15 Workshops & Classes in Japan We Would Put a Day Against

Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class - Learning maki and nigiri instead of only making a novelty roll

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

Just steps from Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, this 1-hour-40-minute class teaches you to make sushi rolls and nigiri with English-speaking instructors such as Moe, Kazu, Jun, and Kaori. You will learn sushi history, practice each step, and eat the lunch you prepare. It suits beginners, families, couples, and anyone who wants more than a restaurant meal.

“Fantastic experience with wonderful hosts. It was interesting and interactive right from the start. Delicious fresh food that even my picky eating boys ate. Would recommend to anyone visiting Tokyo!”

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

2.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

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

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master shows you the full thin-tea ritual, explains its history and spirit, then guides you in making your own matcha. You will taste two green teas and Japanese sweets. Choose a public, private, candlelight, or kimono option.

“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.”

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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 class near Asakusa Station, English-speaking instructors such as Hitomi, Moe, Ken, and Kaori guide you through sushi history, maki rolls, and nigiri. You prepare and eat your own sushi, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergy-friendly menu changes available when arranged at booking.

“Very well organised class, helpful and friendly teachers and the sushi was delicious!!”

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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 make noodles from scratch, season your own broth, prepare toppings, and eat the finished bowl for lunch. Instructors such as Mahiro, Moeka, Haruka, and Fuku guide the hands-on class. Vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options are available by request. Expect a fun, practical session with an apron and photos included.

“Even though making ramen is not very intricate or complicated, especially when you have one minute versions - the class was fun and interesting!”

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Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class

5.Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class

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

At a Shinjuku workshop near Nishishinjuku, you’ll turn raw wood into chopsticks with a traditional kanna, guided step by step by English-speaking staff such as Masa, Tom, Yuki, Nana, and Sayaka. Choose from free or premium woods, sand and oil your finished pair, and add engraving for an extra fee.

“Making your own chopsticks in Shibuya was a fun a creative activity and not expensive - we went there as a family group of six and could sit together. Supportive and serviceminded teachers with good English language skills. Absolute recommendable :-)”

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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

At SUSHI GARYU, you learn to make nigiri and rolls with fresh tuna and salmon under an English or Japanese-speaking chef. You will watch a demonstration, practice each step, wear a traditional happi coat, and eat what you make. Guides such as Chef Hide, Mikoto, Ami, and Masa have led warm, patient sessions. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options require advance notice.

“We got delayed in Tokyo between other flights and decided to do something for the one day we were there. We couldn’t have picked a better thing to do. It was very informative and we learnt a lot. Emmy and the team were so much fun. A great value for money activity. When we left we wandered through the temple and markets. What a great way to spend the day!”

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Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza

7.Chopstick Making Workshop in Ginza

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

In central Ginza, you choose from 24 wood types and two chopstick lengths, then shape your pair with a hand plane, sandpaper, and finishing oil. English-speaking staff guide you through the one-hour workshop. Add Japanese or native-language engraving for ¥1,100 per pair. Chopsticks are ready to take home the same day.

“It was very busy. Some people had an easy time but those who struggled seemed frustrated trying to get help. Extra cost for better wood and engraving but still worth the price for the experience and souvenirs”

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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

At Sushi Making Osaka near Dotonbori, you’ll prepare maki rolls and nigiri with an English-speaking instructor, then eat what you make. The 1-hour-40-minute class suits beginners, families, and couples. Instructors including Reika, Fuko, Aina, Arisa, Matty, Yui, and Ina have been praised for clear, friendly teaching. Ingredients are prepared in advance, with fish and vegetarian options available when noted ahead.

“Fantastic experience making sushi. Matty and Yui were knowledgeable and entertaining. Amazingly we all managed to make tasty sushi. Would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Osaka”

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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

Meet your English-speaking host and sushi master in a traditional third-floor building near Tsukiji Market. You’ll watch fish preparation, learn about knives, rice, wasabi, nigiri, and maki, then make five nigiri and one roll to eat for lunch. Guides have included Yuko, Yugo, Kate, Tanaka, Kanon, and Nao.

“This was a fun experience. Chef explained history of sushi. Also there was a cool demonstration of how to slice fish for sushi. We made sushi and roll. Took ton of unforgettable amazing pictures.”

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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, you choose Japanese wood, shape two blanks with a traditional kanna, smooth them by hand, and finish them with natural oil. English-speaking staff guide beginners through the one-hour session. Add Japanese or native-language engraving for a personal souvenir.

“Great time and personal souvenir to take home. Very nice people and explained everything. Chopsticks amazing!”

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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

Meet YUCa in her Tokyo home kitchen for a 2.5-hour lesson on ramen and gyoza. You will learn basic Japanese home cooking, shape dumplings, assemble noodle soup, and eat what you make. A local supermarket visit is offered afterward, though it is optional and should be confirmed.

“Amazing experience for singles, couples, and families alike! All ages will have a blast at YUCa’s cooking class!”

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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 host guides you through matcha’s history, quality, and traditional preparation. You whisk your own tea with a bamboo tool, pair it with seasonal Japanese sweets, and learn simple techniques to repeat at home. Hosts may include Shuri, Rino, Hiya, or Nama. The class lasts about one hour and returns to its meeting point.

“This was a fun experience we enjoyed with our family. The location was easy to find and our host fun.”

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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 Kyoto’s Samurai Kembu Theater, an English-speaking instructor such as Kazu or Hoga guides you through bowing, drawing a katana, controlled strikes, and respectful sword etiquette. You’ll wear samurai clothing, take photos, receive a tenugui towel and certificate, and watch a 10-minute or 30-minute Kenbu performance, depending on your booking.

“I liked Kazu and his attitude, you could pick your costume and practice very beautiful and interesting culture. The show was even more captivating as the masters showed the moves. Highly recommend it even for those who think that they are not into swords and fighting. Because this is art and it gives you a peace of mind”

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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 BIZENKAI near JR Machida, Yoshioki Sumida and his team teach sword handling, iai forms, sparring, target cutting, and Japanese horseback archery. You will wear a practice uniform, handle training weapons, learn samurai history, and try a longbow used in traditional kyudo-style practice. This is a shared, hands-on class, not a staged photo session.

“Yoshioki is a highly professional teacher who is knowledgeable in martial arts and archery. He gave us an excellent introduction to the art of katana sword fighting. I really enjoyed sparring with swords, and the lessons on Japanese swords are also very interesting. Yoshikoi speaks English very well. I really like this course and would recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese martial arts. Elio”

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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, Moeka, and Akemi guide you through noodles, chicken, broth, toppings, and sauces. You will knead dough, choose miso, salt, or soy flavors, eat your finished ramen, and take home a souvenir plus the recipe.

“We cannot emphasize enough how much our boys (15, 23) LOVED this experience. They cannot stop talking about how much fun they had. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”

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