Yokohama: Sushi & Gyoza Cooking with Matcha Experience

Yokohama: Sushi & Gyoza Cooking with Matcha Experience offers a blend of culinary, cultural, and creative activities for travelers eager to get a taste of Japan beyond the usual sights. For $81 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours in a peaceful setting, combining traditional Japanese cuisine, tea customs, and artistic expression. Located in Yokohama, a city famed for its vibrant port and diverse neighborhoods, this tour provides a unique chance to step inside a local home and learn authentic skills directly from friendly hosts.

What we love about this experience is how it balances hands-on cooking with cultural insights. First, you get to enjoy a peaceful hour in a traditional tatami room, where you can choose between tasting matcha, sampling green tea, or relaxing with a creamy matcha latte. The second highlight is the interactive cooking session where you’ll learn to make sushi rolls and handmade gyoza—two staples of Japanese cuisine—and really get a feel for the craft behind these dishes.

A third positive is the opportunity to explore manga drawing with a local artist—an unusual but charming way to connect with Japanese pop culture. However, a potential consideration is that the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with food allergies, which might limit accessibility.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy culinary experiences with a cultural touch, especially those curious about Japanese food and arts. Families, couples, and solo adventurers who want to connect with locals in an authentic setting will likely find it rewarding. If you appreciate smiling guides, delicious food, and learning new skills, this is a delightful option.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Combines traditional tea, cooking, and manga art.
• Hands-On Learning: Make sushi rolls and gyoza from scratch.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy time in a serene tatami room with Japanese sweets.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable local hosts lead the activities.
• Photogenic Moments: Plenty of chances for memorable photos.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with food allergies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Yokohama Cooking & Culture Tour

This experience is thoughtfully designed to give you a taste of everyday Japanese life, from the gentle art of tea drinking to the skills needed for sushi and gyoza-making. It’s perfect for travelers who crave authentic encounters and hands-on activities rather than just sightseeing.

Meeting in a Traditional Setting

Your journey begins in front of the ticket gate, where your hosts will meet you. From there, you’ll walk into a traditional Japanese home, setting the tone for an authentic experience. The first hour takes place in a peaceful tatami-style tea room, where you’ll select one of three options: learning to prepare and taste matcha, sampling various types of green tea, or relaxing with a creamy matcha latte if you prefer something milder.

Guests consistently praise the host Yuka for her kindness and knowledge—”Yuka est une hôte fantastique,” one reviewer wrote, emphasizing how she enhanced the experience with her helpfulness and friendly guidance. This part of the experience is more than just drinking tea; it’s about understanding its significance and enjoying traditional sweets in a tranquil environment.

The Artistic Touch: Manga Drawing

For those who love Japanese pop culture, the manga drawing segment offers a chance to sketch with authentic tools under the guidance of a local artist. This creative segment adds a playful and personal element to the day, allowing you to take home a unique souvenir—a manga-inspired illustration. It’s also a good way to see a different facet of Japanese culture than what’s found in typical tourist spots.

The Cooking Part: Sushi & Gyoza

Sliding open the traditional doors transitions you into a functional kitchen where your hands-on cooking begins. Guided by your host, you’ll learn to make sushi rolls (maki) with fresh seasonal ingredients, and fold and cook handmade gyoza, a beloved Japanese dumpling. The reviews repeatedly mention how delicious these dishes turn out—”the gyoza was the best,” said one guest—highlighting the quality of the ingredients and instruction.

What makes this part special is how approachable the process is; no prior experience required. You’ll see how each fold and roll is crafted, gaining a new skill that you can try back home. Plus, you get to enjoy your freshly made meal in the company of your hosts and fellow participants, with beverage options including alcoholic drinks, adding a convivial touch.

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Cultural Insights & Photos

Throughout the tour, your guides provide useful insights into Japanese traditions, cuisine, and customs, making the experience both informative and engaging. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for photo moments—posing with your sushi creations or capturing the peaceful atmosphere of the tatami room.

Is it Worth the Price?

At $81, this experience offers excellent value considering the quality of the activities and the personalized attention from your hosts. The inclusion of all ingredients, materials, and a meal of your own making means you won’t need to worry about extra costs. Plus, since you’re in a private setting, the experience feels intimate and relaxed, perfect for learning and enjoying without feeling rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is well-suited for travelers interested in authentic Japanese culture, especially those who love food, arts, or both. It’s ideal if you want a break from typical sightseeing and prefer engaging directly with locals in a cozy, home-like environment. Because it’s family-friendly and couples-friendly, it appeals to a wide range of visitors. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges or food allergies, so plan accordingly.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable clothing; you’ll be moving around and preparing food.
• Bring a camera—there will be many photo-worthy moments, especially during the manga drawing and meal prep.
• Remember that food and drinks are not permitted during the cultural part of the experience, so plan accordingly.
• The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Cancellation is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately three hours, giving plenty of time to relax, learn, and enjoy each activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
You will meet in front of the ticket gate at a designated location in Yokohama. The experience concludes back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?
All materials and ingredients for sushi and gyoza, one hour in the private tea room with tea and sweets, and your made-from-scratch meal with beverages, including alcoholic options.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families and couples, especially those interested in hands-on cultural activities.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for people with food allergies.

Do I need to prepare anything before the tour?
Just bring your camera and wear comfortable clothes—no special prep needed.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
The experience is conducted in English.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting a well-rounded glimpse into Japanese daily life, this tour provides a delightful mix of culinary, cultural, and artistic experiences. It offers genuine interaction with local hosts, high-quality instruction, and a chance to create memorable keepsakes—both in photos and in your own culinary repertoire.

If you’re a foodie eager to learn how to make authentic sushi and gyoza, or a culture enthusiast interested in matcha and manga, this experience will resonate. It’s especially perfect for travelers who enjoy learning new skills in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and want to take home more than just souvenirs.

While it may not suit everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or dietary restrictions—it remains a valuable, authentic experience for those open to exploring Japan’s culinary and artistic traditions firsthand. For the price, it offers a memorable, multi-sensory journey into everyday Japanese culture that’s hard to find in a typical tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: