Takoyaki making class in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: Cook and eat

Cook your own takoyaki balls and top them with mayo and bonito flakes in Kabukicho

A takoyaki making class in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, where you mix batter, fill it with chopped octopus, and cook rounds in a takoyaki griddle alongside other participants. You make up to 12 takoyaki per person, finish them with sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes, and eat them hot. The whole experience takes about an hour. A live guide speaks English or Japanese, and children from age 4 are welcome.

The experience

You start by learning what goes into takoyaki: flour batter made from water and eggs, chopped octopus, and the technique for cooking it into a round shape in the griddle's holes. Two people share one takoyaki cooker, so you're working side by side, pouring batter, placing the octopus inside, and rotating each piece until it's crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The restaurant is in the heart of Shinjuku, in Kabukicho, and staff will guide you through each step. If English is needed, a translation machine is available.

Once your takoyaki are cooked, the finishing is where the flavor comes together. You choose how to dress them: dipping in takoyaki sauce, adding mayonnaise, sprinkling aonori (green laver), or topping with dried bonito flakes that curl from the heat. The experience ends when you finish eating, so there's no rush. You're tasting what you made while it's still hot. The whole class runs about an hour from start to finish.

You can choose between a vegetarian takoyaki menu with one soft drink included, or the standard takoyaki cooking experience with one alcoholic beverage. Additional drinks and meals are available to order separately. Children from age 4 can participate. Younger children can sit on an adult's lap, and strollers are welcome. Bring your reservation confirmation when you arrive at the restaurant.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• one takoyaki cooking session where you make up to 12 pieces per person.
• access to a shared takoyaki griddle.
• takoyaki ingredients including batter, octopus, sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes.
• one drink (soft drink or alcoholic beverage, depending on your chosen option).
• a live guide in English or Japanese with translation support if needed.

Options for this experience

4 options

Takoyaki cooking experienceGuide in English or Japanese · 6 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 16:00

Takoyaki Vegetarian MenuGuide in English or Japanese · 6 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 16:00A vegetarian menu is available.

One soft drink is included.Guide in English or Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00One soft drink is included.

One alcoholic beverage is included.Guide in English or Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00One alcoholic beverage is included.

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 day7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Halue Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn a Japanese street food skill and eat the result immediately, rather than just watching a demonstration or eating takoyaki someone else made. The shared griddle means you're cooking alongside others, so it works well for groups and families. If you prefer a private session or need a vegetarian option, you can select that at checkout.

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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 (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is takoyaki and why is it crispy on the outside?

Takoyaki is a Japanese street food made by pouring flour batter into a round-hole griddle, adding chopped octopus inside, and rotating it until it forms a ball. The constant rotation and heat create a crispy, golden exterior while the inside stays fluffy and soft.

How many takoyaki will I actually make during the class?

You can make up to 12 takoyaki per person. Two people share one takoyaki cooker, so you're working together and both cooking at the same time.

What's included in the takoyaki making experience?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking. You choose between a vegetarian menu or standard takoyaki experience. Both come with one drink (soft drink or alcoholic beverage depending on your option). Additional meals and drinks can be ordered separately.