By Laura Caiswell 
Joining a cooking class in Tokyo offers the opportunity to discover the secrets behind ancient recipes as you get your hands dirty by crafting traditional dishes yourself. In my opinion, this is an unmissable activity in Tokyo for foodies and people who like to cook.
Choose your dish – Sushi? Ramen? A fan of Gyoza? – personally, I’m a fan of all of them so choosing only one might be hard!
When you book a cooking class, get ready to explore the ingredients and unique techniques of each dish, sitting down for a scrumptious meal at the end.
Led by experienced chefs, these hands-on experiences cater to all skill levels, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks, plus everyone in between.
Are you in a rush? These are the top tours:
THE BEST TOUR 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 Clas
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!).
Wagyu and Haute Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class
Master the art of Japanese cuisine with this Tokyo: Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class. The hands-on lesson will have you making several delectable plates, including succulent Wagyu beef, dashi soup stock, appetizers, and desserts.
Learn about traditional Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques, dive into both classic and modern recipes, and sit down for a full meal paired with green tea and sake after saying Itadakimasu!
This tour is up to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention from your instructor.
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.
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.
Dive into a Sushi Making Tokyo! Omakase Cooking Class in Japan! and join fellow sushi enthusiasts for a class to remember. You’ll learn about Japanese culture and cuisine, and enjoy a hands-on introduction to making Nigiri and Maki sushi.
Your instructor will guide you through all the steps to make the perfect sushi, and cater to most food diets and allergies, including vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.