Prices for cooking classes in Japan range from about $20 for a matcha workshop to more than $180 for sushi with a Michelin-starred chef. The good news: most of the best-rated classes sit in a reasonable $50โ100 bracket and include a full meal, which makes them cheaper than they look. Here is what you will actually pay, and how to pick the right class for you.
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Prices by type of class (2026)
| Class | Typical price | Example | Example price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matcha & mochi workshop | $20โ50 | Matcha & mochi in Asakusa | from โย $21 |
| Easy ramen (assembly) | $29โ40 | Kabukicho ramen experience | from โย $29 |
| Sushi class | $30โ100 | Pre-opening sushi class, Kyoto | from โย $30 |
| Sushi class (popular) | $60โ85 | Asakusa roll & authentic sushi | from โย $82 |
| Takoyaki / okonomiyaki | $55โ70 | Sake & takoyaki, Osaka | from โย $69 |
| Ramen + gyoza | $70โ100 | Ramen & gyoza in Dotonbori | from โย $69 |
| Washoku / bento | $60โ120 | Washoku bento, Kyoto | from โย $60 |
| Ramen from scratch | $100โ125 | Ramen factory, Kyoto | from โย $125 |
| Premium chef | $125โ185 | Michelin-starred sushi chef, Tokyo | from โย $182 |
Prices are per person, for adults; children usually pay the same price or slightly less. EUR prices on this site are converted from USD and rounded โ GetYourGuide shows the exact amount in your currency.
Prices by city
- Tokyo: the widest range, from $20 to $185. Sushi classes average $60โ85. See Tokyo classes.
- Kyoto: small-group washoku $60โ70, ramen $70โ125, sushi from $30. See Kyoto classes.
- Osaka: the cheapest overall โ sushi from about $44, most classes $45โ100. See Osaka classes.
- Regional cities: $50โ125, with fewer slots. See other cities.
Is it worth it?
A sushi lunch of the same quality in a Tokyo restaurant easily costs $30โ60. A $70 class gives you that meal plus two hours of activity, a skill and recipes. For families, a class is often cheaper than a restaurant meal plus a separate activity. Where classes are poor value: very short ยซย experiencesย ยป where the chef does everything and you only assemble โ read the description carefully.
How to choose the right class: 8 criteria
- Hands-on vs demonstration: look for ยซย you will makeย ยป rather than ยซย you will seeย ยป.
- Rating and number of reviews: 4.8+ with 100+ reviews is a safe bet.
- Group size: under 10 people is ideal; private classes exist for families.
- Language: English is standard; check the language list for others.
- Dietary needs: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal options exist but must be requested when booking. Allergies (shellfish, sesame, buckwheat, wheat) must be declared in advance.
- Kids: check the minimum age; sushi, takoyaki and mochi are the most child-friendly.
- Location and time: pick a class near your hotel or your sightseeing that day.
- Cancellation: most classes offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before โ useful with Japan’s typhoon season and changing plans.
Quiz: which Japanese cooking class is right for you?
Three quick questions, one personalised recommendation (with a class you can book).
Answer the 3 questions to see your match.
Your match: a sushi-making class ๐ฃ
Short, fun and photogenic: you learn to season rice, shape nigiri and roll maki, then eat everything you made. Perfect for a first class and for kids. Read our guide โ
๐ Roll and Authentic Sushi Making Class in Asakusa โ 4.9โ ยท 2,307 reviews, from โย $82
Your match: a ramen class ๐
You will make the broth, tare and noodles (or at least see how they are made) and leave with a recipe you can actually reproduce at home. The most satisfying class for food lovers. Read our guide โ
๐ Shibuya Ramen Class: Make Tonkotsu, Shoyu & Miso โ 4.9โ ยท 560 reviews, from โย $79
Your match: a washoku / home-cooking class ๐ฑ
Miso soup, dashi, rolled omelette, seasonal side dishes: a calm class, often in a small group or a localโs home, that teaches the real basics of Japanese cooking. Read our guide โ
๐ Small-Group Washoku Bento Cooking Class (4 dishes) โ 4.9โ ยท 481 reviews, from โย $60
Your match: a street-food class ๐
Takoyaki, okonomiyaki and gyoza are loud, messy and great fun โ the most sociable class, ideal with friends and usually with a drink. Read our guide โ
๐ Sake Tasting & Hands-On Takoyaki Cooking Class โ 5.0โ ยท 216 reviews, from โย $69
Your match: a food tour rather than a class ๐ฎ
You would rather taste 10โ15 dishes in hidden bars and stalls than cook one. A guided food tour is the best first-night activity in a new city. Read our guide โ
๐ Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes and 4 Eateries) โ 4.9โ ยท 3,907 reviews, from โย $104
Hidden extras to expect
- Drinks: tea is usually included; beer and sake sometimes extra.
- Transport: a metro ride is typically ยฅ200โ300 each way.
- Market purchases: on market tours, extra snacks are at your expense.
- Tipping: not expected in Japan โ a sincere ยซย gochisลsama deshitaย ยป is better.
- โ Pros
- Meal included โ often replaces lunch or dinner
- Free cancellation on most classes
- Clear prices, no surprises at the end
- Classes for every budget
- โ Cons
- Premium classes cost $125+ per person
- Some cheap classes are mostly demonstrations
- Children often pay full price
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooking class in Japan cost?
About $20โ50 for a one-hour workshop, $45โ100 for a standard class with a meal and $125โ185 for premium classes with professional chefs.
What is included in the price?
Ingredients, apron and equipment, the meal you prepare, and usually the recipes. Tea is often included; alcohol depends on the class.
Which is the cheapest city for a cooking class?
Osaka, where good sushi classes start around $44 and most classes cost $45โ100.
Do children pay less?
Sometimes, but many classes charge the same price for children because they get the same ingredients and meal.
Do I need to tip the teacher?
No. Tipping is not customary in Japan. A warm thank-you and a good review are appreciated.
Are there halal or vegan cooking classes in Japan?
Yes, especially in Kyoto and Osaka (vegan sushi, gluten-free ramen). Halal requests are possible with some hosts โ always message them before booking.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices and ratings are indicative (checked November 2026) โ the live price on the booking page always prevails.