Japan · WORKSHOPS
The good ones go weeks ahead and the great ones go sooner. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ once you read past the headline.
Learn maki and nigiri near Senso-ji in a fun, English-language Tokyo sushi class with lunch included, ideal for families and beginners.
“We had a wonderful experience. it was such a fun experience and easy to follow. The host gave us a lot of information about the sushi making process and history. We would highly recommend this activity”
At Zen Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping, sanding, and polishing a pair of chopsticks. Two wood choices are included; premium woods and name engraving cost extra. The one-hour class is beginner-friendly and ends with a handmade souvenir to take home.
“Our instructor August gave us a wonderful welcome and explanation!”
At ZEN Chopsticks Workshop in Shinjuku, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping, sanding, and oiling a pair of wooden chopsticks with traditional tools. Standard wood is included, with 10 types to choose from and optional Japanese engraving or premium wood upgrades for an extra fee.
“loved this experiences, Mio was great at explaining everything and the chopsticks are an amazing souvenir!”
Learn Kyoto’s traditional matcha ceremony with a licensed Urasenke tea master, Japanese sweets, optional kimono hire, and candlelight sessions.
“Splendid to learn the history of the tea ceremony from a practicing professional.”
Make maki and nigiri in historic Asakusa, learn sushi traditions, and enjoy a friendly English-language class near Sensoji and Tokyo Skytree.
“Very well organised class, helpful and friendly teachers and the sushi was delicious!!”
Make noodles, broth, and toppings from scratch at Kyoto’s Ramen Factory, then enjoy your own bowl in a fun, family-friendly class.
“Great experience and family friendly fun! Recommend booking time that coincides with lunch/dinner. The instructors are engaging, funny, and helpful. You will roll chicken thigh and tie it, boil it in broth, use a mini-torch to roast it after it cooks, hand-make the ramen dough, press the noodles and the enjoy your hard work with a delicious bowl of hand made ramen!”
At Zen Craft Chopsticks Workshop in Asakusa, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping and finishing your own wooden chopsticks with traditional tools. The one-hour class is beginner-friendly, suits children and adults, and ends with a handmade pair to take home in a special cover.
“awesome experience with a large group. we had Shin and Lika helping us throughout the experience.”
At ENNE RING Kyoto, an instructor guides you through punching, shaping, and polishing a vintage coin into a ring you take home that day. Basic textures and polishing are included; collectible coins and engraving cost extra. Instructors such as Misaki, Kanna, and Mei have guided sessions.
“Fun experience with cool rings :) Yura was our guide and she was brilliant! Really friendly and made the experience fun!”
Make Japanese chopsticks by hand in Shinjuku using a kanna plane, with friendly guidance, wood choices, and a personal souvenir for about $20.
“What a great experience .Don't leave Tokyo without trying. It was not as easy as I original thought but worth it! We had an incredible time and a great souvenir. Tom was incredible! Thanks for all your help, guidance, and conversation Tom!.”
Learn nigiri and maki with a sushi chef in Tokyo, wear a happi coat, enjoy a generous meal, and take home practical skills.
“The teacher was fantastic. He made it a lot of fun I would have definitely do it again myself. And my kids had a fantastic time, and I would like to be trying to make sushi at home as well. And it was so much easier than I thought it was. But the class is so helpful, and it tasted fantastic.I highly recommend doing this.It is a great time”
Make personalized chopsticks in Ginza using hand tools, 24 wood choices, sanding, oil finishing, and optional name engraving.
“Was within walking distance to hotel. Wish they would have advised on different prices on chopsticks, and to be fair they might of told us but we didn’t understand. It was a fun activity to do.”
Make maki and nigiri near Dotonbori in a friendly English-language Osaka class, then eat your sushi. Practical details, value, and tips.
“We had an amazing experience with Fujiko san. The class is woth an amazing friendly atmosphere. A lot of ingredients very generous. Recommended to people who wish to have fun and culture”
Learn nigiri and maki with a professional chef in Tsukiji, enjoy fresh sushi for lunch, and explore one of Tokyo’s best food districts.
“It was fun and informative. Ingredients were fresh and it all tasted great. Would definately recommend!”
Choose from more than 10 kinds of wood, shape and smooth a pair of chopsticks with traditional tools, and learn why they matter in Japan. Staff guide you step by step in English and Japanese. Standard wood is included; premium wood and name engraving cost extra. Choose a Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa location.
“staff was very helpful and nice and friendly! had an amazing time!!”
At ENNE RING Asakusa, choose a coin, then punch, shape and polish it into a ring with step-by-step help from an English-speaking instructor. The one-hour workshop suits solo makers, couples and families. Basic materials are included, while some coins and finishes cost extra.
“This class was so much fun! It was so interesting to see everything in action and how the rings are actually made. Tashi was incredible, very patient and kind, she walked us through all of the steps and our rings came out so beautiful!”
Grouped by what you would actually be doing that afternoon.
