Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: Make Your Own Meal

You knead, roll and cut the udon dough yourself, then fry tempura at the stove before sitting down to eat it hot.

A hands-on cooking class in Nara where you make handmade udon noodles from Japanese wheat flour and fry tempura with locally sourced vegetables, then eat the dishes you've prepared. A skilled craftsman guides you through both techniques in about 90 minutes. Your host picks you up by car. All ingredients and cooking tools are included. The class runs in English, Italian, French, German and one additional language.

The experience

You'll work directly with a professional chef in Nara who walks you through the whole process of making udon from scratch. Starting with 100% Japanese wheat flour, you knead and roll the dough, then cut it into fresh noodles. While the udon rests, you move to the tempura station and fry locally sourced vegetables from the Nara region until they're hot and crispy. The chef is there the whole time, showing you the moves and answering questions as you go.

Once everything is cooked, you sit down and eat what you've made. The handmade udon comes out in a bowl with the tempura you just fried on the side, and you taste it while it's still at its best. If you want, you can order local Nara sake separately to go with the meal and mark the moment. The whole class takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, and your host picks you up by car so you don't have to find the location on your own.

What’s included

• Handmade udon and tempura that you prepare and eat.
• all ingredients and cooking tools.
• pickup by car from your location.
• instruction from a professional chef in English, Italian, French, German or another available language.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 48 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by 手打ちうどん＆天ぷら料理教室

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to learn a traditional Japanese cooking technique and taste the result immediately, rather than just watching a demonstration. The 90-minute format fits into an afternoon in Nara without eating up your whole day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian and Chinese.

What exactly do I make in this class?

You make handmade udon noodles by kneading, rolling and cutting dough made from Japanese wheat flour, and you fry tempura using fresh vegetables grown locally in Nara. Both dishes are served together for you to eat at the end of the class.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No prior cooking experience is required. The chef guides you through each step, whether you've cooked before or never have. The class is built around learning as you go.

Is pickup included, and how does that work?

Yes, your host picks you up by car. All ingredients and cooking tools are provided, so you arrive and start cooking without needing to bring anything.

Can I add sake or other drinks to the meal?

Local Nara sake is available to order separately at an additional cost. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased if you'd like to add them to your meal.

How long does the whole class take?

The class runs for about 90 minutes, including the cooking and the meal at the end.