Hiroshima’s 13 Top Workshops & Classes (With Prices)

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The 13 Best Workshops & Classes in Hiroshima

Hiroshima isn’t just a city of contrasts and resilience; it’s also a place where you can get hands-on with Japanese culture in ways that go beyond sightseeing. Whether you’re eager to learn traditional crafts, local cooking, or music that carries a message of peace, Hiroshima offers unique opportunities. We especially love the Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family for its authentic, homey atmosphere, and the Peaceful Koto Workshop for its emotionally powerful connection to Hiroshima’s message of peace.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at calligraphy, making traditional sweets, or learning about Japanese brush-making in Kumano, Hiroshima’s workshops deliver genuine experiences that leave lasting memories. Ready to get your hands dirty and your heart full? Here’s our curated list of the best workshops and classes in Hiroshima.

1. Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family

Enjoy a private, authentic Japanese cooking experience in a local Hiroshima home. Machiko, your host, will teach you how to prepare 2-3 traditional dishes she loves cooking for her family. This is a rare chance to step inside a genuine household and learn Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima’s famous savory pancake, along with other local favorites. After cooking, you’ll dine together in the cozy kitchen, sometimes joined by Machiko’s husband and children, making it a true family affair.

This class is praised for its warm hospitality and hands-on approach. “Cooking, talking, and eating with Machiko and her family was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says one traveler. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to connect through home-cooked Japanese cuisine. The three-hour experience offers great value at $108 per person.

Bottom Line: If you want an intimate, flavorful glimpse into Hiroshima family life and cuisine, this class is hard to beat.

2. Experience the Soul of Hiroshima: A Peaceful Koto Workshop

This 1.5-hour Koto workshop is a moving way to connect with Hiroshima’s ethos of peace through music. Located in a calm studio within walking distance of Peace Memorial Park, the session welcomes all ages 10+ and requires no musical experience. In this class, you will play the traditional Japanese koto, a stringed instrument with a soulful sound, that symbolizes harmony and hope.

More than just a music lesson, this experience offers culture with historical context and a chance for personal reflection. You’ll also receive a personal video recording of your performance, making it a cherished keepsake. Visitors rave about how this workshop deepened their appreciation for Hiroshima’s message of peace.

“A profound way to honor Hiroshima’s history through music,” comments a recent participant. For anyone seeking a meaningful, creative activity, this workshop stands out.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in music and peace, with a gentle, reflective atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Calligraphy Fan Workshop at a 50-Year-Old Craft Shop in Hiroshima

In just about 45 minutes, you can create your own calligraphy fan at Takumi, a shop with 50 years of craft tradition. Guided by a professional instructor, you’ll use handmade brushes from Kumano—the top brush-making town—and learn the art of Japanese calligraphy. You’ll then design your own fan, a beautiful souvenir to take home.

Guests love how calming and meditative this workshop is. It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy a creative, traditional Japanese art. The guided process makes it accessible even for beginners, and you’ll leave with a personalized piece of artwork.

“A peaceful, artistic experience that connects you with Japanese tradition,” notes one visitor. Ideal for art lovers or anyone curious about Japanese aesthetics.

Bottom Line: A quick but meaningful hands-on activity perfect for a brief cultural break.

4. Hiroshima: Yoga Lesson in English

For those seeking wellness, this English-language yoga and meditation class offers a restorative hour in Hiroshima city center. With classes offered Wednesday to Friday from 9-10 am, an experienced instructor guides you through various yoga styles tailored to your needs, accompanied by calming practices like Loving-Kindness meditation and Tibetan singing bowl sound healing.

Led by a RYT 500 teacher and Zen practitioner, this session isn’t just about physical fitness but also about cultivating inner peace. Past attendees praise the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to start the day mindfully.

“A gentle way to reconnect with myself and find calm during a busy trip,” shares a participant. Suitable for all levels, it’s an excellent option for travelers wanting a mindful break.

Bottom Line: For a peaceful, in-the-moment experience, this yoga class offers a quiet escape with lasting benefits.

5. Home Made Onigiri and Matcha Cooking Class

Join local mothers for a fun, interactive session on how to make onigiri (rice balls) and enjoy matcha in a welcoming Hiroshima home. This 1.5-hour class near Peace Memorial Park is perfect for families and solo travelers wanting to engage with local culture through food.

Participants learn to shape perfect onigiri and discuss Japanese food culture with hosts. The experience includes tasting and sharing stories, making it more than just a cooking lesson. One traveler notes, “Our hosts spoke excellent English and made us feel like family,” highlighting the warm atmosphere.

Costing $89.07, it’s an affordable way to connect with local life and take home a delicious souvenir of your trip.

Bottom Line: An enjoyable, authentic experience ideal for foodies and cultural explorers alike.

6. Discover the Soul of Hiroshima: A Peace-Themed Koto Workshop

This peace-themed koto workshop emphasizes music’s role in fostering hope. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it includes playing the traditional koto and a reflective performance. Participants also receive a recording of their final piece and an origami crane—Hiroshima’s symbol of peace—to take home.

What makes this distinctive is its deep cultural connection and focus on peace through music. The instructor, Hanz, creates a supportive environment, making the experience accessible to all. One reviewer writes, “Hanz made me feel at ease and gave me a real appreciation for the instrument,” capturing its welcoming spirit.

Ideal for those interested in cultural expression and peace, this workshop offers a meaningful, hands-on encounter.

Bottom Line: Engages both the heart and hands in a unique cultural message.

7. Japanese Beautiful Brush Tour and Workshop in Kumano

This 4-hour tour explores Kumano Town, famous for over 180 years of brush-making tradition. Your guide will lead you through the Kumano Brush Museum and Fudenosato Kobo, where you’ll observe skilled craftsmen at work and see the world’s largest brush.

The highlight is the Koyudo makeup brush workshop, where you’ll try making your own high-end brushes. Plus, the guide creates a personalized kanji name for you, and you get to take home a customized calligraphy piece. The experience combines craftsmanship, art, and history in a highly immersive setting.

Most visitors find the tour fascinating, with one saying, “Seeing how brushes are made and creating my own was a wonderful experience.” It’s perfect for art, craft, and culture enthusiasts.

Bottom Line: An in-depth, hands-on journey into Japanese craftsmanship rooted in tradition.

8. Sushi Workshop Hunting in Japanese Supermarket

For sushi lovers, this 1.5-hour workshop begins with exploring a local supermarket to select the freshest ingredients. Guided by knowledgeable instructors, you’ll learn how to roll your own temaki sushi in a lively, practical class.

While some users mention the preparation area needs updating, the experience itself is highly engaging and authentic. It’s ideal for those wanting to understand the ingredients that make Japanese sushi special and enjoy a tasty, interactive session.

Costing $85.39, it offers great value for the chance to learn a fundamental Japanese culinary skill in a real shopping environment.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies keen on sushi-making and understanding Japanese grocery shopping.

9. Hiroshima: Anime Singing Lesson with Cosplay Video

This unique experience invites fans of anime to sing favorite songs in Japanese with a professional vocal coach. Dress in cosplay and film a personal music video set against anime scenes. The session also helps you learn the meaning of key phrases and improve pronunciation.

While the detailed reviews are not available, this experience is ideal for anime enthusiasts eager to combine music, cosplay, and language learning. The professional audio track you record makes for a memorable souvenir.

Bottom Line: An entertaining, personalized activity for anime fans wanting to bring their favorite characters to life.

10. Hiroshima: Kohakuto Japanese Traditional Sweet-Making Class

Create Kohakuto, a traditional amber-colored Japanese sweet, in this century-old house. Over the course of the class, you will learn how to make “eating jewelry” that originated in the Edo period. The experience includes crafting your own Kohakuto and understanding its cultural significance.

The handmade treats are not only beautiful but delicious, making this a perfect hands-on cultural activity. Visitors mention how fun and artistic the process is, with the chance to take home your sweets.

Costing $135, it offers a deep dive into Japan’s confectionery heritage, suitable for culinary adventurers.

Bottom Line: A delicious, artistic activity that connects you with traditional Japanese sweets.

11. Hiroshima: Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef

Learn to make Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with ingredients like cabbage, seafood, or meat, in this hands-on cooking class. Guided by a local chef, you’ll choose from options including vegetarian and gluten-free, and get tosignificant experience in preparing this iconic dish.

This class offers a small group setting and an insider’s view of the culinary tradition that Hiroshima is famous for. One review notes, “Cooking with a local chef made the experience authentic and fun.” It’s perfect for food lovers wanting practical skills and cultural insight.

Bottom Line: A tasty, educational way to understand Hiroshima’s signature dish.

12. Hiroshima Wood Crafting and Photography Workshop

This 4-hour workshop combines craftsmanship and photography in Joge Town, known for Hiroshima-grown wood. Participants visit a local workshop, learn about wooden frame and furniture making, and print their own photos to create original wooden frames.

While the experience is new and has no reviews yet, it promises a hands-on introduction to traditional woodworking paired with creative photography. The inclusion of a delicious local lunch makes it a well-rounded cultural day.

Cost is $180.71, making it suitable for those interested in craft, design, and photography.

Bottom Line: An engaging, artistic activity for craft and photo enthusiasts willing to spend a few hours.

13. Refined Japanese Home Cooking Class Private Lesson in Hiroshima

This private 4-hour lesson offers an entire menu: Wagyu Sukiyaki, Onigiri, Miso Soup, and Rolled Omelet. Led by a registered dietitian, you’ll learn healthy, authentic Japanese recipes in a cozy home setting. The instructor’s care makes this experience especially welcoming.

Though reviews are not available, the focus on healthy, traditional cooking makes it attractive for those wanting a personalized, immersive culinary experience. It’s suitable for travelers who want to learn from a professional and enjoy home-style Japanese dishes.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, intimate Japanese cooking class for food lovers seeking quality and authenticity.

How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Hiroshima

Picking the best activity depends on your interests and travel style. For a culinary adventure, the Private Japanese Cooking Class or the Okonomiyaki experience are perfect for hands-on food lovers. If you’re more interested in cultural arts, the calligraphy fan workshop or the brush-making tour in Kumano offer unique insights into traditional crafts. For those seeking peace and reflection, the Koto workshops provide a meaningful emotional connection.

Consider your budget, time, and interests—whether you want a quick craft session or a full-day experience. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like the home cooking classes or specialized workshops.

Final Thoughts

Hiroshima offers an impressive array of workshops that make your visit more than just sightseeing. From cooking authentic dishes with local families to learning traditional arts and exploring peace through music, these experiences give you a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s culture. For a personal, authentic encounter, the home cooking classes and peace-themed music workshops stand out.

If you’re traveling with family, the onigiri and matcha cooking or calligraphy fan workshops are fun and engaging. For those interested in craftsmanship, the brush-making tour in Kumano provides a rare glimpse into Japanese artisanship. No matter your interest or budget, booking early will ensure you get a spot in these memorable activities. Happy crafting, cooking, and learning in Hiroshima!