Cute Character Bento Making in Akasaka | A 2-Hour Cooking Class Making Panda & Shiba Inu Bento Boxes

Just Steps from Exit 7 of Tameike-Sanno Station, Look for the Panda Sign

The venue is located in Akasaka 2-chome, Tokyo, within walking distance of Tameike-Sanno Station. Its central location makes it easy to reach from Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza, or Roppongi, making it simple to fit into your sightseeing schedule. The class runs about 2 hours and is available in both English and Japanese.

After heading down the stairs and taking your seat, you'll find an apron and all your tools already set up at your workstation. This is where your cute bento-making adventure begins.

Put on Your Apron and Start Prepping with Your Instructor

No cooking experience is required. Knives, cutting boards, toothpicks (used like tweezers), cutter molds, and all ingredients are laid out at each seat, and a local instructor demonstrates each step along the way.

The first task is creating small decorative parts from items like cherry tomatoes and sausages. By adding small cuts, you transform them into flowers, hearts, and character decorations—and even first-timers get guidance from the instructor along the way.

These small pieces you create will later become the key elements that give your bento its expression.

Cook Sausages and Side Dishes to Complete Your Bento Fillings

Next, you'll use a tabletop induction cooker and a tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) pan to cook side dishes like sausages and rolled eggs. Each table has its own heat source, and the instructor checks in to help you get the cooking just right.

Watching a sausage cut into an octopus shape curl up as it cooks is one of the fun highlights of this experience. Many participants take photos with their smartphones along the way, and conversations flow naturally as everyone cooks together.

Once all the side dishes are ready, it's time to move on to assembling your bento box.

Panda, Shiba Inu, or a Seasonal Design—Shape the Face with Rice

Choose from three menu options: panda bento, shiba inu bento, or a seasonal limited-edition bento. The seasonal design changes throughout the year, featuring themes like Christmas, Halloween, autumn brown bears, spring frogs (May–June), and summer-exclusive motifs.

You'll shape rice into a face, layer on nori (seaweed) for eyes and a nose, and add cheese or ham for ears and cheeks. Fill in the gaps with broccoli, spaghetti, fried chicken, and rolled egg, and a tiny world takes shape inside your bento box.

Vegetarian options and allergy accommodations (such as nut-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free) are also available, so be sure to let the organizer know when booking if needed.

The Finishing Touch: A Photo Session to Capture Your Creation

Once your bento is complete, you'll have a photo session where you can take pictures of your creation using props and lighting equipment. Adding items like a Japanese umbrella or a plush panda toy makes for a memorable travel photo.

Side dish explanations are shown on a screen, and you can choose your favorites—such as salmon flakes, spicy cod roe, or takana (pickled greens)—to add to your bento. Whether you're with friends or family, lining up everyone's bentos for a group photo is always a highlight.

After enjoying the photo session, it's finally time to eat. You'll get to savor the character bento you made yourself, right there on the spot, as the final part of the cooking class.

Add 30 Extra Minutes Before or After with Free Options

Depending on availability, two free add-on options are offered: a 30-minute side-dish prep session before the workshop, and a 30-minute Akasaka walking tour after the workshop. Advance inquiry is required for both.

Adding the side-dish prep session lets you get more deeply involved in preparing the fillings, while the Akasaka tour lets you walk around the surrounding area with your instructor. If your travel schedule allows, these add-ons are worth considering.

Things to Check Before You Book

• Choose your preferred course—panda, shiba inu, or seasonal—when booking
• The experience lasts about 2 hours; the meeting point is on the basement floor at 2-2-21 Akasaka
• Available in English and Japanese; tools, ingredients, and aprons are all provided
• The free side-dish prep session and Akasaka tour options depend on availability, so inquire in advance if interested
• Let the organizer know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions when booking
• The finished bento is generally meant to be eaten on-site
• Cancellation/change policies and the latest pricing and plan details

Allergy accommodations and free options require advance notice. Pricing, schedules, and plan details may change seasonally, so please check the latest information before booking.

In Summary

This roughly 2-hour experience in Akasaka, Tokyo, lets you create a panda, shiba inu, or seasonal character bento. Following your instructor's guidance, you'll craft small decorative pieces from ingredients and shape rice into a character's face. By adjusting the placement of the eyes and ears and filling in the side dishes, you'll complete a one-of-a-kind, adorable bento box.

At the end, you'll take commemorative photos using props and lighting. You'll get to photograph your finished creation and then enjoy eating the bento you made yourself. This experience is perfect for anyone who wants to get hands-on with Japan's adorable food culture while making memories with family or friends.

You can check availability and book via this page.