Tokyo is known for having some of the best food in the world, ranging from high-end omakase sushi to humble stalls selling snacks during summer festivals. But, why settle on just savoring them when you can learn how to create them too?
Imagine mastering the art of wagashi (traditional sweets), perfecting your sushi-molding skills or frying your own tempura under the guidance of a world-class chef. And sometimes, you just don’t want to share the experience with anyone but your nearest and dearest.
Thankfully, the city boasts some of the best private cooking classes, led by talented hosts who are eager to pass on their knowledge. As long as the desire to learn is there, these top-notch courses provide you with new skills and memories to take home.
Hungry for new experiences? Check out our favorite private cooking classes in Tokyo.
What are private cooking classes?
A private cooking class means the experience is reserved exclusively for you and your group. While some cooking classes welcome solo travelers, you'll often be joined by other participants who have also registered. Private classes ensure that you won't be sharing the experience with strangers, making it a more personalized and intimate experience.
A private cooking class is great because the moment is entirely yours, so it allows you to share the fun with people you know and the host can give you their full attention.
Note: Some private classes require a minimum of two participants.
Best private cooking classes in Tokyo
1. Private Tokyo sushi-making class at 100-year-old sushi bar
Would it be a Tokyo cooking class roundup without a sushi course? This is a 1.5-hour private class in Tokyo where you’ll visit a 100-year-old sushi shop and learn firsthand how to make five types of sushi, including nigiri and tamagoyaki sushi, from sushi master Kazuki — yes, the actual president of Sushi Bar Yachiyo himself.
He will teach you the art of forming sushi using two main techniques: “kotegaeshi” and “tategaeshi.” The best part? You'll have time to enjoy your sushi creations and take home practical skills that you can use in your own kitchen.
Book this Tokyo sushi-making class!
2. Private Tsukiji Market tour and sushi-making class
One of the world’s most famous fish markets, the Tsukiji Market area has remained popular even after the inner part of the market moved to Toyosu in 2018. In this private experience, you’ll tour the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market led by a knowledgeable guide in search of fresh ingredients for sushi.
The host, Kenji, is a sushi-making instructor with over a decade of experience sharing his love of sushi. You’ll head to the serene Heiwajima area for a private sushi-making class where you’ll learn to use sushi knives to filet fish and shape the nigiri. No experience is complete without a few photos to commemorate.
Book this private Tsukiji Market tour and sushi-making class!
3. Homemade udon and traditional calligraphy class in Tokyo
Did you know that making udon, Japan’s beloved thick noodles made from wheat flour, is a labor of love — literally? Though it might seem like typical fast food, the process is surprisingly physical, requiring you to knead and stomp the dough. You’ll get to learn all these techniques, guided by a licensed dietician and expert calligrapher.
While waiting for the udon noodle dough to rest, you’ll have the opportunity to learn traditional Japanese calligraphy. Once the dough is ready, the instructor guides you through cutting the homemade noodles with a special knife. Finally, you'll enjoy your freshly made udon after briefly boiling it to perfection, and you’ll also get the recipe to recreate udon at home.
Book this private homemade udon and calligraphy class!
4. Private Mochi Sweets Making Class in Setagaya (Tokyo)
Japanese mochi (sweet glutinous rice cake) is almost too pretty to eat. Located in Setagaya, just a 15-minute train ride from Shibuya, this private cooking class is led by Sakura, a certified wagashi instructor. In her house, she’ll guide you in making two kinds of mochi: strawberry daifuku (mochi with red bean paste and strawberry) and hanami dango (tricolored sweet dumplings).
Once your treats are ready, you'll style and plate them before enjoying them in the host’s tatami tea room. If you find yourself struggling or needing a moral boost, don't worry — Choco, her adorable toy poodle, is there to save the day.
Book this private mochi sweets-making class!
5. Yakitori-making class with a professional chef in Shinjuku
In Shinjuku, yakitori (Japanese chicken skewers) lovers can learn the basics at a culinary school led by a veteran yakitori master. This class covers everything from understanding the different chicken parts to assembling and grilling the skewers — often a tricky task that requires years of training.
At the end of the class, you'll enjoy the skewers you've prepared; two smothered in tare sauce and two seasoned with salt. Plus, learning in a kitchen with professional tools means you'll acquire applicable skills that extend beyond just making skewers.
Book this yakitori-making class in Shinjuku!
6. Private Japanese miso-making workshop near Tokyo Tower
Your miso-making journey begins at Amazake Cafe Kome Dreaming, a modern little cafe tucked in the upbeat district of Minato, only a few minutes from Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple. Begin by sampling a variety of popular miso types while gaining insights into the art of fermentation.
Guided by a knowledgeable host, you'll then blend mashed soybeans with koji to create your own batch of miso. You’ll take home 700 grams of the miso you crafted yourself, perfect for using with your next culinary creations.
Book a private Japanese miso-making workshop near Tokyo Tower!
7. Healthy Japanese home cooking class in Setagaya, Tokyo
Learning the basics of home cooking can be daunting — learning healthy Japanese home cooking is even more so. Luckily, this is a cozy cooking class in Setagaya, led by Yuka. Specializing in gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian cuisine, she uses natural, pesticide-free ingredients and shares tips on ingredient substitutions.
You’ll prepare Japanese comfort foods like a plant-based rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), miso soup, clay pot-cooked rice balls and dessert — perfect for health-conscious folks.
Book a healthy Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo!
8. Private gyoza cooking class and local market tour in Tokyo
Making gyoza is always fun — there's a special team-building element in standing around a table, assembling dumpling wrappers with flavorful fillings while chatting away. This private gyoza-making class proves exactly that. You’ll begin by visiting a local supermarket to familiarize yourself with Japanese ingredients.
Under expert guidance, master the art of kneading gyoza dough, filling and shaping dumplings, and frying them to crispy perfection. In addition to crafting pan-fried gyoza dumplings, you'll learn to make rolled omelets and fruit-filled daifuku mochi.
Book this private gyoza cooking class and local market tour!
9. Private Tokyo miso ramen cooking class and market tour
Wife, mother and seasoned hotel concierge, Junko, invites you into her home to craft authentic homemade miso ramen. You begin with a visit to a local Japanese grocery store, followed by an immersive session in Junko's kitchen.
Once you have your ingredients, you'll learn to make ramen noodles from scratch, mastering the traditional kneading technique and using a specialized ramen knife for cutting. The highlight is assembling your ramen bowls, featuring a flavorful miso broth enhanced with chili sauce and topped with a perfectly soft-boiled egg
Book this miso ramen cooking class and local market tour!
10. Make tempura with a world-famous chef in Tokyo
They say to master something authentic, go straight to the source. For tempura, look no further than Chef Shimura Koichiro, the second-generation chef of high-end tempura joint, Tempura Ono. Follow Chef Shimura as he walks you through tempura cooking basics, from how to hold the knife to preparing shrimp simply and swiftly.
You’ll learn traditional techniques and cuts that draw out flavors of the ingredients. There are no secrets here — Shimura walks you through his entire cooking process, sharing his contagious love for tempura in this enthusiastic, private cooking class.
Book this private tempura cooking class in Tokyo!
11. Vegan shojin ryori Buddhist cuisine cooking class in Tokyo
Ever heard of shojin ryori, a vegetarian Buddhist Japanese food? Take this casual cooking class hosted by Yuka in Setagaya, Tokyo, where you’ll transform seasonal, vegan & gluten-free ingredients into a fresh and delicious meal.
You'll learn to prepare specialties such as grilled tofu, lotus slices, nourishing soup and a refreshing vegetable salad. The host can also make this class halal-friendly by not using alcohol in the ingredients.
Book a vegan Buddhist cuisine cooking class in Tokyo!
12. Customizable vegetarian washoku home cooking class
Washoku is a traditional Japanese meal usually consisting of a soup, a main dish, sides and a rice bowl — a combination known as ichiju-sansai. In this Setagaya home cooking class, you will learn to make a delicious vegetarian washoku meal using seasonal ingredients.
Tomokita, your host, can adapt to your dietary restrictions and preferences when crafting the menu. Having spent a decade in Thailand and five years in Mexico, Tomokita gathered from diverse influences to inspire her culinary expertise. After cooking and enjoying your delicious homemade meal with drinks, you’ll also receive a special keepsake to take home.
Book a private vegetarian cooking class in Tokyo!
13. Private nerikiri wagashi class in Tokyo
With the careful guidance of a certified wagashi expert, you can learn how to make nerikiri wagashi, or, as we like to call it, edible art, in a cozy Tokyo home near Kanda River. This sweet is made by kneading and mixing white bean paste with glutinous rice flour, often served at tea ceremonies.
You'll learn to shape the dough into intricate seasonal motifs, mastering techniques passed down through generations. Cap off your experience by savoring your creation with a freshly brewed cup of matcha.
Book a private nerikiri wagashi class in Setagaya, Tokyo!
Still searching for the perfect private cooking class in Tokyo? Explore our full list of private Tokyo cooking classes and pick up a few new skills while traveling in Japan.
Private cooking classes in Tokyo FAQs
What does "private" mean in the context of cooking classes?
Private cooking classes in Tokyo are cooking courses reserved exclusively for you or your group. You can receive one-on-one or small group instruction from a professional chef or knowledgeable host, typically in a private setting such as a home or specialized cooking studio.
Do cooking classes in Tokyo cater to halal dietary requirements?
Yes, many cooking classes in Tokyo can accommodate halal dietary requirements. Hosts can adjust recipes to exclude alcohol and ensure ingredients are halal-friendly.
Are there gluten-free cooking classes available in Tokyo?
Tokyo offers cooking classes that focus on gluten-free cuisine. These classes use alternatives to wheat-based products.
Can I find vegetarian cooking classes in Tokyo?
Yes, there are numerous vegetarian cooking classes available in Tokyo. These classes highlight the diversity of Japanese vegetarian cuisine, utilizing fresh vegetables, tofu, seaweed and other plant-based ingredients to craft flavorful dishes.
How can I request specific dietary accommodations for a private cooking class?
When booking a private cooking class in Tokyo, you can contact the host to let them know about your dietary restrictions. Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or require halal options, some instructors are willing to adjust menus and ingredients accordingly to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable cooking experience in Tokyo.
