Yokohama is a city that offers more than just views of the bay and modern skyscrapers. It’s a place where you can truly get a taste of Japanese culture through engaging hands-on experiences. Whether you’re interested in mastering traditional arts, learning regional cuisine, or capturing the city’s unique architecture on camera, Yokohama has a lot to offer. One of our top picks is the Japanese Calligraphy Class in Yokohama with Tea and Sweets—it’s a peaceful way to connect with Japanese traditions and go home with a beautiful souvenir. If food is more your style, the Soba Noodle Workshop with a Soba Master provides the fun of making your own buckwheat noodles, a staple of Japanese cuisine. We also love the Half-day Cooking Class in Yokohama Local Shopping District, which offers an authentic peek into local life and delicious home-cooked dishes. For photography buffs, the Yokohama Photo Workshop with Laurence Bouchard turns cityscapes into art with expert guidance.
Below, we’ve rounded up the six best workshops and classes in Yokohama, each offering its own flavor of Japanese culture and skill-building. Whether you want a relaxing artistic experience, a culinary adventure, or a creative photo walk, you’ll find options that fit your interests and pace.
1. Japanese Calligraphy Class in Yokohama with Tea and Sweets
At number one, this Japanese calligraphy class stands out for its intimate setting and expert instruction. Guided by an award-winning teacher with over 30 years of experience, you’ll learn the art of brush handling, kanji strokes, and aesthetic balance. You get to create a personal calligraphy piece on a traditional fan (uchiwa), which makes a perfect souvenir. The class also includes a relaxing session of Japanese tea and sweets, giving you a true taste of hospitality and culture. The instructor provides a beginner’s guide in English so you can continue practicing after your visit.
What makes this experience special is the focus on delicacy and patience, qualities deeply rooted in Japanese calligraphy. The small-group setting ensures individual attention, and the serene environment helps you slow down and enjoy the process. It’s well-suited for anyone interested in arts, culture, or simply trying something new that’s both relaxing and rewarding. The reviews are stellar—5 out of 5 stars from five reviews—and many visitors appreciate the personalized guidance and the chance to make a beautiful keepsake.
Bottom Line: If you’re curious about Japanese art or want a peaceful activity that leaves you with a handcrafted piece, this class offers authentic instruction and a memorable experience.
2. Yokohama: Soba Noodle Workshop with a Soba Master
Number two on our list is the Soba Noodle Workshop with a Soba Master. For around $88, you get a hands-on lesson in making 100% buckwheat soba noodles. The workshop is led by a soba expert, who guides you through the traditional process—mixing, kneading, rolling, and slicing—so you can produce noodles from scratch. The aroma of buckwheat flour during the session adds to the sensory pleasure.
After the cooking part, you get to enjoy your freshly made soba in an izakaya-style restaurant, tasting the fruits of your labor. The experience is enhanced by the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of soba in Japan. The workshop is praised for its authenticity and expert guidance, with all reviews at a perfect 5/5 from three participants. Plus, prize proximity to local standing bars means you can extend your evening with a drink or two.
Bottom Line: This class is ideal for foodies who want to get their hands dirty and learn a traditional skill that’s both fun and delicious. It’s a great choice for those interested in Japanese culinary techniques.
3. Half-day Cooking Class in Yokohama Local Shopping District
Next, the Half-day Cooking Class in Yokohama offers a delightful dive into local life. For about $178, you’ll explore a traditional Japanese shopping district, browsing local markets and hidden shops. The guided tour introduces you to ingredients and stories behind everyday Japanese foods. Afterwards, you’ll visit a local’s home for a private cooking session where you’ll prepare dishes like sushi, teriyaki chicken, and Japanese fried chicken.
The experience is highly praised—a full 5-star review from three participants—with comments about the guide, Ichiho, who is praised for his patience and knowledge. Visitors love that they’re not just cooking but also learning about Japanese culture through interaction with locals and seeing their everyday shopping routines. The three-and-a-half-hour experience combines sightseeing, shopping, and cooking, making it perfect for those wanting a well-rounded culture.
Bottom Line: This class is perfect for food lovers who want a hands-on experience in a local setting and an authentic taste of Japanese home cooking.
4. Yokohama Photo Workshop with Laurence Bouchard
If capturing Yokohama’s cityscape intrigues you, the Yokohama Photo Workshop with Laurence Bouchard is a must. This 4-hour workshop focuses on black-and-white photography, starting at the historic docks and moving to Zounohana park and Osanbashi pier. Led by a photographer with a keen eye for geometric patterns, you’ll learn how to frame compelling shots that highlight Yokohama’s architecture and urban details.
The class is praised for its expert guidance and inspiring locations. One reviewer says, “The leader is very experienced and gives helpful hints,” and appreciates that the walk is adaptable to weather conditions. Bring comfortable shoes—this requires a lot of walking—but the panoramic views and interesting compositions make every step worth it.
This workshop is suited for beginners and experienced photographers alike who want to improve their skills and capture Yokohama’s essence. The small group size fosters personalized feedback, and the focus on composition and technique helps elevate your photography.
Bottom Line: For those interested in urban and architectural photography, this workshop offers practical skills and stunning scenery.
$141.22 per person
5. Yokohama: Japanese Calligraphy Class with Tea(sencha)&Sweets
Number five is another calligraphy class in Yokohama, but this one emphasizes tea and sweets alongside creating art. For $67, you’ll learn brush techniques and kanji strokes, ending with a calligraphy piece on a fan you can take home. In addition, you’ll enjoy a selection of Japanese tea (sencha) and traditional sweets, making it a relaxing cultural experience.
This class is praised for its emphasis on culture and the opportunity to create a tangible souvenir. The instructor provides a beginner’s guide in English, making it accessible even for those new to calligraphy. Participants often mention how the experience enhances their understanding of Japanese aesthetics and patience.
It’s ideal for travelers looking for a meaningful cultural activity that combines arts, culinary delights, and a touch of history. Although reviews are not available, the price and description suggest good value for a memorable, hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: This class suits arts enthusiasts or anyone wanting a peaceful activity to learn about Japanese cultural expression.
$67 per person
6. Home Style Japanese Cooking Class in Yokohama
Our final pick is the Home Style Japanese Cooking Class led by Rin, a passionate home cook and food blogger. For $68, you’ll learn to prepare a Teishoku meal, including rice, miso soup, and a main dish like Karaage or Tonkatsu. The class is highly interactive, including a supermarket tour to see the ingredients Japanese locals buy daily.
While the reviews are not yet available, the focus on home-style cooking makes this suitable for travelers who want to recreate authentic Japanese meals back home. Rin’s expertise as a food blogger promises a lively, engaging class that emphasizes techniques and flavors rather than just recipes.
This experience is best for food lovers wanting a practical skill set and insight into everyday Japanese cuisine. The mix of shopping, cooking, and eating makes it a comprehensive and satisfying way to spend an afternoon.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to learn how Japanese home cooks put dinner on the table, with plenty of tips for recreating dishes at home.
$68.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class in Yokohama
When deciding which experience suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If you’re drawn to traditional arts, the calligraphy classes (with tea and sweets) offer a peaceful, artistic activity. For foodies, both the soba workshop and local cooking tour provide authentic culinary skills—see the soba class here and the home cooking class here. Photography enthusiasts will find the Yokohama photo workshop perfect for honing their skills amidst stunning cityscapes.
Budget-wise, the calligraphy and cooking classes are quite reasonable, while the photo workshop and more involved experiences cost a bit more but offer specialized learning. Book early during peak seasons to secure your spot, especially for small-group activities.
Final Thoughts
Yokohama’s workshops and classes offer a wonderful way to deepen your connection with Japanese culture, whether through art, food, or photography. For a calming introduction to Japanese arts, the calligraphy classes are perfect. Food lovers will appreciate the soba making and local cooking experiences for their authenticity and hands-on approach. Meanwhile, creative photographers should not miss the Yokohama photo workshop to capture the city’s best angles with expert help.
No matter your interests, these options deliver memorable, practical skills that go beyond typical sightseeing. Be sure to book early, and get ready to bring home more than just photos or souvenirs—bring back a piece of Yokohama’s craftsmanship and flavor.