Private Japanese Cooking Class in Osaka with Yoko

Cook three dishes from scratch in a local Osaka home, not a commercial kitchen

A private cooking class in Osaka where you learn authentic Japanese techniques and cook three dishes from scratch with Yoko, a local culinary expert who trained at an Osaka institute. After meeting at Minami-Morimachi station, you'll tour her neighborhood near Osaka Castle, then move to her home to prepare rolled sushi or okonomiyaki, shira ae, and sunomono while Yoko guides you through Japanese flavors and key ingredients. The class includes sake tasting and a homecooked meal.

The experience

You meet Yoko at Minami-Morimachi station, and she walks you through her neighborhood near Osaka Castle before heading to her apartment. Once inside, you'll slip off your shoes, a core part of Japanese culture, and settle in for the class. Yoko starts by teaching you the five different tastes and introducing the key ingredients you'll use: seaweed, dried fish, and others that anchor Japanese cooking. This foundation matters because it shapes everything you cook next.

The 1.5-hour hands-on portion is split between demonstration and your own work. Yoko preps certain elements, then hands you the knife and the cutting board for the rest. You'll make three dishes from scratch: rolled sushi or okonomiyaki, shira ae (a tofu-based vegetable salad), and sunomono (pickled cucumber and seaweed), and she'll walk you through each step, explaining her techniques and sharing the cooking tips she learned from her mother. You can ask her about Japanese cooking styles and regional variations as you work.

After cooking, you sit down to eat the meal you made, paired with sake tasting. The class wraps up in three hours total. If you have dietary needs or want to cook specific dishes instead of Yoko's standard menu, let the operator know at least a week ahead. Otherwise she'll choose the menu for you. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.

What’s included

• Pickup from Minami-Morimachi station.
• private home cooking class with Yoko.
• instruction in Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients.
• three dishes cooked from scratch.
• homecooked meal.
• sake tasting.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cooking and lunchGuide in English or Japanese · 11:00

Cooking and dinnerGuide in English or Japanese · 18:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 18:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Traveling Spoon

Is this one for you?This is a private class in a local home, not a commercial kitchen, so you get one-on-one instruction tailored to your pace and questions, and you eat what you cook the same day. Book lunch or dinner depending on which meal time suits your schedule in Osaka.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What dishes do I cook in Yoko's class?

You make three dishes: rolled sushi or okonomiyaki (savory pancake), shira ae (tofu-based vegetable salad), and sunomono (pickled cucumber and seaweed). Yoko demonstrates each one, then you handle the cutting and cooking while she guides you through the techniques and flavors.

Do I need cooking experience to join this class?

No prior experience is required. Yoko teaches Japanese cooking techniques from the start, introducing you to the five different tastes and the key ingredients before you begin cooking. The class is hands-on but paced so she can explain everything thoroughly as you work.

What happens before the cooking starts?

After you meet Yoko at Minami-Morimachi station, she gives you a small tour of her neighborhood near Osaka Castle. Then at her home, she introduces you to Japanese cooking techniques, the five tastes, and the key ingredients like seaweed and dried fish that you'll use throughout the class.

Is the meal included, or do I bring my own food?

The homecooked meal is included. You eat the three dishes you prepared during the class, paired with sake tasting. Choose either a lunch or dinner time slot when you book.

Can I request specific dishes or accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. If you want to cook specific dishes instead of Yoko's standard menu, or if you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies), notify the operator at least one week before your class. Otherwise Yoko will choose the menu based on what's in season.