Sapporo isn’t just famous for its beer and snowy winters—it’s also a fantastic place to learn how to cook authentic Japanese dishes. The city’s vibrant local markets, welcoming hosts, and fresh ingredients make it an ideal spot for cooking classes that go beyond the typical tourist fare. Of the options listed here, we particularly love the Private Japanese Cooking Class with Shiori for its personalized approach and warm hospitality, or the Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, which combines shopping and cooking into one seamless experience. Both give you genuine insights into Sapporo’s food scene and the chance to recreate your favorite dishes back home. If you’re curious about what local life tastes like, these tours are well worth considering.
Quick Overview
This list features five top-rated cooking classes in Sapporo, each with its own unique appeal: from private lessons in a chef’s home, to guided market tours combined with hands-on cooking, to classes specializing in seafood and seasonal dishes. Whether you’re after a personalized experience or a group adventure, you’ll find an option that suits your schedule and culinary curiosity. Click here for the private lesson with Shiori, or explore other options below.
1. Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Chef Shiori
At number 1 on our list, Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Chef Shiori offers a highly personalized introduction to home-style Japanese cooking. For around $88 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours learning from a professional chef in her tranquil residential neighborhood. Shiori specializes in guiding small groups through preparing sushi, somen noodles, grilled chicken, and other classic dishes, all from scratch. Her patience and warmth make the experience feel like cooking with a knowledgeable friend rather than a formal class.
What makes this experience stand out is the tailored attention you receive—Shiori not only teaches you techniques but also shares advice and recipes to help you recreate the dishes at home. Reviewers consistently praise her kindness and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere: “Shiori was so kind to welcome our family into her charming home,” one wrote, highlighting how accessible and fun the lesson was, even with children in tow. The hands-on approach ensures you leave with confidence in your new skills and a full belly of delicious food.
Bottom line: This private class is perfect for travelers who want a genuine, intimate experience with a local, and who enjoy learning detailed cooking techniques in a relaxed setting.
2. Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local
For a full immersion in Sapporo’s culinary culture, Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae is a standout. Priced at $82, this roughly four-hour experience combines a guided walk through the bustling Nijo Ichiba market with a private cooking lesson in Kanae’s home. You’ll learn about regional ingredients, especially seafood and local produce, before preparing a meal that showcases Hokkaido flavors.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the interactive nature of the market visit—you can ask questions and get direct insights from Kanae, a warm and personable guide. The included lunch, drinks, and ingredients make it a stress-free day that’s as much about cultural discovery as cooking. Reviewers love how personable Kanae is, with one saying, “We visited local markets and then cooked a delicious meal with Kanae-san—such a lovely person.”
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you enjoy shopping for ingredients and want a comprehensive, authentic experience of Sapporo’s food scene, all with the comfort of a private guide.
3. Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae
If a personalized class in a local’s home appeals to you, the Private Japanese Cooking Class with Kanae offers an excellent, flexible experience. For about $72, you spend roughly three hours learning to make multiple dishes including seafood, burdock, tofu, or miso soup. Kanae’s warm hosting style ensures a relaxed environment where storytelling and questions are encouraged, making it feel more like cooking with an old friend than a formal class.
Guests rave about how “Kanae is such a sweet and wonderful host,” and many indicate they learned new techniques and gained a deeper understanding of Japanese cuisine. The emphasis on local ingredients and the opportunity to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared makes this experience both educational and satisfying. Plus, with alcohol included, it’s a delightful way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Bottom line: This class suits travelers looking for a highly personalized, intimate experience that combines local ingredients with authentic cooking and warm conversation.
4. Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura
At number 4, Japanese Cooking Class with Sakura offers a cozy, home-based experience in Sapporo’s center. For $72, you’ll learn to make 2-3 seasonal dishes like miso soup, onigiri, or tamago, depending on the time of year. Unlike classes in commercial kitchens, this one takes place in Sakura’s home, adding a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.
This lesson highlights the seasonal nature of Japanese cuisine, giving you a taste of how ingredients and dishes change with the seasons. Everything you need is included, and you get to eat what you cook, making it a very satisfying experience. Reviewers mention that “Sakura was very patient,” and that it was “a great way to learn about Japanese home cooking.”
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, informal experience and enjoy learning about seasonal dishes in a true local setting.
5. Seafood Rolls and Tempura Cooking Class with Matcha in Hokkaido
Finally, the Seafood Rolls and Tempura with Matcha offers a 2.5-hour culinary adventure focused on fresh seafood and traditional tempura, complemented by a matcha tea tasting. Priced at $105.94, it’s a slightly pricier but very hands-on experience that allows you to get creative with Hokkaido ingredients—famous for its seafood.
Participants praise the experience as “very nice,” with fun lessons and the chance to meet new friends. The emphasis on making Japanese seafood rolls and tempura makes it an excellent choice for seafood lovers, and the chance to finish with Japanese sweets completes the authentic feel. The shorter duration makes this a good option if you’re tight on time but still want a meaningful culinary experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for seafood enthusiasts and those wanting a quick but enriching cooking session with a focus on Hokkaido’s signature ingredients.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Sapporo
When selecting your ideal cooking experience, consider your budget, time availability, and what kind of learning environment you prefer. For a deep dive into local ingredients and markets, the Kanae Market Tour and Cooking is hard to beat. If you’re after a personalized, home-based lesson, the Shiori private class and the Kanae private lesson offer tailored experiences. Budget-wise, expect to pay around $70–$90 for most classes, with the seafood-focused lesson being a bit pricier.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak seasons or during festivals when spots fill fast. Think about whether you want a hands-on experience, a culture, or a quick, fun class—each of these options provides a different taste of Sapporo’s culinary scene.
Final thoughts
Sapporo offers a rich array of cooking classes that suit all tastes and schedules. For those wanting a cozy, private lesson, Shiori’s class stands out, while Kanae’s market tour offers a full culture. The seasonal dishes at Sakura’s home provide an authentic home-cooked experience, and seafood lovers will appreciate the tempura and sushi session. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on a memorable culinary adventure in Japan’s northernmost big city.