Japan · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Learn sushi rolls and nigiri in Asakusa near Senso-ji. Small-group English help, then you eat what you make.
“This was a great cold and experience. Step by step sushi making which definitely made it less intimidating as a thought to to make at home. The instructor was very kind, patient and knowledgeable. I recommend this to everyone tha come to Tokyo.”
Learn Kyoto tea ceremony etiquette in 45 minutes with a licensed Urasenke tea master, matcha prep, two tea tastings, and sweets near Kinkakuji.
“Thank you for sharing g the tea ceremony with us. It was a lovely, informative and relaxing experience.”
Make maki rolls and nigiri in Asakusa, near Sensoji and Tokyo Skytree. English guidance, sushi-history quiz, 100 minutes, $58.
“The guides were great and extremely enthusiastic! The ingredients were super fresh, I just feel that the tour needs another 30 mins. It felt slightly rushed, the extra time would make it a little less rushed.”
Hands-on ramen making in Kyoto at Ramen Factory, from noodles and broth to toppings and lunch, with Halal, vegetarian, vegan options.
“Very fun and yummy. Super nice staff. Well set up. Akemi our teacher was really friendly and helpful.”
Shinjuku chopsticks class: shape raw wood with a traditional kanna, choose Japanese woods, and leave in about an hour with personalized chopsticks.
“Very very busy, felt rushed and pushed to buy higher grade wood and get the engraving. It was fun but not great value for money.”
Tokyo sushi class: learn nigiri with tuna and salmon in a happi coat. English-speaking chef, 90 minutes, $42, plus a full meal.
“Thank you! It was a lot of fun and a really interesting new experience. I also appreciated the beautiful picture spots in the Japanese outfits.”
Handmade chopsticks in Ginza: choose from 24 woods, plane and sand, oil finish, optional laser engraving, take them home in 1 hour.
“What a cool experience. The young ladies running it were very patient and had mad skills! can you but them cheaper? yup, but they aren't unique and your creation.”
Hands-on Osaka sushi class near Dotonbori. Make maki rolls and nigiri with an English instructor, then eat what you make. Small group.
“It was a good class. A little less history and more sushi making and eating time would have been nice. A good informative class though.”
Hands-on Tokyo sushi making in Tsukiji with a pro chef. Learn nigiri and rolls, make 6 pieces, and enjoy your own lunch.
“We had a wonderful time learning to make sushi with a sushi master! From the demonstration of how to cut the fish to the actual hands on making of the sushi. It was all so fun!! Plus the sushi tasted so wonderful.”
In Kyoto’s Gion, craft your own chopsticks from raw wood using a traditional hand plane, then add an optional engraved name.
“Great time and personal souvenir to take home. Very nice people and explained everything. Chopsticks amazing!”
Learn ramen and gyoza in a Tokyo home kitchen with an optional local supermarket visit. Small group, hands-on cooking, and a meal.
“We made a simple ramen and gyoza meal. The recipe was easy to follow and approachable for all cooking levels. I’ll be making these at home in the future!”
Asakusa matcha class with hands-on whisking and seasonal Japanese sweets. Small group, English hosts, about 1 hour, mobile ticket.
“This matcha tea workshop was such a lovely and memorable experience. The host was absolutely wonderful—so welcoming and kind. We arrived much earlier than expected, and she graciously let us sit in her cozy café while we waited, which was such a kind gesture. The workshop itself took place in a charming upstairs nook of the café, where we sat on the floor in traditional style. It added to the authenticity and intimacy of the experience. The space was peaceful and perfect for learning the art of matcha. Our host wasn’t just a great teacher—she’s also incredibly cultured and insightful, with some amazing life experiences that she shared with us.…”
Learn Kyoto Kenbu in a small group, from bowing and katana draw drills to costume photos and a short sword dance performance.
“The activity was amazing! Everyone that worked there was so friendly. Dressing up and getting to use the samurai swords was a great experience. The main guide that showed us how to use the swords was also hilarious which made the experience even better! Would DEFINITELY recommend!”
Train in Tokyo with Yoshioki Sumida: Iai sword basics, sparring cuts, blade-line checks, and horseback archery from a real dojo. 3 hours.
“This was an unforgettable and truly authentic experience. Sensei Sumida-san was patient, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about samurai culture. He guided us through the history, philosophy, and sword techniques with great care, making every moment meaningful. Watching his demonstration at the end was mesmerizing — precise, graceful, and full of spirit.”
Make ramen from flour at a Kyoto ramen factory, mix miso, salt and soy sauces, eat your bowl, and get emailed recipes.
“Great time we’ve had with Fuku. It was a pleasure for the whole family!”
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