5 Best Cooking Classes in Tokyo, Japan
Looking for the best cooking classes in Tokyo? Keep reading because I’ve dished up some tasty options!
Learning how to make sushi, ramen, gyoza, and other delicious Japanese foods can be difficult without an instructor. That’s why cooking classes are such a great thing to do on your trip here! But Tokyo is massive and there are a lot of cooking classes out there which makes picking one difficult.
We have spent tons of time in Tokyo and taken lots of cooking classes, so we know what makes one stand out. We did the “difficult” work of eating our way through all the experiences below so all you have to do is read about them and pick one!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this sushi making experience in Tokyo where you’ll have the chance to make sushi rolls and nigiri with a talented local chef. You can book this tour here and read over 1,200 positive reviews from other travelers!
Tip: Book online as soon as you can as this is a POPULAR tour. It has free cancellation 24 hours before the start time, so secure your spot now!
1. Sushi Making Experience in Asakusa
- Price: $84 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Asakusa
- Highlights: Make sushi rolls and nigiri with a local chef
- Inclusions: English-speaking instructor, sushi roll (8 pieces), Nigiri sushi (8 pieces), can accommodate dietary restrictions
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the experience begins
We loved this sushi making experience because we finally got to learn how to make our favorite food and it was easy to do thanks to excellent instructors and a fun, laid-back environment. If you love sushi and want to learn how to make it for yourself long after you’ve left Japan, don’t hesitate to book this introductory course!
From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly and accommodating. I don’t have any food allergies, but if you do, they can easily switch out ingredients if you talk to them beforehand. We liked the group setting and had a lot of fun getting to know other travelers.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a chef, this is a great course to take. Instructions were clear and they had everything set up for a smooth experience. While it takes most chefs 10 years to become a sushi master, they had me feeling like I was one after 2 hours!
By the time you’ve finished making your sushi, you’ll have a beautiful display and plenty to eat. I opted to buy a sake sampler to go with mine and it was a great pairing! Come hungry because you make a total of 16 pieces.
I’d recommend this tour to anyone and it’s such an enjoyable cultural experience. And with over 1,000 5-star reviews and more than 12,000 people who’ve taken the class, it’s safe to say other people do too!
Check out recent reviews and book this popular sushi making tour here!
2. Private Home Cooking Experience
- Price: $94 USD for lunch or $139 USD for dinner
- Duration: 2 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Yanaka
- Highlights: Private tour, learn how to make sushi, bento boxes, teriyaki chicken, Japanese pancakes, gyoza, udon noodles, and more
- Inclusions: English-speaking instructor, enough food for a full meal, can accommodate dietary restrictions
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the experience begins
I loved that this private cooking class was so hands-on and had such a variety of food that we made. If you’ve been itching to mix up your meals back home, you can confidently book this experience. Or if you’re just wanting to eat a lot of good food, this is great for that too!
From the start, our host, Yuki-san, was welcoming and made us feel right at home. Well, this cooking class is in someone’s home so that helped too! Seriously though, it’s such a nice setting to learn how to make traditional Japanese food.
We made tons of different things over the time we were there, but what stayed the same between meals was how patient Yuki-san was with all of us learners. I really appreciated it! She was especially accommodating to people who had allergies or dietary restrictions.
Out of everything we cooked up, I think fileting fish, grilling teriyaki chicken, and making gyoza were my favorites. By the end of the cooking class, I was absolutely stuffed. I recommend bringing a pen and paper for taking notes on how to make different dishes.
After taking this cooking class, I can see why it sells out all the time. So if this is something that sounds like fun to you, book it sooner rather than later!
Grab your spot on this cooking class here so you don’t miss out!
3. Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class + Supermarket Tour
- Price: $120 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Arakawa City
- Highlights: Learn how to make ramen and gyoza with a local chef, supermarket tour
- Inclusions: English-speaking instructor, ingredients to make ramen and gyoza, enough food for a full meal, can accommodate dietary restrictions
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the experience begins
We both know how delicious ramen and gyoza are, so what better place to learn how to make it than Japan? This cooking class will have you making both like a pro, so if you’re ready to learn how to make it for yourself back home, this is a great experience to have while in Tokyo!
This class is great because it starts at 10 am and you can easily fit it into a day of exploring Tokyo. It also saves you from having to make a stop for lunch somewhere! You’ll be cooking at someone’s private studio, so the atmosphere is fun and welcoming. It’s a small group experience, so Yuca (the chef) is able to give great hands-on instruction and answer questions.
We started by visiting a local supermarket and our guide and chef, Yuca, talked about different ingredients and their importance. I really enjoyed that she did this since it gave some depth and understanding to the food we were going to make.
When we went there was another family who had younger kids and they did great at making their own food. I love that it’s an experience for any type of traveler regardless of skill level. Everyone’s food turned out amazing and we learned some tricks for making ramen and gyoza that will have everyone back home thinking we’re now master chefs.
Book this ramen making class here with free cancellation options!
Related Read: If you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, check out our favorite food tours in Tokyo that take you to restaurants you’d never find on your own!
4. Maki Sushi (Round Sushi) ＆ Temari Sushi Making Class
- Price: $58 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Asakusa
- Highlights: Learn how to make sushi rolls and Temari sushi with a local chef
- Inclusions: English-speaking instructor, ingredients to make a sushi roll and Temari sushi, enough food for a full meal, can accommodate dietary restrictions
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the experience begins
This cooking class made the list not just because we love sushi, but because it’s also affordable and fun! If you want to learn how to make one of the best dishes in the world without spending too much, this is a great cooking class to book.
What I loved about the beginning of this class was that they gave us the history of sushi and why it’s important to Japan. I’ll admit, in the many years I’ve been eating sushi I never once thought about its history so I found this aspect of the class super cool!
We made two different kinds of sushi, Maki and Temari. The sushi roll (Maki) is what most people are familiar with and Temari is a small, ball-shaped sushi that’s often made for celebrations. It’s not only colorful, but delicious as well! I can’t wait to make some to bring to a party back home.
The instructors were great and made the directions easy to follow. All of the ingredients were super fresh and made sushi especially delicious. And oh man was there a lot of it! I am a big fan of salmon so I loved that half of what I got to make was done using my favorite fish. Sake isn’t included, but I paid a little extra to get a sampler flight and have it with my meal.
Book this budget-friendly sushi class here!
5. Traditional Sweets & Tea ceremony
- Price: $60 USD
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Area of Tokyo: Harajuku neighborhood
- Highlights: Learn how to make the traditional Japanese treat Nerikiri, learn about the history of Nerikiri, traditional tea ceremony
- Inclusions: English-speaking instructor, ingredients to make 4 treats, coffee or tea
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the experience begins
We were so excited to put this sweet experience on the list because it’s incredibly unique and super fun. If you have a sweet tooth and want to learn how to make some seriously delicious traditional Japanese treats, this is the perfect class to do so.
I loved the first part of this class because our instructor (and historian) Hana taught us all about the history and significance of the treat called Nerikiri that we were about to make. It was created over 400 years ago during the Edo period in Japan, crazy!
We followed up learning about the Nerikiri with a traditional tea ceremony, one of my favorite things about Japan, and then got right into making our treats. Nerikiri is a sweetened white bean paste, some flour, and a few other ingredients you’ll learn about. You can form it into all sorts of fun shapes and decorate them which was a highlight of the class. You can pretty much make any kind of design you can think of!
Hands down this was some of the most fun we had at a cooking class in Japan. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience and how to make something few people do, this is something you won’t want to miss!
Book this tour here before it sells out!
Related Read: If you’re traveling outside of Tokyo, make sure to check out our list of all the best things to do in Sapporo!
Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan
Accommodation in Tokyo can be expensive – there’s no simple way to put it! However, there are a lot of great options in terms of quality, location, and amenities. To help narrow down your choices, I’ve picked out three fantastic stays for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget place to stay.
Luxury – $$$
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier is a luxury stay featuring rooms with balconies and city views. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, so you’re close to the trains and top sights, but it’s still a relaxing and quiet stay. The rooms are modern and spacious, and you can enjoy the onsite restaurant and gorgeous garden area.
Prices start around $250 USD per night and can be booked online here.
Mid-range – $$
OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka has a fabulous location in the Minato area, and close to the trains so you can get anywhere in the city easily. The hotel itself is very comfortable for a moderate price point, offering double or twin rooms with cozy sitting nooks in each room. There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores around the hotel, and you can walk to some of Tokyo’s top sights.
Rooms start around $150 USD on average. You can check prices and reserve this stay online in advance.
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a budget friendly stay, the Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Karin is your best bet. Located in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, you’ll be near top temples and activities and a short walk to the train station. The rooms are basic, but clean and provide a comfortable place to rest and you can get a private room or a dorm room. Private rooms start around $50 USD and a dorm is about $20 USD – not bad for Tokyo!
Check availability and book this budget stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Tokyo here!
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Well, I hope you’re hungry after reading all that – I know I am! The cooking classes we took in Tokyo were some of our favorite experiences and meals. I won’t say I’m a sushi master yet, but I’ll keep practicing! Any excuse to eat more sushi right?
If you’re after a memorable Japan trip, but don’t know where to start, let us help. Check out all our blogs on Tokyo here or browse around our site to learn about destinations all over Japan.
