麻豆APP

A chef prepares tacos by Obi –

10 Best Culinary Schools in Japan

According to culinary school graduates, attending the culinary schools in Japan or any culinary school out there is an investment that is worthwhile-to hone your culinary skills and pursue a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. 

There are so many benefits of attending a culinary school, but the best of them is that the degrees or diplomas obtained in culinary schools come with a lot of opportunities and higher salaries. In as much as attending culinary school is not required for an entry-level job in the culinary industry. However, a survey shows that 70% of employers in Japan require that general manager and executive chef positions be open to chefs who have culinary or pastry arts degrees.

Top culinary schools can also be very expensive but the top culinary schools have even more to offer. They have a lot of clout in the food world and open many doors. They teach you invaluable skills for when the time comes to own your own restaurants like menu planning, facilities design, cost control, legal education, and management techniques. Here are the 10 best culinary schools in Japan.

1. Japan Culinary Institute, Shizuoka

is a culinary school located in Atami, Shizuoka Japan. Its main mission is to bring authentic Washoku to people all over the world by realizing a high-level education on Japanese food culture as a whole.

They offer short and intensive cooking courses either for professional purposes or personal fulfillment.  They offer Japanese Chef Training on Home Cooking, Sushi Training, Yakitori Basic Course, Fast Food Course, Japanese dishes and cutlery lessons, and restaurant preparation workshops.

2. Tsuji Culinary Institute

Cakwe Sambal Mangga by Medina Catering –

is one of Japan鈥檚 top cooking schools. They draw students from all around the country and the world at large. The institution consists of two professional schools the Tsuji Culinary Institute and the Tsuji Institute of P芒tisserie. The school has produced more than 140,000 graduates-many of whom are employed in Japan as well as overseas. 

They have specialized instructors with expert skills and knowledge in their specific cuisine to guide you through the great food cultures of the world, including Western, Japanese and Chinese. Through the study of world cuisines and their cultures, you will acquire high-level practical skills, an intellectual breadth of knowledge, and a depth of creative strength.

3. Tokyo Sushi Academy

is a private school with two branches in Tsukiji and Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan. This academy was opened in 2002 as the first sushi school in Japan. They teach students the basic knowledge and techniques of Edomae-style sushi in one to two months at the shortest. 

As of the year 2022, more than 4,400 students graduated; 400 of these students were foreign chefs who afterward are working in almost 50 countries. They have English courses that started in the year 2015 and have continued to enroll more and more foreign chefs since then. 

4. Le Cordon Bleu Tokyo

Couple eating a fish meal with lemon and white wine by Farhad Ibrahimzade –

This is one of the culinary schools in Japan that was founded in 麻豆APP in the year 1895. It is located at 28-13 Sarugaku-Cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. This institution today is considered one of the schools with the largest network of culinary and hospitality schools in the world having more than 35 institutes in about 20 countries of the world.

This institution combines innovation and creativity with tradition through its certificates, diplomas, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Not forgetting the online degree in gastronomy. Besides Japanese Cuisine, Le Cordon Bleu Tokyo offers a wide range of culinary arts, wine, management, and hospitality programs.

5. Miyajima Ramen School

is a private school, located at 1-9-2, Kowakae, Higashiosaka-shi, Osaka. This is one of the culinary schools in Japan that started in the year 2001, more than 1,000 students from over 50 countries are enrolled. 

The school accepts both experienced chefs and chefs with no experience at all. They provide one-on-one courses mainly. All the recipes taught at the school use no additives or MSG. You can replicate tasty Japanese ramen with ingredients available in your country. This culinary school also provides free accommodations. 

6. International Ramen School

Gourmet Meal by Tae In Kim –

is one of the culinary schools in Japan that was founded in 2012 for foreigners. It has several locations at 1-1 Yamanouchi-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa and Inside Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market. 

鈥嬧�婽he school is popular for its program combined with on-the-job training at an actual restaurant and good support for students. Most of their courses are recommended for those who want to open a ramen restaurant with smaller initial investments. 

7. Sushi Private Lesson

offers private classes that can be scheduled upon your request. It is 鈥嬧�媋lso one of the culinary schools in Japan where students learn about authentic sushi in Japan. They are located at KY Bldg 2nd floor 4-7-5 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan and at 8-2-5 Nishi-Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. 

They were founded in the year 2002 and have since then graduated more than 4,000 students from this famous sushi school in Japan. Before enrolling, ensure that you contact the school at least 2-3 months before you enroll. It is relatively recommended to take a private class in August and late December when regular classes are not in session. 

8. 90min Sushi Making Workshop

Restaurant chef holding tasty meat meal with salad, vegetables on the wooden plate by Farhad Ibrahimzade –

90min Sushi Making Workshop is one of the private culinary schools in Japan with professional sushi chefs that will teach you about sushi and techniques of how to make sushi in 90 minutes. They have programs that will teach you the traditional Tokyo-style nigiri sushi. 

The class is held on the second floor of a sushi restaurant, Tsukiji Sushi Omakase. The class takes place 2 times a week on Tuesday and Saturday before the restaurant opens. The sushi chefs and the management team have taught more than 3,000 tourists over the last 4 years. Visitors can make nigiri sushi themselves for 90min and enjoy the hands-on experience with all five senses.

9. Hattori Nutrition College 

is a cooking school in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Hattori Nutrition College offers certification courses and full degree programs in culinary arts and dietetics. There is a particular emphasis on healthy, 鈥渂ody-friendly鈥� culinary techniques.

Hattori’s kitchen facilities rival anything seen in Kitchen Stadium and include state-of-the-art chef demonstration arenas.  Stainless steel industrial kitchens, and the latest professional equipment, provide up-to-date training for those who study at Hattori. To garner the most from your time in the college’s kitchens,  you’re encouraged to possess a clear understanding of the Japanese language and culture. 

10. Yamato Noodle School

offers short but intensive courses where you can learn what it takes to become a successful noodle shop owner. Their 鈥嬧�媙oodle training courses cover Ramen, Udon & Soba. 

They offer intensive 3 & 5-day courses in English Singapore along with Japanese courses in Kagawa & Tokyo, Japan that come with English translation services. They also provide restauranteurs with a range of artisan noodle-making machines.