Character Bento Cooking Class: Make Kawaii Japanese Lunch Boxes

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Tokyo, Japan

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Rather than just being a standard culinary experience, this bento-making cooking class combines food with artistic expression. In the vibrant neighborhood of Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you’ll create your own *kawaii* (cute) character using traditional Japanese ingredients in a small group that ensures personalized attention from your instructor. Not only will you make something delicious, but also photogenic.

Learn more about Japanese culture than you would from eating alone
Master the art of bento boxes to share with people back home
This compact experience fits easily into busy schedules
Take away tailored foodie tips for the rest of your trip

What's Included

Meals

Private transportation
Alcoholic Beverages

Important Notice: Alcoholic beverages will be served only to guests who are 21 years of age or older. Guests under the age of 21 will be offered non-alcoholic alternatives.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

DANCE Studio LEON 多目的スタジオレオン
201 5-chōme-17-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
From JR Shinjuku Station East Exit, walk toward Shinjuku Alta and Yasukuni-dori Avenue. Continue toward Shinjuku 5-chome, near Hanazono Shrine. Studio Leon is at 5-17-6 Shinjuku. It is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 35 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Missed Experience Due to Poor Location Instructions

Jessie_T, Aug 2026

After repeated back-and-forth communication, we still could not locate the class and ultimately had to abandon the experience. This cost us most of the morning on our final day in Japan. A simple location pin or clear instructions would have prevented the entire situation. We made every reasonable effort to attend, but the provider failed to give us accurate and timely location information.

A Fun Window into Japanese Culture—Through a Lunchbox

Jonathan_C, Apr 2026

This was such a fun and educational experience. Everything was incredibly well organized—down to having a ring light ready for photos. They even provided an iPad with clear, step-by-step instructions in English, complete with pictures. There were two instructors: one who primarily spoke Japanese and another from the U.S., and together they guided me through every step. They were kind, funny, and made the whole experience feel easy and relaxed. It also felt like a fascinating window into Japanese culture—the care and attention to detail I saw, even when making lunches for little ones. That sense of intention came through in every part of the experience. They had music, refreshments, and I even got to take my bento box home. It turned out not only as a little work of art, but also genuinely delicious. This experience really inspired me to step up my preschool lunchbox game for my son. I left feeling uplifted and joyful—and I can’t wait to try it again at home.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and detailed review! We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed every part of the experience, from the cooking process to the atmosphere and cultural aspects behind character bento making. It means a lot to know that the English instructions, photo setup, music, and small details helped make your time comfortable and memorable. Your words about the care and intention behind Japanese lunch culture really touched us. Character bento is not only about making food look cute, but also about expressing love and creativity through everyday meals, and we’re so glad that feeling came through during the class. We’re especially happy to hear that the experience inspired you to create fun lunchboxes for your son at home. Your bento turned out beautifully, and we hope the memories and ideas from this class stay with you for a long time. Thank you again for joining us, and we would love to welcome you back anytime you visit Tokyo again! 🍱

Five-Star Bento Making Class

Genevieve_G, Jan 2026

Such a wonderful experience! The class was extremely well-organized, professional setup, complete tools, and all ingredients pre-portioned. Aya and Ayano were amazing instructors: very kind, attentive, and clear in explaining each step. They walked us through everything, from the rice to creating the cutest sausage horses, ham flowers, karaage, and salad. I took the class with my husband and we had so much fun. It was relaxed, hands-on, and inspiring. I’ll definitely be recreating these bentos for our kids at home. Super well done, five stars!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the organized setup and the hands-on experience. It means a lot to us to know that our explanations and guidance were helpful throughout the class. We’re especially glad that you and your husband had such a fun and relaxed time together, and it’s lovely to hear that you’re inspired to recreate the bentos for your kids at home. Thank you very much for the five-star rating and your kind words. We hope to welcome your family in the future! 🍱✨