Tokyo is one of my all-time favorite cities… it has so much going on, and offers so many activities and attractions that I keep finding new things to do with every visit. One of my favorites, though? Joining a cooking class!
I love taking part in cooking lessons all over the world, because they’re a super fun activity, but they also give you the chance to discover the secrets of local culture through its cuisine, and learn the ancient recipes, passed down through generations, that don’t make it to the internet 😉
And if you’re a foodie like me, and often crave delicious Japanese food, you’ll be glad you can whip up a feast in your own kitchen, with the skills and techniques you learned in your cooking class.
I think it’s an unmissable activity in the city for people who enjoy cooking, and for that reason, I compiled this post of incredible Tokyo cooking classes. You’ll find everything from sushi workshops to ramen-making and gyoza lessons, so you can pick your favorite dish and dive right in.
We went to two different cooking classes in Japan recently, and had a fantastic time, so I can’t recommend them enough. Keep reading!
▶️ Pssst! I’ve also written a post about the best sushi-making classes in Tokyo if that’s what you’re looking for!
➥ Why can you trust me? I’ve been curating travel guides and tours for ten years, and I’ve personally taken part in many cooking classes around the world.
I’ve used my special talent for identifying extraordinary activities, combined with my personal experience in this kind of tours to ensure the ones I selected are high-quality, offer excellent value, and are worthy of your time.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your plans change, you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class |
| OUR SECOND TOP PICK | No. 1 Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo |
| SUSHI MAKING CLASS | Fish Market Visit with Sushi Making Experience |
| RAMEN CLASS | Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef |
| VEGAN/VEGETARIAN | Japanese Cooking Class for Vegans |
OUR PICK: The BEST Tokyo Cooking Class
Master the art of Japanese cuisine with this Tokyo: Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class, which I personally went on and loved! It was a very hands-on lesson, in which we were taught a great variety of non-cliché Japanese dishes, including some of my favorites.
Instead of making the popular ramen or sushi, we prepared some of the most traditional meals, including miso soup, sukiyaki hot pot, Wagyu beef, tofu stuffed with ground chicken, ginger, and edamame, dorayaki, and other delicious sweet desserts.
We made seven dishes in total, so it was a very comprehensive class even though it lasted just three hours.
We had an English-speaking, very knowledgeable instructor who taught us authentic Japanese cooking techniques, explained all the uses of traditional ingredients like dashi and miso, and introduced us to the cultural side of every dish, making the class all the more insightful and enjoyable.
Our group was also quite small, with only seven participants, so it felt very personal. At the end of the class, we got to sit down and enjoy all of our creations paired with Japanese green tea and sake. Itadakimasu!
Why this tour? You’ll be whipping up an entire feast in merely three hours. The best part, in my opinion, is that you’ll learn to make traditional dishes beyond the classic ramen and gyoza, diving deeper into the culinary world and traditions of the Japanese people.
Read what the reviews say:
“This was an absolutely excellent cooking class. Don’t hesitate to sign up. Everything was done in a clean, brightly lit space with five pleasant English speaking women who not only efficiently prepped everything but also gave an amazing history of the ingredients and offered suggestions on how to obtain ingredients and substitution abroad. I’ve always wanted to know the difference between red miso and white miso and now I know! I have already recommended to many friends and will surely take their sushi class in the future.”
Kimberly – Read more reviews
This experience includes: All tools and ingredients, a professional instructor, and a meal with green tea and sake. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
OUR 2nd PICK: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class
Check out this comprehensive No. 1 Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo + Supermarket Tour to delve into the secrets of Japan’s favorite dishes.
This cooking class takes place in Yuca’s home in a non-touristy neighborhood in Tokyo, so this is your chance to see the inside of a traditional Japanese home.
Learn to perfect home-style ramen with rich broth under the guidance of your local chef, and craft handmade gyoza filled with savory pork and veggies. Everyone has a hand making the two dishes, so it’s a very hands-on class.
Finally, sit down to enjoy your delicious creations with your fellow cooks. After the class is over, walk with Yuca to a local supermarket where she’ll explain to you what different ingredients are (trust me, supermarkets in Japan are hard to navigate on your own!).
➤ Why this tour? It’s a highly-rated experience with over 500 5-star reviews, that takes place in a local’s house, introducing you to Japan’s traditional lifestyle from the inside. Differently from other cooking classes in Tokyo, this class is hands-on, ensuring you apply your newly acquired knowledge and learn authentic techniques with the guidance of a professional.
Read what the reviews say:
“My family had the most special experience spending the morning cooking with Yuca in her kitchen. We loved the hands on opportunity to learn how to make proper Japanese ramen and gyoza. Yuca was so warm, kind and knowledgeable. We highly recommend this class when visiting Tokyo.”
Stephanie_L – Read more reviews
This cooking class includes: A supermarket tour, a cooking class, all ingredients, and food. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sushi Making Classes in Tokyo
If you’re interested in making sushi (and why would you not be since you are in Japan?!), I’ve written a whole post specifically about the best sushi making classes in Tokyo.
▶️ Dive into a Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class, a top-rated experience in the heart of Asakusa, vouched for by over 3 thousand previous travelers – and me!
We took this class on our most recent trip to Tokyo, and had a fantastic time learning everything about the world of sushi making.
We were guided by a friendly, English-speaking instructor who taught us how to make both Nigiri, the most traditional form of sushi, and Maki rolls, another type of sushi where the ingredients are rolled with rice.
We learned – and put into action – all the steps to make the sushi from scratch, and of course we got to taste them at the end, paired with sake.
The class was super beginner-friendly, and they adapted most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal. It was also super well located, close to the Sensoji Temple.
This class includes: A cooking instructor, a sushi-making class with all tools and ingredients, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Are you a sushi fan? Then you’re not only in the right country but in the right class! This Tsukiji Fish Market Visit with Sushi Making Experience will turn you into an expert, as it starts with a tour of one of the largest seafood hubs in the world.
You’ll learn about the industry and types of fish before heading to the kitchen where the magic will happen. Led by an expert, prepare nigiri sushi and a tekka roll, which you’ll later relish for lunch.
This activity includes: A market tour, a guide, a sushi-making class, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Ramen Cooking Classes in Tokyo
▶️ Step into the world of Japan’s most beloved noodle dish with this Exclusive Tokyo Ramen Kitchen Experience. Join a small group of six at one of Tokyo’s top ramen spots, and become your own chef as you prepare delicious ramen under the attentive guidance of a true professional.
You’ll learn the secrets behind every aspect of the dish, from noodles to broth (which takes 10 hours to make!), and customize your bowl with tasty toppings. Then, savor your very own homemade ramen with tasty gyoza.
Note: The class is not apt for vegetarians, as the ramen contains fish, pork, and chicken.
This experience includes: Cooking class, two bowls of ramen, and two fried gyoza. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Unlock the world of noodle soup and fried dumplings in a single lesson with this powerful Asakusa Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class.
You’ll learn to craft mouthwatering ramen broth, and learn all about its process and techniques, and then move on to create the tasty fillings of gyoza, the celebrated crispy dumplings.
Your instructor will provide the recipes, cooking tips, and interesting facts about both dishes, so you’re able to cook them at home when you leave.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon prior notice, and you can choose between a morning or afternoon session to best suit your schedule.
This activity includes: Cooking class with tools and ingredients, food, and recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ Looking for something else? I wrote a full post about the best ramen tours in Tokyo!
Private Cooking Classes in Tokyo
▶️ Get your gang together for a fabulous Tokyo: Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef. Depending on the day of the week you join the tour, learn to craft authentic Japanese sushi, a Teishoku set, okonomiyaki along with a great variety of traditional dishes.
Once you have a feast of your Japanese creations in front of you, dig in with your fellow foodies, and wash it all down with a cup of barley tea. As a bonus, you can opt to take a short trip to off-the-beaten-path locations…you’ll probably benefit from the exercise after lunch!
This class includes: Pick-up at the meeting point, a cooking class, lunch, barley tea, and an optional short trip. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Enjoy personalized attention for you and your group with a Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi. Emi will be your personal cooking instructor, showcasing Tokyo’s culinary scene in an exclusive, hands-on workshop.
At her home near Nerima station, you’ll be welcomed with a warm cup of barley tea and a list of dishes from which you’ll choose your menu. Udon noodles with shrimp tempura, gyoza potstickers, ginger pork, and miso soup are but a few of the options!
Get insights into traditional Japanese cooking techniques and cap off the experience with a scrumptious meal…made by yourself!
This activity includes: Private cooking class, all ingredients and tools, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tokyo Cooking Class for Vegans and Vegetarians
Japan is widely known for its seafood and pork specialties, but that shouldn’t be a barrier for plant-based consumers to learn all about the traditional recipes! And this Japanese Cooking Class for Vegans makes it happen.
It’s a private activity, capped at 4 participants, and it caters to both vegetarians and vegans, adapting local classics to each diet. In her cozy home, you’ll follow a chef’s instructions to craft delicious dishes – anything from tofu to vegan sushi and miso soup.
Afterward, feast on your culinary creations while sharing stories of Japan’s culture and lifestyle.
This cooking class includes: Cooking class with all ingredients, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Udon Making Class in Tokyo
▶️ Join this Japanese Cooking and Udon Making Class in Tokyo with Masako to learn unique techniques such as the art of dough kneading. Make your choice between tempura or okonomiyaki as the main course. Enjoy one-on-one assistance, as the class is exclusive to you and 5 of your friends.
With the meal on the way, sit down with your group and indulge in a tasty meal paired with drinks. You’ll also drink a comforting cup of green tea, and watch as your host writes your name in Japanese calligraphy – a very original souvenir!
Note: The host speaks limited English, so a translator will be present.
This activity includes: A cooking class, a meal, drinks, and your written name as a souvenir. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Nerikiri (Traditional Sweets) & Matcha Class in Tokyo
Sweet tooth? Then you won’t want to miss the ultimate masterclass: Make Traditional Sweets Nerikiri & Make Matcha. Learn the art of crafting Japanese Nerikiri sweets in the heart of Tokyo, making four pieces with distinctive shapes using white bean paste, shiratama flour, sugar, and water.
Then, it’s time to move on to the preparation of tea, a very big part of Japanese culture. You’ll follow the steps for making matcha tea, measuring and frothing, and then sit down for an authentic sweet feast.
This class includes: The class, sweets, and tea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Okonomiyaki & Gyoza Class in Tokyo
Explore some very unique culinary secrets in this Okonomiyaki & Gyoza Cooking Class at Japanese Home + Supermarket. Whip up mouthwatering okonomiyaki and savory gyoza, honing your cooking skills by being introduced to ancient techniques with a hands-on demonstration from your guide.
Once the meal is ready, you’ll get to taste the fruits of your labor before heading out to visit a local supermarket. There, you’ll get to expand your knowledge of traditional ingredients and flavors as you discover unique products.
As a bonus, a one-way taxi ride is included, either to reach the cooking studio or to return after the class.
This class includes: A cooking class, lunch, and a supermarket tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Learn How To Make a Bento Box
Take your work lunch boxes to a whole other level with the skills you’ll get after joining this Tokyo: Making a bento box with cute character look. You’ll delve into the art of Chara-ben: the arrangement of food to look like popular characters.
Following the lead of an expert, you’ll get your hands working to come up with adorable and very nutritious rice creations, designing an edible character you’ll be sad to eat!
The task allows you to immerse yourself in Japan’s culinary and entertainment cultures.
This activity includes: Cooking class with all ingredients, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
