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”
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!”
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!”
Shape Japanese wooden chopsticks with a kanna in Gion, then sand, oil, and optionally engrave your own practical Kyoto souvenir.
“Good set-up, tooling and instruction, if not a bit a “production line” feel. Easy to make chopsticks, and engaging staff. Only one of the advertised two choices of wood was available which was a disappointing.”
Learn ramen and gyoza in YUCa’s Tokyo home kitchen, meet a local chef, taste your work, and optionally explore a neighborhood supermarket.
“Yuca is so knowledgeable and helpful. Cooking was interactive and fun food was delirious. . I highly recommend”
Learn to whisk matcha in Asakusa with English-speaking hosts, traditional sweets, cultural insight, and hands-on guidance in one hour.
“Great experience and perfect pitched for the audience with a mix of interesting facts and interactivity”
Learn samurai sword movements, wear traditional costume, and watch a Kenbu performance in this memorable Kyoto class.
“Very fun! Got to learn some basic katana strikes, dressed up and took some photos. Then there was a mini kenbu show which highlighted the art of the samurai vs the combat”
Train with a samurai descendant near Tokyo, practicing sword forms, sparring, target cutting, and traditional Japanese archery in a real dojo.
“The activity was well planned and organised. The costume provided is very clean! The instructor is very professional and he is proud of being a samurai. He shared details and history of the samurai and correct what was mislead by movies. We enjoyed and highly recommend this activities.”
Make noodles from flour, mix ramen flavors, enjoy your bowl, and take home a souvenir from this lively 90-minute Kyoto class.
“It was great to learn how to make Ramen. Moeka was very engaging and made the class entertaining. Ramen was very tasty. I would recommend”
Grouped by what you would actually be doing that afternoon.
