Discover How to Make Jiro Ramen and Explore Akihabara

For anyone curious about Japanese food culture, especially ramen lovers, the Ramen Making from Scratch + Akihabara Tour Cooking Class offers a memorable blend of culinary craft and vibrant city exploration. Priced at $111 per person, this experience lasts about three hours, combining a lively walk through the electric streets of Akihabara with the hands-on joy of creating your own bowl of Jiro-style ramen — from kneading noodles to simmering broth, and cooking the perfect chashu pork.

What we love about this experience is how approachable and detailed it is, especially since it’s the only class offering Jiro-style ramen instruction in English. Plus, the inclusion of a grocery store visit adds a local flavor that few other cooking classes provide, giving you a real taste of Japan’s ingredient culture. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the class is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with mobility issues, and transportation from the station isn’t included, requiring some planning.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to go beyond sightseeing to learn a skill, foodies wanting an authentic cooking experience, or those interested in the pop-culture hub that is Akihabara. It’s ideal for those who enjoy interactive activities, guided city walks, and a taste of modern Japanese culinary trends.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic hands-on experience in making ramen from scratch, including noodles, broth, and toppings.
Guided tour through Akihabara’s vibrant streets and a local supermarket, providing cultural context and ingredient insights.
English-speaking instructors ensure clear instructions and personalized attention.
Unique focus on Jiro-style ramen, a well-known and beloved ramen variety in Japan.
Inclusion of photos and access to downloadable images add a memorable keepsake.
Suitable for most travelers except those with specific dietary needs or mobility restrictions.

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A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Akihabara’s Electric Town

Your day begins at the bustling JR Akihabara Station outside the central ticket gate around 11 AM. This area is a sensory overload of gadgets, anime, and pop culture—a heaven for tech fans and otaku alike. Our guides, including friendly experts like Bungo, lead us on a short 20-minute walk through the streets filled with vibrant storefronts and quirky cafes, setting the tone for an energetic day.

What makes this part of the experience special is how it quickly immerses you into Tokyo’s modern pop culture scene. You’ll see iconic spots and absorb the lively atmosphere, which provides a fantastic backdrop for the culinary adventure ahead.

Grocery Store Visit: Local Ingredients in Action

Next, you’ll hop into a local supermarket, a crucial part of the tour that many reviews highlight as a highlight. During this 20-minute visit, your guide explains traditional Japanese ingredients—perhaps soy sauce, miso, or specialty oils—and their role in ramen making. It’s a practical peek into everyday Japanese cooking and shopping habits, helping you understand the flavors that make ramen so distinctive.

From the reviews, we know that travelers appreciate this segment for its insider tips and cultural insights. Charlene mentioned, “Thanks for all the insider tips and the tour before through Electric City with Bungo,” emphasizing how this part of the tour adds depth and local flavor to the experience.

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Train Ride to the Kitchen Studio

After browsing the grocery shelves, you’ll take a short train ride to the Patia Kitchen Studios — a modern, stylish cooking space just a few minutes away. These studios are praised for their spacious, comfortable setup that feels both professional and welcoming. The location, a few minutes from the station, makes it easy to access without hassle.

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The Ramen Making Class: Crafting from Scratch

The core of this experience is, of course, the 90-minute hands-on cooking. Guided by an English-speaking instructor, you’ll learn how to prepare fresh noodles from flour, make a flavorful broth, and assemble toppings like chashu pork, eggs, and vegetables. This part is designed to be educational yet fun, as you work through each step, gaining skills you can try again back home.

What we particularly appreciate is the focus on Jiro-style ramen, a popular but complex style known for its thick, hearty broth and generous toppings. It’s a rare find in English, which makes this class stand out for serious ramen fans.

Enjoying Your Creation

Once your ramen is assembled and cooked, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor—together, a bowl of delicious, homemade Jiro ramen. Reviewers consistently praise how tasty and satisfying their bowls turn out. Hannah shared, “Super educational and lovely team who go above and beyond to help and give you a good experience. Was super tasty and we look forward to attempting to recreate it back home.”

Final Moments and Photos

The experience concludes back at the studio, where you can download photographs capturing your ramen journey—an excellent keepsake of your Tokyo culinary adventure. The entire day leaves you with not only a new skill but also a deeper appreciation for Japan’s food culture.

The Value of This Experience

While $111 might seem steep at first glance, it includes a guided tour, grocery shopping, the cooking class, food, beverages, and photos. Considering the personalized instruction and the opportunity to learn authentic techniques, many find this experience excellent value. It’s more than just a cooking class; it’s a culture into modern Japanese cuisine, with behind-the-scenes access to ingredients and techniques.

Some reviews, like Kiran’s, note, “It was really cool learning about various broths and techniques. Great experience!” highlighting the educational richness of the class. Others, like Paola, appreciated the “great tasting ramen” they made, which shows the practical payoff of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies, ramen enthusiasts, culture seekers, and those who enjoy interactive city walks. It’s especially suited for travelers comfortable with basic train travel and eager to get hands-on with Japanese cooking. Since it’s not vegetarian or vegan friendly, plant-based eaters might want to look for different options. It’s also ideal for those who value small group experiences and personalized instruction.

FAQs

Is transportation from the station included?
No, transportation from Suehirocho Station to the studio is not included. You’ll need to use your own IC card, such as Suica, or buy a ticket. The guide can assist with this if needed.

What if I am late?
If you’re more than 10 minutes late, the tour departs without you. You will then need to come directly to the kitchen studio. No refunds are given for late arrivals.

Can I change the chashu pork to chicken?
Yes, if you let the organizers know more than 48 hours in advance, they can substitute chicken for the pork.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s recommended for travelers over 5 years old. The class involves cooking, which may be too detailed for very young children.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
No, the class does not accommodate vegans or vegetarians, as the focus is on pork-based ramen and traditional ingredients.

Will I get any photos of the experience?
Yes, you’ll receive downloadable photographs taken during the class, perfect for sharing your experience afterward.

Final Thoughts

This Ramen Making from Scratch + Akihabara Tour is an unusual and rewarding way to spend a day in Tokyo. It offers a genuine look at Japan’s culinary artistry and pop culture, wrapped into an interactive, well-organized experience. Whether you’re a dedicated ramen fan or simply someone interested in Japanese food, you’ll come away with new skills, tasty memories, and a broader understanding of what makes Japanese cuisine so beloved worldwide.

If you’re seeking a fun, authentic activity that combines city exploration with hands-on cooking, this tour is likely to satisfy. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy learning by doing and want a meaningful souvenir — a bowl of ramen they made themselves. Just keep in mind the logistical details, like train travel and the group size, to ensure your day runs smoothly.

In summary, this experience offers:

An engaging city walk through Akihabara’s vibrant streets
Insightful visits to a local supermarket for ingredients
Expert guidance in making authentic Japanese ramen
A chance to enjoy your own homemade bowl
Photos and memories to take home
A taste of modern Japanese food culture and craftsmanship

Whether you’re a novice cook, a ramen devotee, or a culture enthusiast, this class delivers a fun, educational, and tasty slice of Tokyo life that you won’t forget.