Top Oita Prefecture Classes & Workshops

Rather than just admiring Japanese calligraphy, learn the traditional art for yourself with a hands-on private class. Benefit from one-to-one guidance as an instructor teaches you traditional techniques and shares expert tips to help you improve. During the session, practice words inspired by the local hot spring region, then take home your own calligraphy artwork as a souvenir.

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!

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.

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.

'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!

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.

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.

Create a one-of-a-kind bath bomb as a special memory of your trip to Beppu! At Yuasobi Lab, you can choose your favorite colors, scents, and decorations to make your own original bath bomb. You can also place a small toy inside, making it a fun experience for children as well. Your finished bath bomb can be taken home on the same day. Gift boxes and message cards are also available, making it perfect as a souvenir or a thoughtful present for someone special. This indoor activity is great for rainy days and is recommended for couples, friends, families, and travelers with children.

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.

Unlike large group classes, every session at Sushi Kazu is reserved exclusively for one booking, ensuring a completely private experience for your group. Learn authentic Edomae sushi techniques from a professional instructor in a relaxed Japanese-style setting in Beppu. Discover how authentic Edomae sushi rice is prepared using red vinegar before making 10 pieces of sushi, including tuna, salmon, shrimp, scallop, eel, ikura gunkan, tuna mayo gunkan, and a negitoro hand roll. After the lesson, enjoy the sushi you created together with a traditional matcha dessert and one complimentary drink. Perfect for beginners, couples, families, and friends seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience, this is more than a cooking class—it is an opportunity to experience genuine Japanese hospitality, learn traditional techniques, and create unforgettable memories in one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns.