The Best Japanese Cooking Courses - List

Japanese cuisine is known for its delicacy, precision and deep respect for ingredients. The popularity of dishes such as sushi, sashimi, ramen and tempura grows every year, making learning this culinary art an excellent opportunity for chefs and enthusiasts from all over the world.

If you're interested in learning the techniques and secrets of Japanese cuisine, there are several options for courses, both in Japan and in other countries, that offer authentic experiences and a deep immersion in Japan's gastronomic culture. Let's take a look at the best Japanese cooking courses you can find, both international and local to Japan.

Japanese Cooking Courses in Japan

1. Tokyo Sushi Academy

Location: Tokyo, Japan

The Tokyo Sushi Academy is one of the most prestigious schools for learning sushi and other Japanese culinary techniques. Based in Tokyo and Osaka, the school offers courses for both beginners and professional chefs who want to improve their skills in preparing sushi, sashimi and hot Japanese dishes.

• Duration: Courses range from 5 days to 3 months.
• Main themes: Sushi, sashimi, tempura, cutting techniques and rice preparation.

2. Le Cordon Bleu Japan

Location: Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan

Le Cordon Bleu, renowned worldwide for its tradition in French cuisine, also offers a specialized course in Japanese cuisine. The program combines the classical basis of gastronomy with the sophistication and delicacy of Japanese cuisine.

• Duration: Short and long-term courses.
• Main themes: Traditional Japanese cuisine, sushi, Japanese confectionery, introduction to the culture and history of Japanese gastronomy.

3. BentoYa Cooking

Location: Tokyo, Japan

BentoYa Cooking is a school that offers classes focused on healthy and sustainable Japanese cuisine. The courses are designed to teach both traditional and modern recipes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic preparation methods.

• Duration: Individual lessons or weekly courses.
• Main topics: Traditional Japanese cuisine, vegetarian and vegan food, bentos (Japanese lunch boxes).

4. Osaka Cooking School

Location: Osaka, Japan

The Osaka Cooking School is known for its intensive, hands-on Japanese cooking classes. Classes are led by experienced chefs and include everything from basic cooking techniques to the creation of complex Japanese dishes.

• Duration: Short courses and one-month programs.
• Main themes: Sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), udon, and Japanese street food.

International Japanese Cooking Courses

1. Sushi Chef Institute (SCI)

Location: Los Angeles, USA

The Sushi Chef Institute is a world-renowned school located in the United States that specializes in training chefs to prepare sushi and other Japanese dishes. The course is designed for both beginners and professional chefs.

• Duration: Programs ranging from 2 to 8 weeks.
• Main themes: Sushi, sashimi, Japanese hot cuisine, cutting techniques, and practical skills in the kitchen.

2. Le Cordon Bleu (Various Locations)

Location: Various cities around the world

In addition to Japan, Le Cordon Bleu offers Japanese cooking courses in some of its international branches, such as London, Paris and Sydney. With a global approach, you can learn Japanese traditions with a touch of sophistication and excellence.

• Duration: Individual classes to long-term courses.
• Main themes: Sushi, hot cooking techniques, and an introduction to Japanese culture.

3. Tokyo Sushi Academy (London)

Location: London, United Kingdom

The Tokyo Sushi Academy has expanded its excellence to London, offering intensive courses in sushi and Japanese cuisine. With expert teachers, you'll have an immersive experience without having to travel to Japan.

• Duration: Programs ranging from 1 to 3 months.
• Main themes: Sushi, sashimi, traditional Japanese cuisine, and cutting skills.

4. The Sushi School (Amsterdam)

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Sushi School is the only specialized sushi school in Europe, located in Amsterdam. The course is aimed at aspiring chefs and enthusiasts who want to master the art of sushi in a European setting.

• Duration: Courses of 1 to 4 weeks.
• Main topics: Sushi, rice preparation, knife skills, and modern Japanese cuisine.

5. Vancouver Culinary Arts School

Location: Vancouver, Canada

The Vancouver Culinary Arts School offers a program specializing in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese cuisine. The course provides a complete immersion in Japanese gastronomy, with practical classes covering a wide variety of dishes.

• Duration: Short and long-term courses.
• Main themes: Sushi, ramen, tempura, and introduction to Japanese hot cuisine.

Tips for Choosing the Best Japanese Cooking Course

• Objective: Define whether you want a course to become a professional or just to learn as a hobby.
• Duration: Choose a course that fits your schedule. Some schools offer anything from one-day workshops to programs lasting months.
• Location: Consider whether you prefer to learn in Japan for a more immersive experience or if a local or more affordable international course is more suitable.
• Cuisine type: Check if the course offers a focus on what you want to learn, whether it's sushi, ramen, pastry making, or traditional Japanese cuisine.

Final Considerations

Learning Japanese cuisine is more than just mastering cutting and preparation techniques; it involves understanding the culture and respect for the ingredients that are the pillars of Japanese gastronomy. Whether at a school in Japan or an international institution, these Japanese cooking course options offer an enriching and unique experience.

Choose the course that best suits your needs and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine!