9 Japanese Cooking Classes That Pour Sake

1.Ramen and Sushi Cooking Class with Sake Pairing Set in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · from $79Our pick

At a small cooking studio in Tokyo’s Tsukishima district, you’ll prepare sushi, build ramen broth from scratch, and taste selected sake with guidance from instructors such as Sato, Ryushi, Alex, Taka, and Kaori. The three-hour class includes ingredients, the meal, and drinks, with groups limited to eight.

“What a personal sushi/ramen making class. There were only two others with my husband and I. The chef was charming and made everyone feel at ease. We made and ate our own sushi and the pork belly in the ramen was delicious. You will not go away hungry!”

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2.Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki Cooking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Meet Momo at MOMO to SAKE near Osaka Namba for a hands-on takoyaki class and guided sake tasting. You will cook octopus balls with fillings such as wagyu beef, cheese, kimchi, and corn, then taste a seasonal selection of more than 10 Japanese sakes. Momo, a sake sommelier and former brewer, explains sake in clear English and Japanese.

“Momo, this was one of the best experiences we had during our trip to Japan, thank you so much. A wonderful experience in a friendly atmosphere, Momo's knowledge of sake was very high, and the cooking together was unforgettable. I definitely recommend it to everyone. A fantastic experience. Dorota”

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3.Osaka Sake Tasting & Takoyaki Cooking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · from $72

At MOMO to SAKE in Osaka’s Higashishinsaibashi district, Momoko guides you through sake history, production, labels, and tasting before teaching you to make takoyaki. You’ll cook with octopus, wagyu, cheese, and other fillings, then eat your food with your chosen sake. Classes run in the afternoon and evening for up to six people.

“Had a great making the Takoyaki and tasting and learning about sake. Very knowledgeable about sake!! Everyone in the group had a great time and would 100% recommend!”

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4.Sushi and Ramen Cooking Class with Sake Pairing Set

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 3 hours · from $129

At a cozy Tsukishima kitchen, English-speaking instructors such as Sato, Haruko, Risa, and Alex guide you through ramen broth, chashu pork, and nigiri sushi. You will also taste three Japanese sakes, learn food traditions, and take home recipes and chopsticks. The three-hour class has room for up to eight people.

“I had an amazing afternoon at this class, the guides made the experience so enjoyable and fun!”

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5.Osaka Cooking Class and Sake Tasting with Local Supermarket Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · from $92

Spend about four hours cooking niku-sui, okonomiyaki, and gyoza with a local guide in Osaka. You’ll first shop for ingredients at a neighborhood supermarket, then learn simple techniques in a hands-on studio class. Guides such as Yuka and Mari offer step-by-step help, followed by sake, beer, or soft drinks with your meal.

“Mari was so great explaining what to shop for when making the different recipes. It was a hands on experience for everyone and the food turned out delicious!! We enjoyed the saki tasting too! It was fun and memorable experience!!”

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6.Sushi Cooking Class with Sake Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 55 reviews · from $112

Meet your English-speaking guide near Iriya Station, shop for fresh ingredients, and cook sushi, miso soup, eggplant dengaku, and dashimaki tamago in a professional kitchen. You will eat your meal with four sake tastings, receive recipes, and finish near Asakusa and Kappabashi. A playroom helps make this a practical family option.

“Tiger was great! It was so much fun and we learned lots about the Japanese culture and cuisine. You need to do this class if you are visiting Tokyo!”

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7.Tokyo Sushi Making Class : Sake Ceremony & Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $45Best value

In Asakusa, you’ll open a sake barrel with a group chant, learn nigiri and roll-making, torch salmon mayo gunkan, and whisk matcha. The 90-minute class costs $45.77, welcomes beginners, includes 6 to 12 sushi pieces, and ends where it begins.

“What a brilliant experience! The instructor was so fun, welcoming and knowledgeable. Completely exceeded my expectations. It was an amazing, relaxing and special activity to do. Thank you for going above and beyond for me!”

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8.Cooking Class & Sake Tasting with Local Market Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 31 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Meet your English-speaking guide near Minami Morimachi Station and shop for ingredients at a local supermarket before cooking niku-sui, okonomiyaki, and gyoza. Guides such as Chie, Eri, Emi, Akko, Ayu, and Linda lead the relaxed class. You’ll eat lunch, enjoy three canned drinks, receive recipes and photos, and leave with dishes you can make at home.

“My adult daughter and myself did this activity on our last day in Osaka. Emi, our host was great. She took us to a supermarket, where she purchased what we would be needing to make all our meals. She talked us through the correct method of making the three items, a beef soup, okonomiyaki and gyoza. So much food, it was all really yummy! Emi was lots of fun and also could answer any general questions we had. I would highly recommend this activity, all levels of experience.”

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9.Japanese Sake Tasting & Wagyu Sukiyaki Cooking Class in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $129

In a Tokyo kitchen studio, expert instructor Hiromi leads a sake tasting with food pairings before you prepare Wagyu sukiyaki. Compare sake chilled, at room temperature, and warm, then watch a professional vegetable-cutting demonstration while your hot pot cooks. The two-hour class ends with lunch, a participation certificate, and 10% off the same-day shop.

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