Hiroshima offers much more than its historical sites; it’s a city where food plays a central role in local life and culture. For travelers eager to get a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, Hiroshima’s cooking classes stand out because they blend hands-on learning with genuine community interaction. Among these, we particularly love the Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko’s Family, which offers a deeply personal experience in a local home. Imagine cooking with a Hiroshima-native family, learning how to make dishes like okonomiyaki, and then sharing a meal with your hosts. It’s an immersive experience that’s hard to beat for authenticity and warmth.
While Hiroshima’s famous for its okonomiyaki, a savory pancake-like dish, the city also offers workshops on onigiri (rice balls) and mountain cuisine—a great way to understand regional flavors. Whether you’re interested in making classic dishes, exploring local ingredients, or just having fun in a relaxed setting, Hiroshima’s culinary classes deliver.
1. Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko’s Family
At number 1, we have the Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko’s Family. This 3-hour experience takes place in a local Hiroshima home, giving you a chance to learn from Machiko, a warm and welcoming host. She will guide you through making 2-3 traditional Japanese dishes that she enjoys cooking for her family and friends—most notably Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and possibly some seasonal side dishes. The class’s intimate setting is what makes it stand out: you’ll be in Machiko’s personal kitchen, experiencing firsthand how Japanese families dine and cook.
Guests consistently praise this experience for its genuine hospitality and sharing of everyday life in Hiroshima. Machiko’s family may even join in if they’re available, making it feel more like cooking with friends than a tour. The quality of the interaction, combined with clear step-by-step instructions, ensures you’ll return home with new skills and memorable stories. For around $108 per person, this class offers excellent value for a personalized, authentic experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an intimate, hands-on lesson that combines culinary skill with cultural exchange. Just be prepared for a relaxed, family-style atmosphere.
2. Home Made Onigiri and Matcha Cooking Class
Number 2 on our list is the Home Made Onigiri and Matcha Cooking Class. For about 1.5 hours and $89, this workshop offers a delightful crash course in making the iconic Japanese rice ball—onigiri—plus preparing traditional matcha tea. It’s held near the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
This class is especially ideal for families, solo travelers, or anyone curious about Japanese food culture. The hosts are local moms who enjoy sharing their family recipes and chatting about life in Hiroshima. The recipe is straightforward, but the experience is rich in cultural detail—like learning about the significance of onigiri in Japan’s history and everyday life. The reviews highlight how fun and engaging it is, with visitors mentioning the warm hospitality and the delicious results. Guests even appreciated the home setting, which feels less touristy and more like visiting a friend.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, friendly introduction to Japanese comfort food and tea, this class is a perfect choice. It’s casual, fun, and highly authentic.
3. Hiroshima: Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef
Next, for around $59, the Hiroshima: Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef is a straightforward, hands-on experience in a local restaurant setting. You’ll learn how to prepare Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered pancake filled with ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, or meat, cooked on a griddle. This class stands out because it caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, seafood, and gluten-free options, making it flexible for diverse needs.
Participants get to cook under the guidance of a local chef, who shares the cultural significance and history of this beloved dish. The class provides a good mix of practical skills and cultural insight, making it suitable for those who want a quick, effective cooking lesson. Although the review count isn’t listed, the value here is clear: you learn a regional specialty in a small group, leaving with new skills and a tasty meal.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a focused, beginner-friendly experience that highlights Hiroshima’s culinary identity, with the added bonus of a professional chef’s guidance.
$59 per person
4. Discover and Traditions of Hiroshima’s Mountain Cuisine & Cooking
At number 4, a full-day adventure, this Discover and Traditions of Hiroshima’s Mountain Cuisine & Cooking takes you beyond the city limits. The 9.5-hour journey includes fruit-picking at Hirata Farm, visits to Miyoshi’s historic streets, and a cooking session led by a local chef. The experience combines hands-on cooking with local farm visits, offering a deep dive into regional mountain flavors.
Much of the day revolves around creating dishes from seasonal ingredients, including Miyoshi’s famous spicy noodles, handmade rice balls, and traditional sweets. The tour also includes visits to the Miyoshi Mononoke Museum, enriching your understanding of local culture. The price is high at $685, but it reflects the immersive nature and multiple activities involved. This trip is best suited for travelers who love a comprehensive, cultural, and culinary experience and are prepared for a long day.
Bottom line: For those wanting an all-in-one package of farm visits, local history, and cooking, this is a memorable and enriching option—ideal for dedicated food travelers.
$685.84 per person
5. Refined Japanese Home Cooking Class Private Lesson in Hiroshima
Finally, the Refined Japanese Home Cooking Class offers a more upscale, four-hour private experience. For $154, you’ll learn to prepare Wagyu Sukiyaki, onigiri, miso soup, and rolled omelet in a cozy Hiroshima home. The host is a registered dietitian, emphasizing healthy, balanced recipes, and provides personalized guidance tailored to your dietary preferences.
Guests appreciate the detailed instructions and warm hospitality, making it perfect for those who want a relaxed, personalized class and to gain skills for making traditional Japanese dishes at home. The class emphasizes quality ingredients like Wagyu beef and traditional techniques, making it more sophisticated than typical cooking workshops.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who prefer a private, leisurely experience and are interested in health-conscious, high-quality Japanese cuisine.
$154.42 per person
How to Choose Your Hiroshima Cooking Class
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and culinary interests. If you want a truly local experience and don’t mind sharing your host’s home, the Machiko family class offers intimacy and cultural authenticity. For a quick but fun introduction to Japanese comfort food, the Onigiri and Matcha class is perfect. If you’re focused on Hiroshima’s signature dish, the Okonomiyaki class offers straightforward lessons with a professional chef. Want a full-day deep dive into mountain flavors? The Miyoshi culinary tour provides a comprehensive cultural package. For those seeking a private, health-conscious lesson, the Refined home cooking class delivers a personalized touch.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak travel seasons. Consider your interests—whether it’s learning to make a specific dish, engaging with local families, or exploring regional specialties—and choose the experience that best matches your style.
Hiroshima’s cooking classes offer a wonderful way to connect with local culture and gain practical skills. Whether you prefer a private family setting, a quick hands-on workshop, or an immersive day trip into mountain cuisine, there’s something here for every culinary traveler. For best results, plan ahead and book early—these authentic experiences fill up fast.