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Premier Culinary Experience in Tokyo

Join YUCa®'s award-winning Japanese cooking class in Tokyo for an intimate, hands-on culinary experience. Classes are taught in English.

View Classes
Free cancellation up to 1 week before class
All ingredients included
Original recipes to take home
Tripadvisor Best of the Best
★★★★★
As recommended by 99% of Tripadvisor users since 2013
YUCa's Japanese cooking class Tokyo YUCa's Japanese cooking class Tokyo YUCa's Japanese cooking class Tokyo YUCa's Japanese cooking class Tokyo YUCa's Japanese cooking class Tokyo
YUCa's Japanese Cooking

Premier Culinary Experience in Tokyo

Join YUCa®'s award-winning Japanese cooking class in Tokyo for an intimate, hands-on culinary experience. Classes are taught in English.

View Classes
✓Free cancellation up to 1 week before class
✓All ingredients included
✓Original recipes to take home
Tripadvisor Best of the Best
Tripadvisor
★★★★★ As recommended by 99%
of Tripadvisor users since 2013
10,000+Guests
Worldwide
5.0★Tripadvisor Rating
(5/5★)
10+Years
Experience
Best of
the BestTripadvisor
Travelers' Choice Award
Chef YUCa

About YUCa®

Originally from Fukushima Prefecture, she grew up in a farming family and enjoyed locally grown food from northern Japan. She worked as a food writer in Toronto (Canada) and New York (U.S.), then returned to Tokyo, where she worked as a chef at a fermented food and vegetarian/vegan cuisine restaurant as well as at a kindergarten.

In 2013, she launched her Japanese cooking classes and has since been teaching home cooking to guests from all over the world while continuing to develop new recipes. In April 2019, she published YUCa's Japanese Cooking -The first cookbook by YUCa (available in English only). She launched the recipe app Recipe by YJC in February 2020.

Her cooking classes were honored by Tripadvisor as "Best Cooking Class in Japan" in 2018 and 2019, and "Best of the Best" in 2021 and 2023. In 2023, she launched the premium Japanese tea brand YUCa's Tea.

She is a wife and mother to two children and two toy poodles.

YUCa's signature

Culinary Expert

What to Expect

1
Personalized attention in small group cooking class Tokyo

Personalized Attention

Small group setting ensures YUCa can guide every guest individually

2
Hands-on Japanese cooking experience Tokyo

Hands-On

Not a demonstration — you actively prepare every dish from start to finish

3
Recipe cards included in Japanese cooking class

Recipes Included

Take home original recipes so you can recreate the dishes

4
Communal dining after Japanese cooking class Tokyo

Communal Dining

Enjoy the meal you prepared together with fellow guests

5
Supermarket tour with Chef YUCa Tokyo

Supermarket Tour

After class, YUCa takes you to a local supermarket to explore Japanese ingredients

6
English instruction Japanese cooking class Tokyo

English Instruction

All classes conducted in English by fluent instructor

7
Japanese food culture and history lesson Tokyo

Cultural Context

Learn the history and traditions behind each dish

8
YUCa private kitchen studio Tokyo cooking class

Real Tokyo Home

Cook in YUCa's private kitchen studio and experience authentic Tokyo local life

Choose Your Class

Hands-on cooking experiences in Tokyo

In-person Class Schedule

Class Calendar

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Mar 23 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
24

Mar 24 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
25

Mar 25 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    2 Place
26

Mar 26 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
27

Mar 27 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
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29

Mar 29 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
30

Mar 30 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
31

Mar 31 2026

  • 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    Full
     

Upcoming Class

  • Mar 25(Wed) 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    2 Place
  • Apr 2(Thu) 10:00-12:30 JST
    Okonomiyaki & Gyoza
    4 Place
  • Apr 8(Wed) 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    1 Place
  • Apr 9(Thu) 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    1 Place
  • Apr 10(Fri) 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    2 Place
  • Apr 12(Sun) 10:00-12:30 JST
    Ramen & Gyoza
    1 Place

Upcoming Class

  • 7
    Place more

    Ramen & Gyoza

    Jul 2(Thu) 10:00-12:30 JST
    20,000 JPY

    See more detail

  • Any in-person class available

    Jul 3(Fri) 10:00-12:30 JST
    --- JPY

    Choose

  • Any in-person class available

    Jul 6(Mon) 10:00-12:30 JST
    --- JPY

    Choose

  • Any in-person class available

    Jul 7(Tue) 10:00-12:30 JST
    --- JPY

    Choose

  • Any in-person class available

    Jul 9(Thu) 10:00-12:30 JST
    --- JPY

    Choose

  • 7
    Place more

    Ramen & Gyoza

    Jul 9(Thu) 10:00-12:30 JST
    16,500 JPY

    See more detail

  • Any in-person class available

    Jul 10(Fri) 10:00-12:30 JST
    --- JPY

    Choose

  • Any in-person class available

    Jul 13(Mon) 10:00-12:30 JST
    --- JPY

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  • 3
    Place more

    Ramen & Gyoza

    Jul 14(Tue) 10:00-12:30 JST
    16,500 JPY

    See more detail

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YUCa cooking class gyoza
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YUCa cooking class daihuku
YUCa's Japanese cooking class group Tokyo
Dining together after cooking class Tokyo

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★

"We absolutely loved YUCa's class! Yuca was the most patient, kind, and encouraging teacher. She walked us through every step, shared great tips, and made the whole experience so much fun. We can't wait to make these dishes at home!"

Tripadvisor Review
Ramen & Gyoza Class
★★★★★

"YUCa was an incredible teacher, helping people of all backgrounds connect, learn, and create DELICIOUS miso ramen and chicken gyoza together! Her course was extremely informative on Japanese cuisine and she even took us to a local grocery store. I recommend 10/10 for anyone traveling to Tokyo!"

Airbnb Review
Airbnb Review · Dec 2025
★★★★★

"This was my second time to join YUCa's course. My family had a great time with lots of laughter and fun. Cooking in a local Japanese home felt very different from a cooking school. Definitely will come back again and join more courses!"

Tripadvisor Review
Sushi Class · Nov 2024
★★★★★

"Our family of four had an absolutely fantastic time with YUCa! The class was very well organized, made excellent use of our time, and I learned many practical techniques that I'm excited to use at home. YUCa is incredibly warm and friendly — we couldn't have asked for a better experience."

Airbnb Review
Airbnb Review · Dec 2025
★★★★★

"Everything was perfect — from the welcome tea, to our name written in Japanese, to the cooking explanations and especially the final tasting. Yuca was really nice and patient with all of us. We loved the class."

Tripadvisor Review
Ramen & Gyoza Class · Nov 2024
★★★★★

"Excellent class from a knowledgeable chef host. She speaks English very well and teaches many facts, sharing insights into the recipes and tips on how to repeat at home. Group size of 6 let everyone get involved. Would recommend to any tourist who loves Japanese food."

Airbnb Review
Airbnb Review · Jan 2026
★★★★★

"I stayed in Japan for 8 days and the ramen bowl Yuca had us make was my favorite of all the bowls I ate during the entire trip. She really made Japanese cooking seem doable. Definitely one of our highlights!"

Tripadvisor Review
Ramen & Gyoza Class
★★★★★

"We had a terrific experience with YUCa for the Gyoza and ramen cooking class. It was so special to be welcomed into her home and to learn about cooking with a small group. I would highly recommend this experience for those looking for a unique and hands on experience while visiting Tokyo!"

Airbnb Review
Airbnb Review · Dec 2025
★★★★★

"YUCa is a natural teacher and clearly passionate about cooking. But it's her energy and enthusiasm that really makes the whole experience great. She creates such a lovely environment, the whole group connects and has a wonderful time."

Tripadvisor Review
Ramen & Gyoza Class
See all reviews on Tripadvisor
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Your Day at YUCa's Private Kitchen Studio

How the Class Flows

1
Welcome with local snacks at YUCa cooking class

Welcome

YUCa greets you with Japanese tea from her own brand YUCa's Tea, paired with local snacks.

2
Introduction to Japanese cuisine and culture

Learn

A short introduction to Japanese cuisine and culture.

3
Hands-on cooking preparation at YUCa class Tokyo

Cook Together

Hands-on preparation of the day's dishes from scratch.

4
Dining together after cooking class Tokyo

Feast Together

Sit down and enjoy the meal you've made.

5
Supermarket tour with Chef YUCa after class

Supermarket Tour

Explore a local supermarket with YUCa's guidance.

FAQ

Common Questions

Do I need cooking experience?

No experience necessary. Our classes are designed for all skill levels.

What's included in the class?

All ingredients, equipment, recipes to take home, and the meal you prepare.

How many students per class?

Our classes are kept small (around 7 guests) for personalized attention from YUCa.

What's your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 1 week before class. 50% refund for cancellations 3-6 days prior. No refund within 2 days of the class.

Where are the cooking classes held?

Our classes are held at YUCa's private kitchen studio in Tokyo, located near popular tourist areas such as Ueno and Asakusa. View on Google Maps

Is the class conducted in English?

Yes, all classes are conducted in English.

Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking.

How long is each class?

Approximately 2.5 hours. A local supermarket tour follows after class.

What should I bring?

Just bring yourself and an appetite! All ingredients, equipment, and aprons are provided. Feel free to bring a camera to capture your creations.

Why are the prices different depending on the time of year?

Our classes follow a dynamic pricing model, with different prices during busy and quiet periods.

Contact us for any other questions
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