JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 15 most popular workshops in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Asakusa sushi class near Senso-ji: learn nigiri and maki with clear English tips, then eat the lunch you make. Small groups.
“We had such a fun time learning how to make sushi! We brought our 8- and 10-year-olds, and they enjoyed it just as much as we did. The instructors explained the process clearly, gave us a lot of history and facts, were very helpful, and Read more”
Calm Kyoto matcha lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master. Make tea, taste two matcha styles, then optional kimono photos.
“Such a beautiful experience we got the kimono candlelight tea ceremony and it was perfect for me and my daughters. Thank you”
Learn sushi in historic Asakusa: make maki rolls and nigiri, hear real sushi history, then eat what you made with English help near Skytree.
“A fun activity in the heart of Asakasa. Or lasted for 2 hours and you got to make loads of sushi. There is also sake flights and beer available!”
Make ramen noodles from scratch at Ramen Factory Kyoto, customize flavors and toppings, then eat your handmade lunch. Halal, veg, vegan.
“This is a fun activity! We did it with our family and even the kids had a good time. Fun memories for us all.”
Tokyo sushi making in a happi coat. Learn nigiri with tuna and salmon in 90 minutes and eat what you make.
“Amazing experience learning how to make sushi. Our host was incredibly fun to work with, he made sure we understood every step along the way. His sense of humor and engagement made the class very exciting. Highly recommended!”
Make real chopsticks in Ginza: choose wood, plane and sand, oil finish, optional name engraving. 1-hour workshop.
“It was a fun activity and gave us a great souvenir to use often at home. Staff were very nice.”
Learn sushi in Osaka near Dotonbori. Make nigiri and maki with an English instructor, then eat what you made. Beginner-friendly.
“We had a great time at our sushi making class! We learned how to make nigiri and maki rolls the correct way and our teacher had lots of tips on how to make the best sushi! It was a lot of fun and we would definitely recommend to friends!”
Learn sushi in Tsukiji with a pro chef: fish prep demo, knives 101, hands-on nigiri and maki, and a lunch you make yourself.
“SO FUN! I hadn't tried too much sushi before this trip, but I loved learning about different types of sushi, its history in Japanese culture, and how to make it in this class. The sushi master was so sweet and helpful. He got a good chuckle out of our efforts to copy his work! Yugo,…”
Make Kyoto chopsticks in Gion: hand-plane shaping from raw wood, sanding and oil finish, plus optional name engraving.
“Great time and personal souvenir to take home. Very nice people and explained everything. Chopsticks amazing!”
Make ramen and gyoza in YUCa’s Tokyo kitchen, with a short home-cooking lecture and optional local supermarket walk, then eat what you made.
“Yuca is so knowledgeable and helpful. Cooking was interactive and fun food was delirious. . I highly recommend”
Learn matcha step by step in Asakusa with an English-speaking host, then sip your whisked cup with seasonal Japanese sweets.
“A very education and fun class. Engaging and interesting. Nama is a terrific leader. We learned a lot.”
Train in Kyoto Kenbu with a samurai sword class, including bowing and sword-draw basics, plus costume photos and a completion certificate.
“The activity was amazing! Everyone that worked there was so friendly. Dressing up and getting to use the samurai swords was a great experience. The main guide that showed us how to use the swords was also hilarious which made the experience even better! Would DEFINITELY recommend!”
Train with samurai masters in Machida: iai sword forms, gekken sparring and target cutting, plus traditional horseback archery.
“This is more than an activity. It’s an experience that’s worth every penny. We learned Samurai history and practiced cutting archery and sparring. Do yourself a favor and take this class if you’re in Tokyo.”
Kyoto Ramen Factory class: handmade noodles from flour, customize miso/salt/soy sauces, build your bowl, then take home a souvenir and recipe.
“Such a fun experience! My boyfriend and I did the class together and the cooking teachers were AWESOME! Highly recommend and a highlight of the trip!”
Learn matcha in Osaka with a small-group class, English hosts, and Japanese sweets. Hand-whisk a real cup in about an hour.
“Our teacher Yui was great and very easy to understand! The Matcha made was good and also the sweets provided were delicious. Just finding the location took us way longer than expected. Over all we enjoyed it!”
