!

Seen those viral 'mochi-tsuki' videos online? In this activity, you'll gain far more than just insight, but get hands-on experience of how Japanese 'mochi' (rice cake) is traditionally made in Japanese households. Making mochi from scratch, you'll start by steaming mochi rice, before pounding it with mallets (the fun part!) until the structure breaks down into that oh-so-sticky texture, and then shaping it into little mochi balls - et voila! You'll then be able to tuck in to your creations with traditional red bean paste or any flavour of your choice. A quintessentially Japanese winter activity that isn't one to miss.

Japanese honeybees do not collect honey from specific plants (e.g. mandarin oranges), but from a variety of plants, which makes the honey unique to the area. Learn about the natural environment and local attractions of Bungo Ono and make your trip memorable by visiting a beekeeper and making crafts using beeswax under the guidance of a beekeeper. The ecological characteristics of Japanese honeybees and comparisons between Japanese honeybees and Japanese and Western honeybees are very interesting and provide an opportunity to learn about new honey attractions. Note: From November to early April, the bees are confined to their hives and can only be seen in the apiary. It is not possible to observe the inside of the hive. Note: This tour/activity requires a minimum of 2 participants