13 Best Cooking Classes in Osaka for 2024

If you haven’t tried Osaka cuisine, then you haven’t eaten in one of the richest culinary regions of Japan.

The Kansai region, on the main island of Honshu, includes some of the most famous cities in Japan, including Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, and the third most populous city in the country, Osaka. The region is known for its proud culinary heritage and unique way of preparing some of Japan’s favorite dishes earning the nickname ‘Japan’s kitchen’.

If you’re planning to visit the city, then getting stuck into the food culture with a local cooking classes in Osaka is a must-do experience. Learn how to cook three different kinds of ramen, Japan’s most popular dish, or discover how to make crispy and juicy gyoza dumplings. Discover the art of preparing sushi, the delicate process of making a beautiful bento box, or the famous Kansai-style okonomiyaki.

Osaka has so many culinary experiences to offer, from local favorites like takoyaki (deep-fried octopus balls) and traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) to home-cooked meals with a local. One thing is certain, if you leave Osaka with an empty stomach, you haven’t done the city right!

First time in Osaka? Check out my Ultimate 1-day Osaka itinerary for first-time visitors. Or, if you’re looking for somewhere special to stay, try these 15 best Osaka ryokan with private onsen.

13 Best Cooking Classes in Osaka for 2023

1. Osaka Cooking Class

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes | Meet Point: Fukushima Ward | View on Viator

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Learn how to cook the Japanese way with real okonommiyaki, and a rich variety of other soup, side, and dessert dishes from a teacher with over five years of experience teaching Japanese cuisine to students from around the world.

You will meet your instructor outside of Nodahanshin station and from there you will be guided to youg guide’s kitchen. You will be shown how to make some of the country’s most famous dishes, including takoyaki and a variety of side and dessert dishes.

When your class is complete, you’ll have the recipes to take home and try for yourself.

“Yayo is so sweet and is a great cooking instructor. All the food we made was delicious and we will always cherish the memories!”

– ALEXANDER (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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2. Three Types of Ramen Cooking Class

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes (approx.) | Meet Point: Nishi Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the Three Types of Ramen Cooking Class

Japan is known for its many different kinds of ramen. This simple noodle dish with its roots in China, has become a Japanese cultural icon since becoming popular in Yokohama in the 20^th century. Served in a broth with a range of different toppings, there are countless flavors throughout Japan to try.

Learn some Japanese cooking skills on your trip with a cooking class where you will make and eat three different kinds of ramen, which will include salt ramen with pork, soy sauce with vegetables, and miso ramen with chicken and eggs.

Your teacher will guide you through the process of making each style before finishing with a Japanese dessert.

“We had so much fun learning to make ramen from scratch with Fumi! She was an entertaining, patient, and kind teacher.”

– CAITHLIN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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3. Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes (approx.) | Meet Point: Kita Ward | View on byFood

Check prices and availability for the Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience

No visit to Osaka is complete without a taste of okonomiyaki. This savory pancake consisting of wheat flour batter, cabbage, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and often meat or seafood, is famous in the Kansai region of Japan where they make their own distinctive style.

Make the most of your time in Japan’s city of soul food with this cooking class where you will learn how to cook it Osaka-style.

Your licensed and experienced chef will show you how it’s made, along with miso soup, several side dishes, and a dessert to finish off your meal. When your class is finished, you’ll leave with a full belly and the recipes to take home.

“Keiko is lovely and explains everything really well. We got to prepare our own Okonomiyaki and then sat down together to eat, along with tea and sweets.”

– DINA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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4. Authentic Sushi-Making Class

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes (approx.) | Meet Point: Nishi Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the Authentic Sushi-Making Class

Sushi is the food perhaps most associated with Japan around the world. It is simple, delicious, convenient, fast, and with so many varieties, it’s incredibly popular in many cultures and countries. But did you know that professional sushi chefs can train for up to ten years before commanding a sushi counter of their own?

In a restaurant in Osaka, under the guidance of your instructor, you will get hands-on experience learning the delicate process of making three different kinds of sushi, and other Japanese dishes such as a traditional broth called dashi, egg rolls, and miso soup and vegetables, followed by a secret dessert.

“Fumi was a fantastic teacher who involved every person in the group and was extremely informative. She has amazing attention to detail and made everyone a successful chef for the night.”

– ALEXANDRA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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5. Ramen and Two Types of Gyoza Cooking Class

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes | Meet Point: Kita Ward | View on byFood

Check prices and availability for the Ramen and Two Types of Gyoza Cooking Class

Ramen is perhaps Japan’s most popular dish, there are so many different types that it is a matter of personal preference. In this class, you’ll learn how to make one of the most popular flavors, miso ramen, along with two different flavors of a famous Japanese staple side dish gyoza.

Gyoza are flavorful pan-fried dumplings that are usually made with pork but can also come with other ingredients such as prawns or vegetables. Be sure to let your teacher know your preference.

As you prepare your meal, you will also learn about Japan’s rich cultural history surrounding its food, before ending the class with dessert.

“This was a really fun class! The instructor had fantastic English. The class was well organized; she took her time explaining each step.”

– 870VIDYAP (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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6. Home Cooking Lesson with Japanese Mother

Duration: 3hrs (approx.) | Meet Point: Kawanishi City | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the Home Cooking Lesson with Japanese Mother

Nothing beats a home-cooked meal, and the same is true even if you’re on vacation. So why not try the most unique and wholesome cooking experience you’ll ever have?

Spend time in the home of a local Osaka resident as she prepares and shows you how to make a traditional home-cooked meal. Choose from teriyaki chicken with vegetables, Japanese dashi roll, and miso soup. Or perhaps a bento box, okonomiyaki with sides, or gyoza with sides. After, your host will give you the recipes to take home.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through local cuisine and get a taste of local life in this private experience.

“Had a wonderful evening cooking with Yoshiko! She’s very warm and welcoming, and as a foreigner on a holiday, it was nice to feel welcomed into a Japanese home!”

– MAVERIC (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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7. Traditional Bento-Making Class

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes | Meet Point: Nishi Ward | View on byFood

Check prices and availability for the Traditional Bento-Making Class

A bento is a Japanese single-portion packed meal, commonly eaten for lunch or dinner. Many Asian countries have different styles, but in Japan, they usually come with rice or noodles, fish, meat, and vegetables. Each food item is carefully prepared into separate segments to avoid the different flavors mixing.

In this two-and-a-half-hour class, you’ll be shown various tips and traditional techniques for cooking and preparing your bento. This includes grilling fish, rolling an omelet, deep-frying shrimp, and the technique of making onigiri rice balls.

The class uses many different ingredients such as beef and prawn. Vegan or vegetarian options can be requested in advance.

“Everything that I learned in the class I think I can see myself making again at home! Fumi was great. She seemed to really enjoy teaching us, giving close instruction.”

– FRANKIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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8. In-house Japanese Cooking Lesson with a Culinary Expert

Duration: 3hrs | Meet Point: Kita Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the In-house Japanese Cooking Lesson

In this hands-on cooking lesson, you’ll meet Yoko, your instructor, at a nearby train station where she will give you a tour of her local neighborhood before inviting you into her home to show you how to prepare up to five different Japanese dishes.

As you learn the recipes and techniques for each dish, you’ll also learn the role various food items play in Japanese cooking, such as why and how seaweed and dried fish are used in different ways.

Some of the dishes include a tofu-based salad called shira ae, miso soup, rolled sushi, okonomiyaki, karaage (fried chicken), and sake, with green tea ice cream to complete your meal.

“Yoko was both so good at her craft, and so welcoming and fun! The evening was well-planned but also felt very spontaneous as she really welcomed us into her home. She went above and beyond for our experience.”

– BELLE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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9. Tempura Cooking Class

Duration: 2hrs | Meet Point: Nishi Ward | View on byFood

Check prices and availability for the Tempura Cooking Class

This famous Japanese dish that consists of deep-frying meat, seafood, or vegetables in a light batter has been enjoyed in Japan for more than 300 years. Its light crispiness, flavor, and versatility are reasons why it is still one of Japan’s most popular dishes today.

In this class, you will learn how to cook vegetables, seafood, and mixed tempura. Your teacher will show you the secrets behind creating tasty high-quality tempura that can be enjoyed alongside other Japanese staples such as tofu, miso soup, or steamed rice.

Visitors with vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets can also enjoy this uniquely Japanese dish.

“The cooking class identified some subtleties of food preparation for making tempura. The items Fumi selected were interesting, especially the shrimp preparation.”

– NANA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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10. Takoyaki DIY Cooking Class

Duration: 1hr | Meet Point: Chuo Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the Takoyaki DIY Cooking Class

If you’re visiting Osaka and intend to try the local foods, then you’ll have no excuse not to try takoyaki. This ball-shaped snack made of flour and diced octopus chunks cooked in a specially made pan and covered in Takoyaki sauce, is delicious. One bite of this famous Osakan street food and you’ll see why it has remained so popular over the last 90 years since its creation.

In this class, you’ll be given the tools, ingredients, and instructions to cook up to 20 balls of takoyaki like a real Osakan in a relaxing bar, surrounded by good company, karaoke, and drinks.

“Fantastic experience while on our honeymoon in Japan. Laid-back bar with friendly locals and people traveling. Our host spoke excellent English and we enjoyed the experience from start to finish. Highly recommend.”

– REVIEWER (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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11. Miso Making Workshop

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes | Meet Point: Kita Ward | View on byFood

Check prices and availability for the Miso Making Workshop

This traditional Japanese seasoning is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and other ingredients. It is incredibly diverse and popularly used for sauce, pickling meats, or vegetables, and of course, it is mixed with stock to make a soup. Few foods in Japanese culture are as diverse as miso.

This workshop will teach you about how this popular dish is created, commonly used, and served in different types of dishes. You’ll learn how to make miso from scratch, about the fermentation process, and have a chance to taste test the different types (white, red, and barley).

When you are finished, enjoy some handmade miso sweets and green tea.

“We really enjoyed the miso workshop. Out host was very hospitable, and we had a lovely time. She explained everything really well, not just the recipe but also the culinary and cultural background.”

– GUUSJE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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12. Japanese Sweets Making Class

Duration: 2hrs | Meet Point: Nishi Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the Japanese Sweets Making Class

Many handmade sweets you see throughout Japan known as wagashi have been enjoyed for hundreds of years, well before sugar was made widely available. They were made using natural ingredients such as beans, rice, and fruits, and flavorings like matcha and other plant ingredients.  

In this small group class, you will learn about the history of some of Japan’s popular sweet treats and, using Neriki as a base, a soft chewy substance sweetened with bean paste, you will prepare and customize some seasonal sweets of your own.

When you are finished you’ll get to enjoy your handmade sweets with a cup of matcha tea.

“We had a great time learning how to make our Japanese sweets. The class was very organized and easy to follow. We got a great appreciation for the time, effort, and skill that is needed to make these.”

– DAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

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13. Colorful Maki Sushi Making Class

Duration: 2hrs 30 minutes | Meet Point: Kita Ward | View on byFood

Check prices and availability for the Colorful Maki Sushi Making Class

Maki sushi is a type of sushi that is stuffed with chopped ingredients such as vegetables, raw fish, and salads, rolled and wrapped in nori (dried edible seaweed).

In this class, you’ll join your instructor in her kitchen to learn how to make maki sushi, along with miso soup and several accompanying side dishes. As you learn the rolling technique from where maki sushi gets its name, your teacher will also share with you her insights into Japanese cooking and culture.

Along with the sushi, you will learn how several side dishes are prepared, such as tamagoyaki, miso soup, and a mystery dessert to complete your meal.

Check prices and availability for the Colorful Maki Sushi Making Class

Looking for more things to do in Osaka? Why not take a food tour to find all those hidden gems you won’t read about online or transport yourself to another era with a magical kimono rental experience.