![Top Japanese Cooking Classes Loved by Travelers in H1 2026! [airKitchen]](https://airkitchen.me/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/airKitchen_PR-TIMESサムネ-1-730x410.png)
Calling all travelers visiting Japan who want to truly explore local cuisine! Eating out at world-class restaurants is always a highlight, but lately, travelers want something deeper. They want to roll up their sleeves, step into a local kitchen, and learn the secrets of Japanese cooking directly from local hosts☺️
Today, airKitchen—the premier platform connecting global travelers with authentic local cooking hosts—is excited to reveal the Top 3 Most Popular Cooking Class Categories from the first half of 2026🍳!
Whether you’re looking to level up your culinary skills or immerse yourself in Japanese food culture, these hands-on experiences captured the hearts (and taste buds) of international travelers this year✈️.
🏆 1. Ramen Making🍜
Maintaining its #1 spot from last year, Ramen Making remains the undisputed fan favorite among international travelers.
What’s Included: Over 60% of guests choose the unbeatable “Ramen & Gyoza” combo class. Participants learn how to craft rich broths from scratch, fold crispy gyoza dumplings, and even make handmade noodles.
Why Travelers Love It: Beyond crafting a delicious bowl, these classes offer custom dietary options (including popular vegan, vegetarian, and halal variations) so everyone can craft their own personalized bowl of Japanese comfort food.(18.1% of Bookings)
▶️Ramen Cooking Class in Tokyo
▶️Ramen Cooking Class in Osaka
▶️Ramen Cooking Class in Kyoto
🥈 2. Sushi Making🍣
Coming in at a close second, Sushi Making offers an interactive, artistic dive into one of Japan’s most famous traditions.
What’s Included: Classes cover everything from traditional Nigiri and Maki (rolls) to photogenic, colorful Temari sushi. In regional destinations like Aomori, Aichi, and Hokkaido, hosts incorporate fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Why Travelers Love It: Under the guidance of local experts, guests learn authentic rice-seasoning techniques and fish-shaping skills—creating a memorable, picture-perfect meal they can easily recreate back home.(17.5% of Bookings)
▶️Sushi Making Class in Tokyo
▶️Sushi Making Class in Osaka
▶️Sushi Making Class in Kyoto
🥉 3. Wagashi＆Tea ceremony🍵
Wagashi is all about delicate beauty and seasonal charm.
Guests don’t just eat—they enjoy a creative, artisan experience where they craft delicate seasonal sweets from sweet bean paste (anko).You’ll love shaping the ingredients into beautiful flowers and motifs that reflect the changing seasons.
Best of all, most classes end with a traditional tea moment where you pair your creation with authentic matcha tea!(11.9% of Bookings)
▶️Wagashi Making Class in Tokyo
▶️Wagashi Making Class in Osaka
▶️Wagashi Making Class in Kyoto
🌟 4. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki making is pure entertainment from start to finish as you mix ingredients and sizzle them on a hot griddle.
It offers a highly interactive and fun experience, where travelers grill savory Japanese pancakes and octopus balls on a hot griddle (teppan).Popular combo plans that include other favorites like yakisoba or gyoza, as well as dedicated takoyaki classes, are also huge hits.
It’s a top-rated experience that leaves international travelers feeling completely full and happy!(8.1% of Bookings)
▶️Okonomiyaki Cooking Class in Tokyo
▶️Okonomiyaki Cooking Class in Osaka
▶️Okonomiyaki Cooking Class in Kyoto
Authentic home-cooked dining experiences loved by travelers worldwide.
Beyond famous tourist spots, local hosts across Japan offer creative dishes featuring seasonal ingredients and regional flavors. Moving through the latter half of 2026, we remain dedicated to sharing these heartwarming culinary experiences with you, hand in hand with our hosts across Japan.
If you are thinking, “I’d love to host a class!” or “I want to learn how to cook while traveling!”, be sure to check out airKitchen ✨