Tokyo: Heard of Kyaraben? A Cute Japanese Home-Cooking Class

Kyaraben is the cute character bento you find in Japanese homes, not in restaurants. In this class at our studio in central Tokyo, you make your own from start to finish, then sit down and eat it.

No cooking skills are needed: friendly instructors show every step in English with easy visual guides and stay right beside you, so first-timers and kids can follow along.

What you will do:
1. Start with a quick, fun quiz about bento culture in Japan.
2. Make colorful little side dishes, step by step.
3. Shape rice and decorations into your character's face.
4. Arrange everything in your bento box, then enjoy photo time with props. Our staff can help take pictures.
5. Sit down and eat the bento you made.

Designs: Panda, Shiba Inu or the seasonal special. Choose one after you book, and we will confirm it by email.

Who it is for: families, couples, friends and solo travelers. Classes are small, with up to 12 guests, so you can relax and ask questions.

Kids and families: children aged 6 to 15 make their own bento. Children under 6 make one bento together with a parent. Kids, parents and grandparents all join in.

Time: each class lasts 2 hours. You make your bento for about 1.5 hours and eat it for about 30 minutes. Classes start at 9:00 and 14:30 on weekdays and holidays, plus 11:30 on weekends.

Language: English (Japanese on request).

Dietary needs: if you tell us at least 3 days before your class, we can make your bento vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or halal-friendly (not certified). Vegan bento uses no meat, fish, egg, dairy or bonito stock. For gluten-free guests, we switch soy sauce and other seasonings to wheat-free ones and keep their food apart from other guests' wheat. For halal-friendly bento, we use halal meat and no pork, sake or mirin. Guests with different needs can join the same class.

Food allergies: if you tell us at least 3 days before your class, we can leave out tree nuts, peanuts, milk, egg, wheat or fish. The class uses common allergens such as seafood, soy and sesame, so it may not be suitable for guests with severe food allergies. For allergies and dietary needs, we confirm the details by email after you book.

Where: Akasaka, central Tokyo, about 5 minutes from Ginza and 10 minutes from Shibuya by subway. Directions from the station are in the meeting point details.

Good to know: the studio is indoors, so rain or heat is no problem. Strollers and suitcases can stay in the studio. Doors open 10 minutes before the start. You do not need to bring anything. Wheelchair users, please tell us when you book so our staff can meet you.

So far, 3,000+ guests from 25+ countries have made their bento with us.