Japan · WORKSHOPS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 workshops that reviewers rated highly, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing worth knowing before you commit.
Learn sushi rolls and nigiri in Asakusa near Senso-ji. Hands-on, English-led class includes lunch ingredients. 1h40 for $59.69.
“We took this class on our honeymoon and really enjoyed it! It was easy to follow the instructions, the result was delicious, and the sake was a nice addition. We would definitely recommend!”
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony lesson with an Urasenke tea master. Learn matcha rules, taste two teas, enjoy sweets, optional kimono.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and loved that we could add on rental of kimono. The setting was perfect and the history lesson of the tea ceremony was great.”
Roll and nigiri sushi making in Asakusa, close to Sensoji. Learn the why and the how, eat what you make, English support.
“pika, Moe's, Honorable, and Kensington were all amazing and helpful and I'll definitely comeback to do more”
Make ramen noodles and broth from scratch at Ramen Factory Kyoto, choose flavors and toppings, then enjoy your halal and vegan-friendly lunch.
“My family had a great experience at the Ramen Factory. The cooking class was well organized and fun. All of the staff was friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend taking this class. The ramen was great!”
Make your own Japanese chopsticks with a traditional hand plane in Shinjuku. Pick wood, sand, oil, optional engraving. 1-hour class.
“Very unique experience but try and avoid going in the middle of the day. There are limited instructors and they can only assist so much when there’s a lot of people working on their chopsticks.”
Tokyo sushi making class in a happi coat. Learn tuna and salmon nigiri, meet English-speaking chefs, and eat your creations in 90 minutes.
“Chef was knowledgeable and attentive to us! Had a really good experience and would recommend anyone to come take this class. Everything was laid out and ready prior to our arrival and the class felt super personal. Would come back here for sure!”
Make custom chopsticks in central Ginza: choose from 24 woods, plane and sand by hand, oil finish, optional laser engraving. 1 hour.
“Amazing time! I definitely recommend. My wife and I had a blast and our chopsticks we made we will cherish forever.”
Hands-on Osaka sushi class near Dotonbori. Learn nigiri and maki from English-speaking instructors, eat what you make, small groups.
“The place can be tricky to find so leave yourself plenty of time to get there. The class itself is great fun. Making sushi is harder than it looks when done by the professionals. You make plenty of sushi in the class to enjoy for lunch.”
Hands-on sushi class in Tsukiji with a pro chef. Learn nigiri and maki, visit market stops, then eat your lunch.
“My two daughters and I had an amazing time at the sushi-making class in Tsukiji Market! The experience was hands-on, informative, and so much fun—from learning about ingredients to mastering the rolling techniques, we were engaged every step of the way. What stood out most was how attentive and accommodating the hosts were to our dietary needs and restrictions. They made sure we felt comfortable and included, which we truly appreciated. A perfect family activity and one of our favorite memories from Tokyo. Highly recommend for anyone visiting with kids or looking for a personalized culinary experience!”
Make real Kyoto chopsticks in Gion using a traditional kanna, choose Japanese wood types, then add optional name engraving in Japanese or your language.
“The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Making my own chopsticks was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture, and it also turned out to be a perfect souvenir to bring Read more”
Cook ramen and gyoza with local chef YUCa in Tokyo, with a home-kitchen lesson plus optional market time. Small group, tasty results.
“I can’t say enough about YUCa and her incredible class. She was a welcoming, talented, and a patient teacher. We can’t wait to try to replicate what we learned when we get home. Thank you for an amazing experience!”
Learn matcha whisking in Asakusa with an English-speaking host, traditional tools, and seasonal sweets in about 1 hour.
“Great experience and very accommodating even if I was late for a few minutes because I got time confused. Love the experience and will surely recommend.”
Kyoto Kenbu samurai sword class with bowing and katana strikes, costume photo shoot, and a short performance in 2 hours.
“I liked Kazu and his attitude, you could pick your costume and practice very beautiful and interesting culture. The show was even more captivating as the masters showed the moves. Highly recommend it even for those who think that they are not into swords and fighting. Because this is art and it gives you a peace of mind”
Tokyo dojo class with samurai descendants teaches iai katana forms, target cutting while moving, and horseback archery in 3 hours.
“The energy and dancing quality. Some musicals I go, I might fall asleep. This confirmed will not fall asleep. Best event of my trip. Highly recommended”
Kyoto ramen cooking class at a ramen factory, where you make noodles from flour, customize miso, salt, or soy bowls, and get a take-home recipe.
“My daughter & I learned to make ramen at the Ramen Factory. It was such a fun experience! Our instructor was Fuku & Haruka. Both were amazing & made it such a great experience. The ramen was delicious. We also learned a new skill! Highly recommend!”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
