Tokyo: Ramen & Sushi Cooking Class with Sake Pairing

Summary

Tokyo food stories come alive with ramen, sushi and sake

You’ll jump into Tokyo’s flavors by making ramen from scratch, shaping your own nigiri sushi (even if it turns out lopsided), and tasting sake picked to match your meal—all guided by friendly locals who make you feel welcome from the start. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and leaves you with skills you’ll want to show off back home.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what ramen tasted like—until I found myself standing in a tiny Tokyo kitchen, steam curling up from simmering broth while our instructor, Junko-san, handed me a wooden spoon. The place smelled like soy and something deeper—pork maybe?—and outside you could hear the city’s hum through the window. I was nervous about messing up the chashu pork but Junko just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, it’s all about heart.” So I tried not to overthink it. My hands still smelled like ginger an hour later.

Making nigiri sushi looked simple when Junko did it (her fingers moved so fast) but mine kept coming out lopsided. She laughed and showed me again—“just a little pressure”—and then let us try pairing each piece with sake. The first sip was sharper than I expected; it sort of lit up the flavors in the rice. There was this quiet moment where everyone just tasted and nodded at each other, kind of shy but happy. The whole thing felt more like hanging out at someone’s home than a class, honestly.

The best part? We got to eat everything we made, right there at the table with bowls of ramen that were somehow both rich and light at once. Someone asked how to say “delicious” in Japanese (oishii!) and we all tried it out—bad accents included. Walking back towards central Tokyo after, full and a little tipsy from sake, I kept thinking about that broth simmering on the stove. Still makes me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on ramen and sushi cooking class

• Arrive at local Tokyo restaurant
• Learn to make ramen broth and chashu pork
• Practice crafting classic nigiri sushi
• Enjoy sake pairing with your dishes

Top questions

How long does the ramen & sushi cooking class in Tokyo last?

The class lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Is there an English-speaking instructor for this Tokyo cooking class?

Yes, all classes are led by an English-speaking instructor experienced in Japanese cuisine.

Are ingredients included in the ramen & sushi cooking class?

Yes, all ingredients for both ramen and sushi are included in your booking.

Does this Tokyo cooking class include sake tasting?

Yes, you’ll enjoy carefully selected sake paired with your meal as part of the experience.

Where is the cooking class held in Tokyo?

The class takes place in local restaurants just five minutes from central Tokyo subway stations.

Is lunch or dinner included in this experience?

Your meal is included—you’ll eat everything you prepare during the class.

Are service animals allowed at this cooking class?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the activity.

Can I get to the venue using public transportation?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes all fresh ingredients for both ramen and nigiri sushi making, a full meal of what you create together, carefully selected sake pairings to match each dish, plus guidance throughout from an English-speaking instructor—all set just minutes from central Tokyo’s subway lines.