Japan · WORKSHOPS

The 15 Best Workshops & Classes in Japan

87 tours  ·  from $11

Calligraphy, sword-fighting, gold leaf, food samples in wax. These 15 are compared on how much you make, how long it takes and whether you carry the result home the same day.

Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class - Shaping nigiri by hand
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Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class

1.Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,971 reviews · from $59Our pick

Near Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, you’ll learn maki rolls and nigiri with English-speaking instructors such as Moe, Kazu, Ken, and Arisa. The 1-hour-40-minute class covers sushi culture, hands-on techniques, and a full meal made from the ingredients provided.

“Omg what a great class! Kazu did an amazing job teaching us how to be sushi masters:) I thoroughly enjoyed my time and had a delicious meal at the end :) Definitely recommend to any sushi lovers who want to learn how it’s done!”

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Watching the first bowl of matcha
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

2.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

Sit on tatami near Kinkakuji and learn the full thin-tea ceremony from an English-speaking Urasenke tea master. Watch matcha preparation, make your own tea, taste two green teas and sweets, and add a kimono or candlelight setting for a more atmospheric visit.

“It was fun and we all loved the cultural experience and kimono add on .”

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Tokyo: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa - Starting with sushi history and a quiz
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Tokyo: Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa

3.Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,957 reviews · 1h 40m · from $58

In a 100-minute English-language class near Asakusa Station, instructors such as Hitomi, Moe, Jun, and Ken guide you through sushi history, maki rolls, and nigiri. You prepare and eat your own sushi, with vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly menu changes available if arranged in advance.

“It was very well run with engaged teachers. It was easy to find right across from sensoji shrine. We had a family of 6 with 4 kids. We all enjoyed it a lot and it was plenty of sushi to eat. Paired with sake tasting. Would highly recommend to everyone. About 80 minutes duration”

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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto - Preparing the broth and toppings
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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

4.Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,937 reviews · from $131

At Ramen Factory Kyoto, you knead and press noodles, season your broth, prepare toppings, and cook a personalized bowl with guidance from friendly instructors such as Mahiro, Moeka, and Haruka. The class is Halal-certified, with vegetarian and vegan choices available by request.

“This is a fun activity! We did it with our family and even the kids had a good time. Fun memories for us all.”

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Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class - Choosing Wood by Grain, Color, and Scent
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Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class

5.Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,763 reviews · from $20

At a one-hour Shinjuku workshop, friendly English-speaking instructors such as Masa, Tom, Yuki, Nana, and Sayaka guide you from raw wood to finished chopsticks. Choose two included woods or pay extra for premium timber, then add optional engraving for a personal souvenir.

“The experience of making chopsticks was a fun activity. Everyone in the family could easily participate and we all enjoyed the activity together. The guides were very good and helpful and the whole experience was a very interesting addition to the itinerary.”

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Tokyo: Sushi Making Class in a Happi Coat near a Famous Spot - Learning nigiri instead of just taking a sushi photo
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Tokyo: Sushi Making Class in a Happi Coat near a Famous Spot

6.Sushi Making Class in a Happi Coat near a Famous Spot

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,377 reviews · 1h 30m · from $42

Join SUSHI GARYU for a 90-minute, beginner-friendly class led in English or Japanese. You’ll wear a traditional happi coat, learn nigiri with tuna and salmon, and may also prepare maki. Instructors such as Hide, Mikoto, Ami, and Emi keep the lesson hands-on, social, and easy to follow.

“Absolutely wonderful extremely knowledgeable Chef that was only in the beginning of her trading made it easy and fun and the sake for extra purchase was delicious l! Get the orange one bottle one stronger from the south of Japan it’s stronger!”

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Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza - Choosing Wood That Matches Your Skill
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Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza

7.Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,366 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

At Ginza Hashi, choose from 24 wood types and two chopstick lengths, then shape your pair with a hand plane, sandpaper, and oil. English-speaking staff guide each step. You can take the finished chopsticks home the same day, with Japanese or native-language engraving available for ¥1,100.

“we learnt the art of how to make our own chopsticks, had the choice of our own wood and did it all step by step in a fun yet quick way. we were also able to engrave our chopsticks with whatever we wanted and the kind workers translated it into Japanese for us for a more authentic expereince. we now have such fun souvenirs!”

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Sushi Making Osaka Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class - Finding the classroom near Dotonbori
Japanese Cooking Classes, Japanese Cooking Classes in Osaka, Osaka Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Sushi Making Osaka Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class

8.Sushi Making Osaka Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,220 reviews · from $31

Meet near Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi for a 1-hour-40-minute class led by English-speaking instructors, with names such as Aina, Reika, Fuko, and Yui appearing among the teaching team. You will learn sushi history, make maki and nigiri, then eat what you prepare.

“High energy, and super interactive. Also a good amount of food as well! Had lots of fun and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for something interesting to do while in Osaka”

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Tokyo Sushi Making Class in Tsukiji with Professional Chef - Entering the traditional classroom near Tsukiji
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Tokyo Sushi Making Class in Tsukiji with Professional Chef

9.Tokyo Sushi Making Class in Tsukiji with Professional Chef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,177 reviews · from $49

In Tsukiji, an English-speaking host and sushi master guide you through fish preparation, knife skills, nigiri, and maki rolls. You make five nigiri and one roll, then eat them with fresh wasabi. Guides may include Tanaka, Kate, Yugo, Yuko, or Kanon.

“We did this experience and loved all the education and personal touches. We got to make and take a picture of our completed sushi! The space was intimate and good for small groups and the English speaking leader was easy to understand. We appreciated the knowledge of the chef and had a great time!”

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Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option - Using a kanna to shape the chopsticks
Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

10.Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 958 reviews · from $15Best value

At ZEN Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping two wooden blanks with a traditional kanna hand plane, sanding, and oiling. Choose from Japanese woods, then add optional engraving in Japanese or your own language. The one-hour class suits beginners and families.

“We loved learning the process of making chopsticks. Our teacher was very patient. The engraving process was very neat! This will be our souvenir from Japan!”

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Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit - Making ramen between demonstration and preparation
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Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit

11.Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo with Local Supermarket Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 823 reviews · from $122

Join YUCa in her Tokyo home kitchen for a 2.5-hour lesson on ramen and gyoza. You’ll learn practical Japanese cooking techniques, shape dumplings, assemble your meal, and eat what you make. A local supermarket visit may follow, but confirm that this optional portion is running.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our cooking class with Yuca. It was a great, interactive morning learning about ramen and gyoza (and of course eating the delicious food). This cooking class is for all ages and dietary restrictions. I'd highly recommend a class with Yuca!”

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Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set - Matcha explained in plain English
Dessert Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

12.Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 744 reviews · from $21

In Asakusa, an English-speaking instructor guides you through matcha’s history, quality, preparation, and traditional whisking technique. You’ll make your own tea with a bamboo whisk, then enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets. The relaxed one-hour class suits beginners, families, and anyone seeking a cultural break from sightseeing.

“This class was super informative from learning the history of matcha to techniques. The ladies were so fun to learn from! I would highly recommend going if you’re looking for a short class/experience.”

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Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts - The opening film and first bow
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Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts

13.Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 657 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $64

At Samurai Kembu Theater in Higashiyama, an English-speaking instructor such as Kazu or Hoga Sensei teaches you to bow, draw a sword, and perform basic Kenbu movements. You will wear traditional costume, take photos, watch a short performance, and receive a certificate in this small-group Kyoto class.

“Very interesting and entertaining. I’m so happy with the experience 👌🏻”

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Tokyo: Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant - Changing into training clothes and learning dojo basics
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Tokyo: Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

14.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

At Toyama-ryu Bizen-kai near Machida, Yoshioki Sumida and his assistants teach sword etiquette, iai forms, sparring, target cutting, and Japanese horseback archery techniques. You wear a training uniform, handle practice weapons, try a long bow, and learn how samurai arms changed over 1,000 years.

“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.”

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Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir - Why the noodle-making matters
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Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir

15.Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 532 reviews · 1h 30m · from $127

At Ramen Factory Kyoto, English-speaking instructors such as Sakura, Fuku, and Akemi guide you through making noodles, seasoning chicken, choosing miso, salt, or soy flavors, and assembling your bowl. The 90-minute class includes a souvenir and a recipe sent by email.

“it was wonderful. the staff were very friendly and showed and explained everything in detail. they heloed us to take pictures and videos . the ramen was very delicious. they provided us with souvenirs. the location was easy to find. we learned a lot and had fun. the place was clean and pretty. we enjoyed every moment. thank you. it was a great experience and we would like to do it again.”

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