Japanese Cooking Class

Learn Japanese homemade dishes with locals

The OEH Kitchen: Home Cooking & Good Company

If you’re tired of the “tourist version” of Japan, come spend a few hours with us in Hirakata. We don’t have professional chefs or industrial kitchens. Instead, we have local friends who love to cook the way they’ve been doing it for their families for years.

This is “Soul Food”—the comforting, unpretentious dishes that define Japanese home life. You’ll learn the techniques used in a real household, hear stories about the neighborhood, and get a break from the frantic pace of the big cities.

What's on the menu

Our menu changes with the seasons and what our local hosts feel like sharing, but we always focus on the classics. We’ve made everything from crispy Tonkatsu and savory Nikujaga to nostalgic Omurice and handmade Onigiri.

Whatever we cook, it’s always hands-on, simple to replicate at home, and completely authentic.

“The best part isn’t the cooking—it’s the ‘Itadakimasu.’

Once the food is ready, we all sit down together to share the meal and talk about life. By the time you leave, you aren’t just a visitor; you’re part of the OEH family”

Pricing and benefits

Your fee covers everything—fresh ingredients from the local market, the hands-on workshop, a printed recipe guide to take home, and the shared meal at the big table.

We keep our prices local and honest so you can focus on the food and the company.

¥2,500

for Visitors

The standard rate for travelers joining us from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara.

20% OFF

for OEH Guests

Book your room with us to get the discount!

Ready to start cooking?

Have a specific date in mind? Any dietary needs? Let us know!

Duration

2.5 - 3 hours. We will all eat together after!

Instructors

Our friendly Hirakata locals

Price

¥2,500. Get a 20% OFF when you stay with us!

Dietary Needs:

We can adapt to any dietary needs—just let us know!

Check out other activities

FAQ: Japanese Cooking Classes at OEH

What makes the OEH cooking experience different from a professional culinary experience?

Our focus is on authentic home-style cooking (Katei Ryori). Instead of a commercial kitchen, you’ll learn in a warm, welcoming environment led by local Japanese chefs. It’s like being invited into a local’s home to learn the secrets of the dishes Japanese families actually eat every day.

Who are the instructors for the cooking classes?

Our classes are taught by local chefs from the Hirakata and Osaka area. They bring years of personal experience and regional tips that you won't find in a cookbook. It’s a wonderful opportunity to chat with a local and gain insight into Japanese culture and daily life while you cook.

What dishes will I learn to make in the Japanese cooking class?

Our classes focus on authentic, "home-style" Japanese cuisine (Washoku). Popular sessions include learning to make rolled sushi (Maki), Osaka-style Okonomiyaki, and seasonal side dishes. You will learn the art of hand-molding perfect Onigiri (rice balls) and mastering the famous Omurice (omelet rice). These are the iconic, flavorful dishes that define modern Japanese home life—fun to make and even better to eat.

Can the menu be adjusted for vegetarians, vegans, or food allergies?

Absolutely! Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or have specific allergies (such as gluten-free requirements), we can adapt our traditional recipes to suit your needs. Please let us know your dietary restrictions when booking so we can prepare the perfect ingredients for you.

How long does the cooking experience last?

A typical cooking session lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. This includes the hands-on preparation time, the cooking process, and—the best part—sitting down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created together with your classmates and instructors.

Do I need to bring my own apron or cooking tools?

No, OEH provides everything you need! We provide aprons, towels, all fresh ingredients, and professional cooking utensils. You will also receive a printed recipe card to take home, so you can recreate the authentic taste of Osaka for your friends and family.

Where is the cooking class located, and is it easy to reach from Kyoto?

We are located in Hirakata, a charming residential city perfectly positioned between Osaka and Kyoto. We are just a short walk from the nearest station, making us a convenient stop for travelers staying in either city who want to escape the crowded tourist traps for a more authentic, local experience.

Is this cooking class suitable for families with children?

Yes! Cooking is a fantastic way for families to bond over Japanese culture. We welcome children and can adjust the "difficulty" of the tasks so that even the youngest chefs can participate safely and have fun.

Your home base in the heart of Kansai

Perfectly placed between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, Hirakata is a quiet home base for the "real" Japan. Spend your mornings mastering a local craft and your afternoons exploring the big city sights—it’s the best of both worlds, with a friendly community to come home to.

Learn from locals

Your Kansai Hub

Cost-Effective