Best of · COOKING CLASSES IN JAPAN

15 Cooking Classes in Japan Worth Booking

21 tours  ·  from $42 a head

Good cooking classes fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Tokyo: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa - The first few minutes: sushi history with a quiz
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Tokyo: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa

1.Tokyo: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,957 reviews · 1h 40m · from $58Our pick

In Asakusa, English-speaking instructors such as Hitomi, Moe, Jun, and Kaori guide you through sushi history, a quiz, maki rolls, and nigiri. You prepare both styles, then eat your work. The 100-minute class suits solo visitors, couples, families, and first-time cooks, with vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options available by advance request.

“pika, Moe's, Honorable, and Kensington were all amazing and helpful and I'll definitely comeback to do more”

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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto - Choosing broth flavors and preparing toppings
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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

2.Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,937 reviews · from $131Top rated

At Ramen Factory Kyoto, you make noodles by hand, mix your own broth, prepare toppings, and eat the finished bowl for lunch. Instructors such as Mahiro, Moeka, Haruka, Fuku, and Hiro guide the class with humor and patience. Vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options are available by request.

“I had an amazing time learning from Moe how to make Ramen. She is an amazing instructor and knows what she is doing!”

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Tokyo: Sushi Making Class in a Happi Coat near a Famous Spot - From chef’s demonstration to your first nigiri
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Tokyo: Sushi Making Class in a Happi Coat near a Famous Spot

3.Tokyo: Sushi Making Class in a Happi Coat near a Famous Spot

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,377 reviews · 1h 30m · from $42Best value

In a 90-minute Tokyo workshop, you’ll learn to shape tuna and salmon nigiri, plus maki or other sushi styles depending on the session. English-speaking instructors such as Hide, Mikoto, Ami, and Masa guide beginners step by step. You’ll wear a traditional happi coat, make a generous meal, and can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free ingredients in advance.

“Our host, Emi and our sushi chef were very friendly and encouraging and we learned how to make nigiri and onigiri rolls. We will certainly be trying this at home!”

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Tokyo Sushi Making Class in Tsukiji with Professional Chef - Making five nigiri and one rolled sushi
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Tokyo Sushi Making Class in Tsukiji with Professional Chef

4.Tokyo Sushi Making Class in Tsukiji with Professional Chef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,177 reviews · from $49

In Tsukiji, an English-speaking host and professional sushi chef guide you through fish preparation, knife skills, nigiri, and rolled sushi. You make five nigiri and one roll, then eat your work with fresh wasabi. The class meets in a traditional building near the Outer Market and suits beginners, families, and sushi fans.

“This was a fun experience. Chef explained history of sushi. Also there was a cool demonstration of how to slice fish for sushi. We made sushi and roll. Took ton of unforgettable amazing pictures.”

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Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit - The morning schedule, from 10:00 to lunch
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Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit

5.Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 823 reviews · from $122

Meet YUCa at her home cooking studio in Nishiogu, Tokyo, for a 2.5-hour lesson on ramen and gyoza. You will learn practical Japanese cooking methods, shape dumplings, assemble your noodle soup, and eat what you make. A supermarket visit may follow, but it is optional, so confirm this part when booking.

“We attended YUCa’s gyoza and ramen cooking class today and had a tremendously fun, entertaining and educational experience. She is friendly, outgoing, knowledgeable and full of energy. The class is conducted in her own home & kitchRead more”

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Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir - From apron and video to flour and dough
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Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir

6.Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 532 reviews · 1h 30m · from $127

At Kyoto’s Ramen Factory, English-speaking instructors such as Sakura, Fuku, and Akemi guide you through making noodles, seasoning chicken, choosing broth and sauce, and building your own bowl. The 90-minute class is lively, beginner-friendly, and suited to families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a practical souvenir beyond a photograph.

“it was wonderful. the staff were very friendly and showed and explained everything in detail. they heloed us to take pictures and videos . the ramen was very delicious. they provided us with souvenirs. the location was easy to find. we learned a lot and had fun. the place was clean and pretty. we enjoyed every moment. thank you. it was a great experience and we would like to do it again.”

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Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Sushi Making Class with Pro Chef - Watching a sushi chef prepare the fish
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Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Sushi Making Class with Pro Chef

7.Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Sushi Making Class with Pro Chef

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 506 reviews · 90 minutes - 4 hours · from $63

In Tsukiji’s outer market, an English-speaking host such as Satoko or Yuko guides you to a traditional classroom, where a professional chef teaches fish preparation, four nigiri styles, and one maki roll. You’ll use fresh market ingredients, eat your own sushi, and watch the chef prepare an extra serving with fresh wasabi.

“We went on a trip through the Tsujiki fish market with a very friendly guide who explained the different food types very well. The sushi course afterwards was very good, the chef and staff was very nice and helpful. Would recommend for any size group from 1-4 people.”

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Kyoto: Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class - Starting with broth, the class’s most useful takeaway
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Kyoto: Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class

8.Kyoto: Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 445 reviews · 1h 30m · from $90

In central Kyoto, you’ll prepare miso and shoyu ramen, pan-fried gyoza, and shaped onigiri in 90 minutes. English-speaking instructors such as Nori and Kairi guide the small class, with pre-measured ingredients, cooking tips, and recipes for ramen and gyoza. The class is hands-on and filling, but it cannot handle vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, or other special diets.

“We really enjoyed learning about and making the two ramens and gyoza”

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The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto - Fresh fish, local ingredients, and a proper meal
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The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto

9.The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 436 reviews · from $69

At Atelier SUSHI near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, Kana and her English-speaking team guide you through seasoned rice, nigiri, and maki in a restored Kyoto townhouse. The 90-minute class includes a full sushi meal, tea, apron, and gloves. Expect close instruction, cultural conversation, and perhaps a sushi mat or notes to take home.

“Kana was amazing! We had such a great time, learned more about the culture and history of Japan, and got some delicious food too. Highlight of our time in Kyoto so far, thank you for having us!”

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Tokyo: Sushi Making Class - Starting with Japanese ingredients and dashi
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Tokyo: Sushi Making Class

10.Tokyo: Sushi Making Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 390 reviews · 3 hours · from $67

Join Cooking Sun in Tokyo’s Shinjuku area for a three-hour, English-friendly sushi class limited to nine people. You’ll prepare sushi rice, tamagoyaki, miso soup, nigiri, inari, hosomaki, and California rolls, then eat your handmade feast. Instructors such as Mika, Yuki, Miki, and Yuko have led past classes, though the teaching team may vary.

“Our guides did an excellent job weaving cultural, historical, and language information into the sushi cooking experience. We wouldn’t have changed a thing!”

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Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori - Broth with chicken bones and dried sardines
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Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori

11.Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 378 reviews · from $70

In a small English-language class near Dotonbori, you make ramen noodles from wheat, prepare a chicken gyoza filling, shape the dumplings, and build a soy-sauce ramen with homemade broth. Instructors such as Miki, June, Yoshi, and Kasa are praised for patient guidance. Recipes go home with you, and dietary substitutions may be possible.

“My son and I had a wonderful time with Yoshi and the cooking class. It was fun and educational at the same time. She answered my questions and the food was delicious! We will be making this again when we get back home:).”

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Osaka: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Dotonbori - Arriving at the Galleria Acca Building
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Osaka: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Dotonbori

12.Osaka: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Dotonbori

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 239 reviews · 1h 40m · from $45

In a 100-minute class near Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, English-speaking instructors such as Shoki, Yui, Takara, and Fuji guide you through sushi history, maki rolls, and nigiri. You prepare your own meal, with vegan, vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options available when requested at least three days ahead.

“it was great to learn about sushi as you make it and the different kinds. The guides were very helpful and very social.”

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Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings - Cooking your 10 to 12 dumplings
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Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings

13.Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $118

In a traditional Kyoto townhouse, an English-speaking instructor such as Hama, Maya, Ryo, or YO guides you through making gyoza wrappers, choosing a filling, shaping 10 to 12 dumplings, and cooking them with a professional baking machine. You can also learn about samurai culture and try on armor for photos. The class lasts about 90 minutes, though some sessions run closer to two hours.

“Hama was the best! She was an awesome teacher! We are so exited to go home and make more Gyozas! They were so delicious and easy to make, we had such a great time and we enjoyed the experience so much. Thank you Hama from the bottom of our hearts!”

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Kyoto: Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class

14.Kyoto: Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 96 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $64

At Musoshin Ramen Academy in Kyoto, Shin and his team guide you through painting a ramen bowl or spoon, assembling a bowl with handmade noodles and 12-hour broth, and eating your creation. The ceramic can be kiln-fired for free and collected the next day. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

“Shin was a great teacher. you start off with a relaxing time painting your bowl and then Shin does an interactive demonstration of how to make his Ramen. The ramen delicious and you get a copy of his recipe. I highly recommend this activity.”

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Osaka: Cooking Class Ramen & Gyoza Course in Nanba - The first 30 minutes: orientation and preparation
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Osaka: Cooking Class Ramen & Gyoza Course in Nanba

15.Osaka: Cooking Class Ramen & Gyoza Course in Nanba

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 86 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

At Dear Court Semba in Osaka, English and Japanese-speaking chefs guide you through handmade ramen noodles and pork-and-vegetable gyoza. You will prepare, cook, and eat both dishes in a small group of up to eight. Nana, Yuriko, Ryota, Kiho, Mimi, Yuma, Saya, and Keiichi are among the instructors who have led recent classes.

“Nana and Yuriko made the class a special experience. The kitchen was very easy to locate and they made the class fun and very hands on, from chopping the vegetables, making the flour for the ramen and the intricate detail on the gyoza making. Could not fault anything and I would recommend these girls to anyone.”

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