Japan Onigiri Food Experiences(39)

Delve into onigiri artistry with fun workshops and tours, learning its cultural roots and tasting diverse flavors.

Ichiju Sansai Cooking Class in Nagoya With a Local Twist

Cook “ichiju sansai,” a traditional and delicious Japanese meal featuring a soup and three dishes infused with Nagoya flavors like aka-miso (red miso), while learning about the history and culture of the area from a local host.

from $69.66

Classes

GIFU

Takoyaki Cooking & Tea Ceremony in Hida Takayama, Gifu

Known for its rural beauty and cultural heritage, Hida Takayama is the perfect place to make popular Japanese foods and enjoy a beginner-friendly tea ceremony. Cook onigiri, tamagoyaki, and takoyaki, then enjoy with fresh matcha.

from $69.66

Private Experience

Kamakura Onigiri-Making & Sake Tasting at a Bar 1

Drinking Tours

KANAGAWA

Kamakura Onigiri-Making & Sake Tasting at a Bar

Make onigiri (Japanese rice balls) with classic fillings and toppings, then enjoy them paired with different sake varieties in this dining experience in Kamakura that explores some of Japan’s best rice-based gastronomy.

from $41.80

Onigiri Bento Making Workshop & Picnic in Yokohama 1

Food Tours

KANAGAWA

Onigiri Bento Making Workshop & Picnic in Yokohama

Pack a bento box and enjoy it like a local in this cozy experience in Yokohama. Learn to make onigiri and miso soup guided by a local host, and pack your meal in a cute bento to enjoy outdoors at a local park together. A vegan option is available!

from $55.73

Private Experience

Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & Onigiri 3

Classes

HOKKAIDO

Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & Onigiri

While in Sapporo, take part in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make sushi rolls and complement your meal with an additional Japanese home cooking staple dish: onigiri (rice balls) or other alternatives.

from $84.16

Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & 2 Dishes 1

Classes

HOKKAIDO

Sapporo Cooking Class: Make Sushi Rolls & 2 Dishes

Discover the essentials of Japanese home cooking in this class led by a professional chef at her home kitchen in Sapporo. You’ll learn to roll sushi and make two staples of Japanese cuisine (washoku) to complete your meal.

from $96.70

Japanese bento box with onigiri, spinach, tamagoyaki, and fried chicken

Dining Experiences

FUKUOKA

Private Bento-Making Class & Picnic in a Fukuoka Park

Prepare a classic Japanese bento with staple foods like onigiri (rice balls with fillings), Japanese-style fried chicken, rolled omelet and spinach, then enjoy it at a picturesque park as part of a picnic with a friendly local host in Fukuoka.

from $69.66

Private Experience

All About Rice: Private One-Night Farm Stay in Tsu, Mie 3

Foodie Stays

MIE

All About Rice: Private One-Night Farm Stay in Tsu, Mie

Embark on a journey through the countryside and enjoy a private overnight stay in a farm in Tsu, Mie Prefecture. Meditate at a local temple, meet farmers, and learn about organic rice harvesting methods. Dinner, breakfast and lunch are included.

from $1,393.38

Private Experience

Private Japanese Rice Farm Tour w/ Lunch in Tsu, Mie 1

Food Tours

MIE

Private Japanese Rice Farm Tour w/ Lunch in Tsu, Mie

Explore Japanese rice culture in this private farm tour in the countryside of Tsu, Mie Prefecture. Interact with farmers, learn about rice production and cooking, and enjoy a delicious meal with Matsusaka beef and other local Mie specialties.

from $278.67

Private Experience

Private Mie Farm Tour: Temple Meditation & Rice Experience 1

Food Tours

MIE

Private Mie Farm Tour: Temple Meditation & Rice Experience

Revitalize body and mind in this private experience in rural Tsu, Mie Prefecture. You’ll meditate at a historical local temple, stroll the village, interact with farmers, learn about rice production, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

from $418.01

Private Experience

Asakusa Day Tour: Japanese Food, Kimonos, and Culture 5

Food Tours

TOKYO

Asakusa Day Tour: Japanese Food, Kimono and Culture

Discover Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district with an English-speaking guide by your side! Join this walking tour to feast on authentic Japanese food, participate in a traditional kimono experience, and explore the famed Nakamise Shopping Street.

from $383.18

Wear kimono

Private Experience

Tailor-Made Tours

Can’t find what you’re looking for? We can plan a custom-made food experience or itinerary just for you.

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Recent Reviews from Guests

1 / 3

Our food tour with lovely guide Sue was perfect! We could taste all famous dishes from Osaka!

Denisa Georgesova

July 31, 2025

Osaka Food Tour: Takoyaki, Kushikatsu, Okonomiyaki & More

Food Tours

It was a very unique and wonderful experience. Maria is a very cheerfull teacher, she was very patient with me. We made Dashi, Dashimaki Tamago (japanese rolled omelet) and Onigiri. She explained to me the importance of Dashi in the japanese cuisine. We was able to talk about lot of things about Japan. Being able to cook in the shrine is an unique experience. I was also able to get the Goshuin of this shrine by Maria. I highly recommend this experience! For the little plus, the shrine is quite peaceful, there are trees around it that make shadows, that makes it quite enjoyable even during summer.

Hugo Gloaguen

July 21, 2025

Cultural culinary experience with traditional Japanese meal and happy guests.

Homestyle Cooking Class at a 600-Year-Old Shrine in Tokyo

Classes

The Yakitori cooking class with Michiko Numato was an amazing experience and exceeded our expectations! I am a Japanese Canadian tourist and always wanted to learn how to cook Yakitori. Although there were other cooking classes, we chose Michiko since the class was taught in her home kitchen and provided a true home cooking experience that gave me the confidence to be able to cook Yakitori in our own kitchen. Michiko is very knowledgeable and a wonderful teacher. Her patience and enthusiasm has provided a novice cook like myself the motivation to cook as soon as we return home from our vacation. Indeed, Michiko is passionate about Japanese food and enjoys teaching others how to cook! We will recommend her to our friends and relatives who will travel to Japan and we will try Michiko’s other classes on our next vacation!

Tanigawa

June 23, 2025

Couple enjoying traditional Japanese meal in tatami room

Yakitori & Tsukune Cooking Class with Tokyo English Teacher

Classes

We were met on time at Cora Coffee. Her class was set up nicely in her home. She spoke wonderful English and answered all our questions. She was very encouraging in our attempts and onigiri and Japanese only making ability or lack thereof. The food was wonderful. I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves Japanese food. And your breakfast is taken care of for the day.

Stacia Chamberlain

June 20, 2025

Osaka Breakfast-Making Class: Japanese Onigiri & Miso Soup

Classes

I had a great time learning how to make bento containing onigiri, karaage, tamagoyaki, along with some vegetables. I have very little experience with cooking, but Yuki-san was very patient and helpful, and made sure that I did most of the work myself so that I could properly learn the process. She explained the recipe for each part of the bento, how and where the recipe can vary between families, and why she makes the choices she does. She clearly has lots of experience and was able to condense it so that I could understand. The kitchen was very large and clean. It can easily hold multiple people at once. All of the ingredients were beautifully prepared ahead of time, along with printed copies of the recipes. After cooking all the food, Yuki-san helped me in preparing and decorating the bento box which I then ate out of to finish the day. The food was very good despite me making it. The flavors were very simple and delicate as Yuki-san explained is common in Japanese food. The food tasted very clean and fresh, even the fried karaage. Yuki-san is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about cooking and sharing her culture through food. Her English is very good and I was able to clearly understand and communicate with her. Her recipes are also very thoughtful and delicious. She even gave me a small gift of a Japanese-style kitchen towel before I left. I definitely would like to attend another of her classes again in the future, and would highly recommend attending!

Ross Nelson

June 16, 2025

Japanese bento box with onigiri, karaage, and vegetables

Bento Making Class in Tokyo: Prepare a Japanese Lunchbox

Classes

Discover the World of Onigiri

Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are simple yet flavorful and come in various shapes and sizes, typically wrapped in nori seaweed. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, our carefully curated onigiri food experiences will open your eyes to this delightful culinary creation. These experiences are perfect for anyone looking to dive deeper into Japanese food culture and explore the versatility of onigiri.

Unique Onigiri Making Workshops

Join our hands-on workshops to learn the art of onigiri making. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you'll gain insights into the history and significance of onigiri in Japan. Discover the importance of rice selection and the techniques to form these delectable morsels just right. Each workshop offers you the opportunity to experiment with a variety of fillings, from traditional options like umeboshi (pickled plum) and salmon to creative and modern twists. These workshops are an engaging way to experience Japanese food culture first-hand while developing your cooking skills.

Onigiri Tasting Tours

If tasting is more your style, embark on an onigiri tasting tour. Wander through bustling markets and quaint eateries where you can savor different types of onigiri. From classic flavors to innovative creations, these tours will take your palate on a journey through the diverse world of onigiri. Learn about regional differences and how local ingredients influence the taste profiles of these rice balls. These tours also provide a perfect opportunity to meet fellow food enthusiasts, exchange culinary stories, and make lasting memories.

The Cultural Significance of Onigiri

Onigiri are more than just rice balls; they hold cultural significance in Japan. They're a staple in bento boxes, a symbol of home-cooked meals, and an embodiment of comfort food. As you partake in these onigiri food experiences, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their role in Japanese society and how they have adapted to modern culinary trends. Whether you're participating in a making session or enjoying a tasting journey, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for this iconic dish. Join us in discovering the charm and cultural importance of onigiri, one bite at a time.