From Ramen Cravings to Sushi Mastery
Do you love Japanese dishes and want to cook your favourite food at home? Well, that’s not a dream anymore if you sign up for authentic Japanese cooking classes in Tokyo. Imagine yourself in a Tokyo kitchen surrounded by the aroma of umami broths and sizzling meat with a knife in your hand, learning to turn ingredients into Japanese food from a local expert. This is your ticket to learn the secrets of authentic dishes from freshly made sushi taught by a sushi master to a bowl of delicious ramen guided by a noodle chef. Check out Pelago by Singapore Airlines’ guide to the top 12 cooking classes in Tokyo to go from customer to culinary ninja!
Chara-ben (Character Lunch Box) Making
If you have a creative bone in your body, then this is one of the best cooking classes in Tokyo for you to make lunch an art form. Here, you’ll learn how to turn everyday ingredients (rice, eggs, seaweed and veggies) into edible works of art in the form of bento boxes with your favourite anime and manga characters or cute animals like pandas.
Whether you’re a parent looking to spice up lunchtime for your kids or just someone who loves to add a bit of fun to Japanese food, this class is your playground. Dive into the Japanese food culture and let your imagination run wild with a Chara-ben class!
Address: 1 Chome-19 Osaki, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0032, Japan (map)
A Home Cooking Course of 2.5-Hour
Don’t let the thought of complicated Japanese recipes scare you off! Home-style Tokyo cooking classes are like a big warm hug from your culinary guardian angel. Master the art of traditional Japanese cuisine such as Tamagoyaki (that fluffy rolled omelette), Saikyo yaki (grilled fish) marinated in miso and a bowl of miso soup that tastes like home in a relaxed, fun atmosphere as cosy as the dishes you’ll be making. Perfect for travellers who want to bring a piece of Japanese culture back home, this hands-on experience with a fun host makes cooking authentic Japanese food a piece of cake and one of the best things to try in Japan.
Address: Minato City, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Small Group Sushi Roll and Tempura Cooking Class in Nakano
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of sushi making and tempura! For the sushi-making portion, you’ll learn how to be a sushi master by discovering the secrets of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, how to choose fresh ingredients and how to make rolls that look as good as they taste. As for tempura, you’ll master the crispy, golden batter that coats your favourite seasonal vegetables and seafood. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or going for your first few Tokyo cooking classes, you’ll be one step closer to whipping up Japanese dishes that could rival your favourite restaurant. It’s not just a cooking class, it’s an experience you’ll enjoy long after the last bite. Go for a small group Sushi roll and tempura cooking class now - you won't regret it!
Address: Kamisaginomiya, Nakano City, Tokyo 165-0031, Japan (map)
Mochi and Nerikiri Wagashi Combination Cooking Class
If you have a sweet tooth and a creative streak, this mochi-making class in Tokyo is for you. Get into the world of Japanese desserts with a hands-on experience that’s as fun as it is yummy. Learn how to make soft and chewy mochi balls with various fillings from sweet red bean paste to savoury surprises. But the sweet fun doesn’t stop there! You’ll also learn the art of Nerikiri wagashi, turning bean paste into beautiful edible art. Pair your creations with a cup of green tea and you’ve got yourself an experience that’s not just good for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Book your mocha and wagashi cooking class now!
Address: 20-15 Kitaminemachi, Ota City, Tokyo 145-0073, Japan (map)
Small-Group Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki Cooking Class
Ready to flip your way to stardom with this Okonomiyaki Cooking Class in Tokyo? If you love Osaka’s street food, this is your ticket to master the art of the savoury pancake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re an Osaka foodie or just want to impress your friends back home by attending some cooking classes, this Okonomiyaki Cooking Class is a taste of Japanese food culture that will blow their minds.
Address: 1-chōme-24-43 Kamisaginomiya, Nakano City, Tokyo 165-0031, Japan (map)
Shojin Ryori: Buddhist Vegetarian Cooking Experience
Enter the serene world of Shojin Ryori where Japanese food meets mindfulness in the heart of Tokyo. This isn’t just one out of the many cooking classes in Tokyo, it’s a culinary journey into the soul of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Cook a multi-course meal with fresh seasonal ingredients, guided by the wisdom of centuries-old Zen practices. Suitable for vegans, vegetarians or anyone looking for fresh culinary experiences in Japan, this class will teach you the art of simplicity and natural flavours. Be enlightened – both in mind and palate – as you discover the peaceful flavours of Shojin Ryori in Tokyo.
Address: 3-chōme-5-8 Shibakōen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan (map)
Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class
Treat yourself to the ultimate Japanese indulgence – Wagyu beef. Learn how to cook this melt-in-your-mouth beef alongside 7 other dishes as a cook in Tokyo. From selecting the right cut to traditional cooking methods to bringing out the full flavour, be amazed by discovering the techniques needed to prepare a multi-course meal showcasing the diversity of Japanese cuisine.
Address: 18-39 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan (map)
Professional Ramen & Gyoza with Ramen Chef in a restaurant
Calling all ramen lovers! If you've ever dreamed of becoming a ramen master, this cooking class in Central Tokyo is your opportunity to make it a reality. Step into a ramen shop right in the heart of Tokyo, where you'll roll up your sleeves and dive into the delicious world of Japanese food. With two expert chefs by your side, you'll learn the secrets behind two types of ramen broths—Tonkotsu (rich and creamy) and Chintan (light and clear)—along with making ramen noodles from scratch. But that’s not all! You’ll also whip up crispy karaage, perfect ajitama (ramen eggs), and all those mouthwatering toppings like negi, seaweed, and narutomaki. And the cherry on top? You’ll walk away with a recipe booklet so you can recreate this ramen magic at home. Trust us, you’ll never look at a bowl of ramen the same way again after you attend this ramen & gyoza cooking class!
Address: 101 3-chōme-7-32 Shimomeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064, Japan (map)
Tofu Cooking Class in Musashi-Koyama
Tofu, a blank slate, is the star of the show in this Tokyo cooking class. Learn how to turn this versatile protein into a work of art by mastering a tofu main dish, side dish and tofu miso soup. At the end of this Tofu cooking class, you can also enjoy a dessert.
Address: Shinagawa, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan (map)
Sushi Making Experience (With Sake!)
This sushi-making class takes sushi to the next level with a special guest – sake! Learn to prepare sushi rice, select the freshest fish, and master knife skills before creating beautiful Nigiri Sushi and Gunkan Sushi. But that’s not all! Eat what you create with sake.
Conducted in English, this sushi cooking lesson is perfect for those wanting to impress their dinner guests with sushi-making skills that rival a professional or looking for interesting activities to do in Tokyo.
Address: 2-chōme-1-13 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0034, Japan (map)
Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class in Asakusa
Get in the heart of Tokyo’s culinary scene in Asakusa, a historic district famous for its food. Learn the secrets of making delicious ramen, from the rich broth to the photogenic bowl of ramen. But that’s not all! Master the art of gyoza making, from making the dumpling wrappers to pan-frying them to crispy. This ramen cooking class in Tokyo is for suitable for ramen lovers, families, friends and even team-building.
Address: 1f, 2-chōme-17-13 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan (map)
Japanese Cooking Class for Vegans
Vegans, you’re in luck! This cooking class is designed for you, exploring the world of plant-based Japanese cuisine. Learn how to make Japanese dishes with plant-based ingredients. From vegan sushi to tofu dishes, be prepared to be amazed by the variety of vegan Japanese cuisine in this vegan cooking class in Tokyo.
Address: 3-chōme-4-9 Koyama, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0062, Japan (map)
From Tourist to Tokyo Chef: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
There you have it - 12 cooking classes in Tokyo to get you slicing, dicing and rolling your way to being a Japanese food expert. Whether you’re perfecting your sushi rolls, mastering the art of ramen or creating cute bento boxes, these classes are more than just a meal - they’re a deep dive into Japan’s food culture.
And if you’re still hungry for more Japanese food experiences, why not check out our best food tours in Tokyo article or our guide to the best restaurants in Tokyo? Your Tokyo food adventure has just begun and your taste buds will thank you!
Commonly Asked Questions
Are there cooking classes in Japan?
Yes! Japan, especially Tokyo, has many cooking classes. You can surely find a cooking class for all interests, diets and skill levels.
What are Japanese cooking skills?
Japanese cooking skills include knife skills, rolling sushi, noodle making and understanding dashi (broth). It teaches you the balance of umami flavors and presentation.
How much is culinary school in Japan?
Culinary school in Japan varies by school, program and duration, from short courses to full diplomas. But cooking classes are more feasible to learn Japanese cooking skills during a short visit.
Which is the best Japanese culinary school?
The "best" school depends on you and your learning style. Japan Culinary Institute and Tsuji Culinary Institute are some of the top culinary schools in Japan.
How long is any culinary school in Japan?
Culinary school programs in Japan can be from a few weeks to several years.