Osaka: Matcha Making Class & Japanese Sweets Near Dotonbori

Summary

Osaka matcha class with sweets hands-on near Dotonbori food streets

You’ll step into a calm corner of Osaka for hands-on matcha making with an English-speaking local guide, taste two kinds of traditional Japanese sweets (one floral-shaped), and share laughter over imperfect Japanese phrases. It’s slow-paced, personal, and leaves you with more than just new flavors—maybe even a little peace you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always wanted to try real matcha in Japan, but I didn’t expect to feel so… quiet inside. The class was tucked into a side street not far from Dotonbori — you could still hear the city’s hum outside, but inside it felt like time slowed down. Our guide, Keiko, greeted us with this gentle bow and a smile that made me relax right away (I was nervous about spilling hot tea everywhere). She spoke English clearly but sometimes slipped in Japanese words — “natsukashii,” she said when talking about her childhood sweets. I tried repeating it; she laughed, probably because my accent was hopeless.

We started by whisking the matcha powder ourselves. The bowl felt cool and smooth in my hands, and the smell — kind of grassy but richer — surprised me. Keiko showed us how to move the bamboo whisk just right. It’s trickier than it looks! My arm got tired faster than I’d admit. When we tasted the tea with our first sweet (a soft mochi dusted with something sweet-salty), I actually closed my eyes for a second. Maybe cheesy, but I wanted to remember it exactly like that.

The second sweet was shaped like a tiny flower — almost too pretty to eat. Someone in our group asked if we could buy them outside; Keiko shook her head and said these were made just for this class in Osaka. There was a little pause while we all tried to say thank you in Japanese together (“arigatou gozaimasu”) — pretty sure we butchered it as a group, but nobody minded. I liked that the pace wasn’t rushed; there was time to ask questions or just sit quietly if you wanted.

I still think about that moment after we finished, when everyone sat back and just let out this collective sigh — maybe from the sugar or maybe from feeling oddly peaceful in the middle of Osaka’s noise. If you’re curious about matcha making or want something gentle between all the food stalls and neon lights, this is worth slipping into your day trip plan from central Osaka.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Matcha making and sweets tasting

• Arrive at Matcha Making Osaka
• Meet friendly local staff
• Learn about Japanese matcha culture
• Make authentic matcha tea
• Taste two types of traditional sweets
• Enjoy the experience and take memories

Top questions

Is this matcha making class in Osaka taught in English?

Yes, the instructor guides guests in English during the class.

Where is the matcha making class located?

The class is near Dotonbori in central Osaka.

Are Japanese sweets included in the experience?

Yes, you’ll taste two types of traditional Japanese sweets along with your matcha.

Do I need any prior experience to join?

No experience is needed—beginners are welcome.

Is pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup is included; public transport options are nearby.

Can infants attend the class?

Infants can attend if they sit on an adult’s lap during the session.

Are service animals allowed at this activity?

Yes, service animals are permitted at the venue.

What’s included

Your session includes all ingredients for making matcha tea by hand, two kinds of traditional Japanese sweets crafted specially for your group, and guidance throughout from an English-speaking local instructor—right near lively Dotonbori so you can easily fit it into your Osaka day trip plans.