Art and dinner, together. I like the manga-style drawing lesson because it teaches you real tools and techniques, not just a quick sketch. Guided by illustrator Yuka, you use items like G-pens, screentone sheets, and ink, then walk away with your own original drawing.

My second favorite part is the food. You’ll make sushi rolls and handmade gyoza, eat in a traditional tatami room, and get Japanese home-style sweets plus drinks that include shochu and beer. For many people, that combo is the reason this class feels more like a warm afternoon in someone’s life than a checklist activity.

One consideration: it’s a full-on hands-on format for about 3 hours, so it’s not for you if you want to sit back and simply watch.

Key takeaways

• Yuka leads your manga lesson with practical step-by-step help and classic tools like G-pens, screentone, and ink
• You take home your own finished artwork, made during the class
• You cook two Japanese favorites: colorful sushi rolls and handmade gyoza (folded and pan-fried)
• Tatami-room dining includes sweets and all-you-can-drink shochu, beer, and fruit juices
• Small group size (max 6) keeps the pace comfortable and personal

Getting to Odoriba and settling into a small-group home class

The experience starts at 3:00 pm near Odoriba Station, at 1 Chome-1 Nakatahigashi, Izumi Ward, Yokohama. It’s scheduled for about 3 hours, and it ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stranded figuring out what’s next. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your own route to Odoriba in advance. The good news: it’s described as near public transportation.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you’re already juggling transit cards, maps, and reservations on your phone. And with a max of 6 travelers, this isn’t the kind of class where you get shoved into a corner and told to follow along. The small size matters because both the art and the cooking require hands-on attention.

If you’re thinking about timing, 3:00 pm is a sweet spot. It’s late enough to avoid a hectic morning, but early enough that you’re still eating a proper dinner (with sweets) during the session, not after it.

Manga drawing with Yuka: G-pens, screentone, and a take-home page

The manga portion is guided by a professional illustrator, Yuka. The vibe here is practical: you learn how to draw manga-style characters step by step, and you get instruction on using authentic tools like G-pens, screentone sheets, and ink. If you’ve never held a screentone sheet before, that’s exactly the kind of place where this class helps—someone shows you how it works, then you try it.

The course is built for beginners, but it doesn’t ignore manga fans. You’ll get useful context for how manga gets its look, including why certain materials create the familiar tone patterns and line textures. That’s also why the tools list matters: these are the same kinds of items people use to get a real manga feel, not generic craft supplies.

The best payoff is that you don’t leave empty-handed. You finish with your original drawing as a personal souvenir. That’s more satisfying than taking a photo of a sample and calling it done. And because the group stays small, it’s easier to get quick feedback if you get stuck on a line weight or a detail.

From the reviews, the pacing and attention really land. People specifically praised how Yuka works at a comfortable speed and keeps the session informative without making it feel rigid. For me, that’s the difference between a class you remember and a class you only half remember.

Sushi rolls: colorful, hands-on, and built from fresh ingredients

After the drawing, you move to cooking—same calm, home setting, different task. You’ll make sushi rolls using fresh ingredients, and you’ll do the work, not just watch. You’re guided through the process so you can follow along even if sushi-making is brand-new to you.

Why sushi rolls are such a good match for a workshop like this: they’re straightforward enough to complete in a single session, but there are still enough steps to teach you real technique. You’ll learn how ingredients and assembly work together, and you’ll get a chance to see what changes when you handle things carefully—like keeping the roll tidy or working at a steady pace.

Also, sushi rolls here aren’t just a dry lesson in rice and fish. The class describes them as colorful, which usually means you’ll be working with multiple ingredients and getting some visual payoff as you go. That matters for motivation. You can feel progress while you’re cooking, not just at the end.

If you’re the type who likes learning through doing, you’ll enjoy this section more than you’d expect. Even people who worry about cooking classes often relax once they realize you’re making dishes you can actually understand, and you’re not being thrown into a complicated multi-course production.

Handmade gyoza: folding lessons and pan-frying payoff

Then comes gyoza. You’ll make handmade gyoza and fold them, then pan-fry them. The class is set up so the folding step is taught, not guessed. That’s important because gyoza can look intimidating until someone shows you what matters—how the folds hold, how the shape forms, and what to aim for so they cook evenly.

Pan-frying is where the technique turns into flavor fast. You’ll see how the dumplings change as they hit the pan, which is part of what makes this class feel like a real cooking experience instead of a food tasting. And since you’re making the gyoza yourself, you know exactly why the finished dumplings are the way they are.

The host shares home-style tips during the process. That’s the kind of advice that helps beyond this one meal—small changes in folding or cooking time can lead to better texture and a more satisfying bite. It’s also the kind of information you can remember when you try again later.

If you’ve ever bought gyoza and wished it tasted more “restaurant fresh,” this is the portion that can fix that craving. You’ll get a feel for how dumplings become dumplings: shape, heat, and timing.

Tatami-room meal, sweets, and all-you-can-drink shochu and beer

When the cooking wraps up, you relax in a traditional tatami room and enjoy what you made. This part is more than a backdrop. Tatami dining changes the pace. You settle in, you eat what you cooked, and you get time for conversation—an element that showed up in the reviews as a highlight, especially around Yuka being attentive and friendly.

You’ll also be served Japanese home-style sweets. That gives the meal a complete arc: savory cooking, then a sweet finish, all within the same 3-hour block. It helps the experience feel like a complete afternoon rather than a short class followed by scrambling for dinner elsewhere.

Drinks are included, and they’re all-you-can-drink. The list includes shochu, beer, and fruit juices. If you drink alcohol, it’s a nice bonus because you’re not paying for it on top of the class price. If you don’t drink, you can still take advantage of the fruit juices, but do plan to pace yourself anyway—this is a long enough session that you’ll likely be pleasantly full before the end.

One practical note: because this is a tatami room experience, you’ll want to be comfortable sitting on the floor or in tatami-style seating. You don’t need special gear, but do treat it like a home meal setting, not a quick stop.

Price and value: what $78.18 includes (and what doesn’t)

At $78.18 per person for about 3 hours, the value depends on what you care about most: art instruction, cooking practice, and included food/drinks. The price includes dinner drinks and alcohol, plus your guide. That’s a big deal because many classes separate the cooking from the meal and charge extra for beverages. Here, you get both the making and the eating, plus sweets, in one package.

You also get more than just food. The manga drawing session uses actual manga tools like G-pens and screentone sheets, and you take home your original drawing. If you’ve ever paid for a “craft experience” that felt like a souvenir factory, this is different: you’re making something with guidance that follows real manga-making methods.

Two things aren’t included: transportation to and from the location, and personal expenses. There are also manga-related goods available for sale, but those are optional. So if you’re hoping to buy extra supplies or merch, budget for it separately.

The other small clue to value: it’s commonly booked about 25 days in advance on average. That doesn’t guarantee it will sell out, but it does suggest people like this format enough to plan ahead—especially for dates in between other Yokohama sights.

Who should book this Yokohama manga-and-cooking class

This is a strong fit for beginners who want real instruction. The manga lesson is step by step, and the cooking is guided through sushi rolls and handmade gyoza with fresh ingredients. It’s also a great choice for manga fans who want to learn how the look is made using tools that match the style.

It works well for couples and solo visitors too, because it’s small (up to 6) and you get conversation space during the meal. The reviews also mention a 13-year-old daughter having a great time with Yuka, which is a helpful signal if you’re traveling with a teen who likes hands-on activities.

If you prefer traditional sightseeing with lots of walking outside, this might feel too indoor and home-based. It’s not designed as a tour of streets and landmarks. You’re here for two skills: drawing and cooking.

Also keep expectations realistic about the alcohol included. Drinks are part of the experience, so if you don’t want shochu or beer involved, you’ll still be surrounded by it. For some people that’s totally fine; for others, it changes the mood of the evening.

Should you book this Yokohama manga-and-cooking experience?

If you want a hands-on afternoon that blends manga drawing and real cooking, I think it’s an easy yes. The included sweets and all-you-can-drink beverages make it feel like you’re not just paying to learn—you’re paying to share a meal.

Book it if you’ll enjoy working with your hands, learning basics properly, and leaving with a take-home drawing plus a full stomach. Skip it if you’re looking for a passive, sightseeing-focused activity or if you’d rather avoid an alcohol-inclusive setting.

Either way, you’re signing up for a Yokohama home experience that feels personal, not automated.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $78.18 per person.

What time does it start?

The start time is 3:00 pm.

What will I make during the cooking class?

You’ll make sushi rolls and handmade gyoza.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Dinner drinks and alcohol are included in the price, and beverages are all-you-can-drink (including shochu, beer, and fruit juices).

Is this a large group activity?

No. The maximum group size is 6 travelers.

Where does the class meet?

It starts at Odoriba Station (1 Chome-1 Nakatahigashi, Izumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 245-0013, Japan). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the activity location is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.