14 Of The Best Cooking Classes In Tokyo For Tourists

1. Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Shinjuku

Price range: ¥6,000 – ¥8,000 ($30–$55)

If you want to learn how to make ramen without feeling overwhelmed, this class in Shinjuku is the perfect start. It’s friendly, hands-on, and easy to follow, even if you’ve never cooked Japanese food before.

I actually wanted to book this class during our Tokyo trip but it was already fully booked. So if you want to join this class, make sure to book weeks in advance.

The moment you step into the cozy studio, the smell of simmering broth and grilled pork fills the air. It’s your signal to roll up your sleeves, knead fresh noodles, and watch your teacher demonstrate each step with care and a touch of humor.

The best part is , of course, tasting your hot, savory ramen with perfectly seasoned chashu and a soft-boiled egg. Every bite feels earned. You will leave not just full, but proud.

The class usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, and all ingredients and tools are provided. Wear comfortable clothes since you’ll be standing and cooking.

After class, explore the neon streets or relax at a nearby izakaya. Next time I’m in Tokyo, this ramen experience is the first thing I’m booking.

2. Sushi Making Class in Asakusa 

Price range: ¥6,000 – ¥9,000 ( $40 – $60)

If you are someone who not only loves making sushi but also appreciates the journey of making the food, this class is for you. It is a mix of art, culture, and good food in one.

This sushi-making class is one of Tokyo’s most iconic food experiences. Located in historic Asakusa, steps from Senso-ji Temple, it blends tradition, culture, and fun. It is a small, hands-on workshop that teachers both maki and nigiri.

You learn how to shape the rice, handle fresh fish, and use simple tools that make the process easy to follow. The chef guides each step, gives clear feedback, and helps you improve as you go.

TThe atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with time to ask questions and learn at your own pace. After making your sushi, you sit down to enjoy your meal with miso soup and green tea. You can also wear a happi coat for a photo with your finished plate. It becomes a meaningful part of your trip to Tokyo.

I was personally amazed by how much art goes into making food. We got to not only enjoy the sushi we created but also appreciate and respect its culture.

The session lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and all tools, ingredients, and attire are provided. If you want to experience authentic Japanese culture through food, this Asakusa sushi class is the one to book. Next time I’m in Tokyo, I’ll be back for this again.

3. Authentic Japanese Home-Style Cooking in Shinjuku

Price range: ¥13,000 – ¥16,000 ($85– $110)

Stepping into a quiet Tokyo neighborhood, shoes come off at the door, and a warm smile greets every guest. It feels less like a cooking class and more like dinner with friends.

This home-style cooking experience lets you cook side by side with a Japanese local in their own home. With only a few guests per session, it feels intimate and relaxed. Your host speaks excellent English and walks you through each step, from prepping ingredients to plating dishes with care.

As you cook, your instructor shares small stories and background details. You see how each dish connects to daily life and family traditions. The experience feels personal and relaxed, almost like learning from someone you already know. The class feels warm and memorable because the host teaches with sincerity and patience.

The class runs about 2 to 2.5 hours and includes all ingredients, recipes, and a shared meal afterward. If you want to feel true Japanese hospitality, this is the class to book. Next time I’m in Tokyo, this is the one I’ll choose — because it’s not just cooking, it’s a connection.

4. Matcha Making & Mochi Sweets in Asakusa

Price range: ¥3,000 – ¥9,000 ($20 – $60)

The moment you enter the tatami room, the air feels different. Soft light, faint incense, and the gentle sound of bamboo whisks fill the space.

This traditional matcha-making and mochi workshop brings Kyoto’s refined tea culture to the heart of Tokyo. You’ll learn how to prepare matcha properly. The class will start from sifting the fine green powder to whisking it into a smooth, foamy layer. Alongside it, you’ll craft delicate mochi sweets to enjoy with your tea, guided by an instructor who teaches each gesture with calm precision.

It’s calm, meditative, and beautifully simple. My brother and a friend took a matcha class in Uji, where this tradition began, and they couldn’t stop talking about how peaceful it was. He even joked that he could whisk my matcha for me next time. This class captures that same feeling — no trip to Kyoto needed.

The class runs about 1.5 hours, and all materials are provided. You can enjoy your matcha and mochi on-site in a quiet tatami setting. If you can’t make it to Uji, this is the next best way to experience Japan’s tea tradition.

5. Washoku 4-Hour Market to Table Cooking Class

Price range: ¥10,000 – ¥13,000 ($70 – $90)

If you love sushi and want to experience the journey from market to table, this Tsukiji sushi-making class is for you! It combines freshness, skill, and culture in one unforgettable morning.

This market-to-table sushi experience is one of the most immersive ways to explore Japanese food culture. You start at the market, where your guide shows how to pick the freshest fish by checking its color, texture, and shine. Every stop reveals something new about what makes Japanese ingredients so exceptional.

After getting the ingredients, you go to the kitchen and make your sushi with guidance from a professional chef. During the class, the rolls were very flavorful. It makes a clear difference that the ingredients are freshly sourced from the market on the same day.

The experience lasts about 4 hours and includes all tools, ingredients, and tastings. Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll walk through the market before cooking. If you want to see, shop, and taste Japan’s freshest seafood in one experience, this is the class to choose.

6. Izakaya-Style Cooking Class

Price range: ¥12,000 – ¥16,000 ($80 – $105)

If you want a cooking class that feels more like a night out than a lesson, this is it. Lanterns glow outside as the scent of grilled yakitori fills the air. Inside, everyone gathers around the counter, laughing, pouring sake, and enjoying the moment like friends.

This Izakaya-style cooking experience captures the heart of Japan’s casual dining culture. You’ll learn to prepare small plates like karaage, yakitori, and tamagoyaki, then pair them with different kinds of sake. The instructor explains how each flavor complements the drink, keeping the pace easy and enjoyable, like a friendly evening get-together.

Couples and evening travelers say it’s the perfect mix of learning, eating, and connecting. The relaxed energy makes it a refreshing alternative to formal dining. I was planning to visit an izakaya in Kyoto but ended up doing a kaiseki instead, so this is now on my list. Next time, I want that same warm, lively atmosphere for myself.

The class lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours and includes all ingredients, sake tastings, and recipes to take home. If you want an authentic, social night in Tokyo filled with good food, laughter, and local energy, this is the one to choose.

7. Bento & Oyakodon Cooking Class

Price range: ¥9,000 – ¥12,000 ($60 – $80)

Bright rice balls, tiny omelets, and seaweed line up neatly in front of you. The instructor shows how to turn simple ingredients into adorable lunches, and you instantly understand why bento-making videos are so addictive.

This bento-making class is all about creativity and fun. You’ll learn how to shape rice, cut vegetables into cute designs, and arrange everything into colorful character lunch boxes. The steps are easy to follow, and the class is family-friendly, making it perfect for parents with kids or travelers who enjoy hands-on food experiences.

I never thought arranging rice and eggs could feel like art. If I have a child someday, I’d love to make these character lunches too! This class gives you that same sense of play and accomplishment, something you can share long after your trip ends.

Classes last around 1.5 hours, and all tools and ingredients are provided. You can eat your creation on-site or take it with you for a fun lunch later. If you have kids or simply love food that looks as good as it tastes, this is the perfect Tokyo experience.

8. Traditional Foot-Kneaded Udon Noodle Class

Price range: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($70 – $100)

If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, this class delivers. Laughter fills the kitchen as everyone steps onto plastic sheets, pressing and kneading soft dough with their feet. It’s unexpected, playful, and truly unforgettable.

This Traditional Foot-Kneaded Udon Class teaches you to make noodles the old-fashioned way, just like in Japan’s countryside. The instructor explains how using your feet gives the dough its perfect chewy texture. You mix, knead, roll, and cut everything by hand before cooking your noodles in a flavorful, steaming broth.

It’s funny, interactive, and surprisingly satisfying — ideal for families or small groups who want something lighthearted yet cultural. I’m not usually a noodle fan, but this reminds me of a small udon shop near my university that served bowls made with the same care. One participant summed it up perfectly: “You come for the fun, but stay for the flavor.”

The class runs for about 1.5 to 2 hours and includes all tools and ingredients. You can eat your handmade udon right after class or take home the leftovers. It’s a relaxed, beginner-friendly experience that lets you taste Japan’s craftsmanship — and have a good laugh doing it.

9. Japanese Wagashi Making at Koboji Temple

Price range: ¥ 2,000 – ¥10,000 ($13 – $73)

If your favorite colors are pastel and you love sweets, this class will feel like a dream. The temple is calm, filled with the soft scent of incense and the sound of rustling leaves. Inside, trays of delicate wagashi and smooth bean paste await, turning the experience into a blend of art, culture, and calm focus.

This wagashi-making class takes place in a serene temple setting, offering a calm, cultural escape from Tokyo’s fast pace. You’ll learn how to shape traditional Japanese sweets often served during tea ceremonies. Each piece mirrors nature — cherry blossoms, maple leaves, or seasonal flowers crafted from delicate bean paste.

Shaping the cherry blossom sweets feels slow, careful, and relaxing. It is similar to the sweets served during zazen at Manpukuji Temple. They look simple, yet they show clear attention to detail. The instructors teach gently and give space to move at a comfortable pace, so the experience stays peaceful and unhurried.

The class lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, with all ingredients and tools included. Wear light, comfortable clothing, as the setting is often traditional tatami. Many sessions also include a short matcha tea ceremony, allowing you to enjoy your sweets authentically. If you want a quiet, beautiful way to experience Japan’s tea culture, this temple wagashi class is the perfect choice.

10. Sushi & Ramen Cooking Class with Sake Set

Price range: ¥ 15,000 – ¥19,500 ($100 – $130)

If sushi and ramen top your list of Japanese favorites, this all-in-one cooking class is the best way to experience both. You’ll learn to prepare two of Japan’s most iconic dishes in one session, plus enjoy a sake tasting that ties it all together.

The class starts with sushi-making, where you’ll roll fresh nigiri and maki using high-quality market fish. Then, you move on to crafting a comforting bowl of ramen, from mixing noodles to balancing the broth. Each step is guided by a chef who keeps it fun and easy to follow.

The sake pairing adds depth to the meal, showing how each drink complements the flavors of the dishes prepared in class. The session moves at a steady pace and stays engaging, making it a good fit even for travelers with limited time.

The session lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, with all tools and ingredients provided. It’s a relaxed, beginner-friendly experience, ideal for couples or friends who want variety without rushing between classes.

If you only have time for one food experience in Tokyo, make it this one.

11. Tokyo Wagyu & 7 Japanese Dishes (Kaiseki Cooking Class)

Price range: ¥7,500 – ¥10,500 ($50 – $70)

When you first learn about kaiseki, you might think it’s only for the royal family or elite diners. After trying it in Tokyo, you understand why it’s considered Japan’s most refined culinary art. It’s worth every yen!

This premium multi-course cooking experience lets you discover the precision and grace behind kaiseki cuisine. You’ll prepare several small dishes using Wagyu beef, seasonal vegetables, and fresh seafood, all arranged in traditional plating that looks as elegant as it tastes. Each dish highlights balance, harmony, and presentation, guided by a chef who explains the philosophy behind every step.

The pace is calm and steady, similar to a quiet fine dining service. The class feels both informative and rewarding, especially for travelers who prefer thoughtful food experiences rather than quick meals.

Expect a 2.5 to 3-hour session that feels like stepping into a private culinary studio. Everything is provided, from premium ingredients to lacquerware dishes.

For food lovers who want to taste the artistry of Japanese fine dining, this kaiseki cooking class is an unforgettable way to do it yourself.

​12. Vegan Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class

Price range: ¥12,500 – ¥24,750 ($80 – $165)

I’ve been vegan for three years, and sometimes it’s hard to connect with local food culture when most dishes revolve around meat or fish. Japan is no exception, but the good news is that more cooking experiences now celebrate plant-based traditions too.

This vegan and vegetarian Japanese cooking class proves you don’t need meat or seafood to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors. You’ll learn to use ingredients like miso, tofu, sesame, and seasonal vegetables to create balanced, umami-rich dishes such as vegetable gyoza, miso soup, and teriyaki tofu. The instructor explains how flavor layers come together through natural seasoning rather than animal products.

The class feels inclusive and approachable. Both plant-based eaters and non-vegans enjoy the results. The recipes are straightforward, so you can make them again at home. This makes it a good choice for travelers who want to continue cooking Japanese food.

Classes last around 2 to 3 hours, and all ingredients are fully plant-based. For anyone looking for a vegan-friendly, cultural food experience in Tokyo, this is the class to take.

13. Takoyaki Cooking Experience in Shinjuku

Price range: ¥3,000 – ¥7,000 ($20 – $50)

This class brought back memories of my college days when I’d save up just to grab a box of hot takoyaki before heading home. I’ve always been obsessed with the way the dried bonito flakes dance on top of the freshly cooked balls. It’s simple, comforting, and pure Japanese joy.

In this fun, beginner-friendly cooking class, you’ll learn to make Japan’s ultimate festival snack from scratch. You mix the batter, pour it into round molds, and then comes the best part, which is flipping them perfectly while everyone laughs and cheers each other on.

The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, good for families, friends, or anyone curious about Japanese street food. It is easy to join, fun to learn, and you end up eating a lot!

The class runs for about 1 hour, and all ingredients are provided. If you’re short on time but want to experience Japan’s playful side, this takoyaki class is an easy win.

14. Japanese Fermented Food Cooking Class

Price range: ¥9,000 – ¥10,500 ($60 – $80)

Recently, I’ve been adding more fermented food to my diet for the probiotics and better digestion. That’s why this fermentation-focused cooking class caught my attention. It’s one of Tokyo’s hidden gems for travelers who want to go beyond sushi and ramen.

Here, you’ll learn about the foundation of Japanese flavor: miso, koji, soy sauce, and tsukemono (pickles). The instructor walks you through how fermentation shapes Japan’s cuisine, from umami-rich miso soup to delicately seasoned vegetables. You’ll see how time and care turn simple ingredients into something complex and alive.

The pace is calm and attentive, making it a good fit for travelers who want a deeper cultural experience. It offers a closer look at the philosophy behind Japanese food, not just the techniques.

The session lasts about 2 hours, with tastings included. You’ll leave with new knowledge, a happy gut, and a new appreciation for Japan’s quiet culinary wisdom.