WORKSHOPS · Japan
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 hands-on workshops that earn their slot, each with a price, a traveller verdict and the one thing to know before committing.
Hands-on sushi class in Asakusa near Senso-ji. Learn maki and nigiri with English instructors, then eat what you make.
“This was an absolutely wonderful class! It was entertaining and educational! Ken was an excellent teacher and we highly recommend to anyone! Our group had all ages and everyone loved it!”
Kyoto’s 45-minute matcha tea ceremony lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master, two green tea tastings, sweets, and optional kimono photos.
“Very authentic! No phones or videos allowed which was refreshing in Kyoto. Great explanation of how to mix, ceremonies, and why each thing was done. Cheapest one I saw, so great value.”
Make maki and nigiri in Asakusa with English guides, sushi history quiz, and fresh ingredients, near Sensoji and Tokyo Skytree.
“It was quite refreshing to see such a dynamic group of young people lead and teach the class so well. My son and I had a wonderful time learning the art of sushi making. Will tell everyone we know about these wonderful class. Thank you very much.”
Make ramen from scratch in Kyoto at Ramen Factory, customize noodles, broth, and toppings, then eat your own halal-friendly lunch in a small group.
“WOW-we had the best education and experience ever learning how to make the best ramen from scratch. My family and I enjoyed every part of it and the staff was so very friendly and supportive as well. If you have any interest in learning Read more”
Tokyo sushi making class at Sushi GARYU. Learn nigiri with tuna and salmon in a happi coat, 90 minutes, beginner-friendly, $42.
“Thank you! It was a lot of fun and a really interesting new experience. I also appreciated the beautiful picture spots in the Japanese outfits.”
Handmade chopsticks in Ginza: pick 24 woods, plane and sand by hand, oil-finish, and optionally engrave your name.
“Great experience, highly recommend. Would love to do it again”
Make nigiri and rolled sushi in Tsukiji with a professional chef, plus a fish-disassembly demo, in 1.5 hours.
“My family had a great time learning how to make sushi! In fact, my kids tried "real" sushi and sashimi for the first time and they loved it. I think having my kids make their own rolls and sushi was the impetus for experimentation. Aside from that, the staff was excellent and the location was perfect. Likewise, we had a delicious sushi lunch!”
Make ramen and gyoza with YUCa in Tokyo, start with a home-cooking lecture, optionally shop a local market, then eat what you make.
“Yuca is a gem, I LOVED this experience for me and for my family and the other family that shared in the experience. She was so good at making sure everyone was involved in the cooking and was great at explaining things. The supermarket tour after the cooking class was also great fun and we got to ask her about all the strange stuff we were curious about.”
Learn matcha the traditional way in Asakusa, whisk it with pro tips, pair it with seasonal sweets, and leave with skills for home.
“I highly recommend it! I made matcha tea for the first time by myself. The view was great and I enjoyed learning about the history of matcha and how to make it. Matcha Making Tokyo is the best!”
Learn Kyoto samurai sword basics in a 90 to 120 minute class. Practice kenbu bowing, katana movements, then dress up for photos.
“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 in a real Tokyo dojo with Yoshioki Sumida, learning iai sword forms, target cutting, and Japanese horseback archery at Machida.
“This is by far one of my favorite experiences I have done, in Japan and in general! I love martial arts, and learning from a true samurai descendant seemed like an amazing opportunity. Though it was a bit expensive, my boyfriend and I are so glad we did it! We are from the US, and our Japanese is not great, but he spoke basic English for us, and always made sure we understood what was going on. He explained things in detail, gave examples, and helped us correct things kindly. He was exact about what needed to be done for safety and proper form, but never harsh. In general, you…”
Kyoto ramen factory class in 90 minutes. Make noodles from flour, mix miso, salt, soy sauces, eat, and get a recipe plus souvenir.
“I was lucky an ended up the only person So had a private lesson I was surprised at how well instructed it was and how good the end result was Will try again at home Thanks Sakera you taught well and I enjoyed it thoroughly”
Join a 1-hour Osaka matcha class with an English host, make your own cup, and enjoy it with Japanese sweets in a small group.
“It was so much fun, yummy, and great learning experience! Both instructors were knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly, highly recommend this experience. Even for you non-match lovers.”
Learn nigiri and maki at Tsukiji with a sushi master. Fresh market ingredients, pro knife tips, and the sushi you make, plus tea.
“Fun time with the family learning how to make, present and experience sushi! Yuko was a great teacher!”
Learn to make nigiri and maki in Osaka with clear English help, hands-on steps, and a meal from your own sushi, plus easy logistics.
“Really good experience. Small group. Staff were super friendly and patient, and I learned lots. Beautiful fresh ingredients. Everyone's sushi looked amazing, and was delicious too.”
Pick the kind of day first. The tour comes second.
