Top Kansai Cooking Classes

A 60-minute Chanoyu (tea ceremony) experience led by an instructor associated with the Urasenke school of tea. The experience begins by putting on a Haori jacket and feeling the atmosphere of the tea ceremony through explanations of the tea garden and tea room. Once inside the 4.5-tatami mat tea room, you will observe the instructor's tea-making ceremony (Otemae) while enjoying traditional sweets. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to whisk and enjoy your own Matcha. The tea room features authentic utensils used in formal tea ceremonies, and the instructor will explain the deep meaning behind each one.

Sample Menu ◇ Shojin Cuisine (Japanese Buddhist Vegetarian Dishes) ・Sesame Tofu (Goma Dofu) ・Spinach with Sesame Sauce (Spinach Goma-ae) ・Simmered Daikon Radish with Seasonal Vegetables ・Kinpira Vegetables (Sweet Soy–Glazed Vegetables) ・Tofu Shiratama Dumplings – Japanese Dessert ◇ Temari Sushi ・Colorful bite-sized sushi balls Menu items may change depending on seasonal ingredients.

This workshop offers a rare chance to learn authentic Japanese home cooking directly from local Osaka moms. Unlike restaurants or typical cooking studios, you’ll experience the warmth of real family-style meals and the joy of connecting with locals. Enjoy cooking, chatting, and taking home your handmade magewappa bento box.

Experience making 100% buckwheat (Ju-wari) Soba noodles using only buckwheat flour and water—a truly rare and authentic culinary experience. You will also get to taste your noodles with our signature tsuyu (dipping sauce), made fresh daily using rich, handcrafted dashi that forms the very foundation of traditional Japanese cuisine. For an extra layer of fun, try comparing your freshly made Soba with one crafted by a true Soba Master!

Experience Osaka through sushi at TUGBOAT TAISHO, a waterfront food and cultural destination in the Taisho area. This private experience combines hands-on sushi making with an authentic lunch at a real local sushi restaurant. Meet your guide at JR Taisho Station and walk to TUGBOAT TAISHO. After a brief introduction to the area, head to Sushi-ichi, where a sushi chef will guide you through making four pieces of sushi. You will then enjoy a total of 10 pieces, including six prepared by the chef, with a bowl of soup. More than a typical sushi-making class, this experience takes place in a restaurant open to local customers, allowing you to enjoy sushi in an authentic setting while discovering one of Osaka’s less-touristy waterfront areas. Afterwards, you are welcome to explore TUGBOAT TAISHO, enjoy its other restaurants and drinks, or continue to your next destination. Your guide will explain the best route and nearest station before saying goodbye.

Step inside a working Zen temple in Kyoto for a private cultural experience rarely available to ordinary visitors. Meet your English-speaking guide and join the resident priest for an authentic zazen meditation session inside a traditional Zen hall. Learn proper posture, breathing, and meditation practice in a quiet setting designed for reflection and mindfulness. After meditation, move to a tatami room overlooking a centuries-old karesansui Zen garden. Enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet while the priest explains Zen philosophy, temple culture, and the meaning behind the garden’s stone arrangements and rake patterns. Your guide translates throughout the experience, helping you connect naturally with the priest and better understand the traditions of Zen Buddhism. This intimate experience offers a peaceful side of Kyoto that most travelers never see.

This special tea ceremony takes place in the most traditional tea room at Nishijin Lifestyle Museum Tondaya, a nationally designated cultural asset with a history spanning more than 140 years. Within this historic machiya lies a small, authentic tea room known as Rakuju. Its construction was supervised by the 12th-generation tea master of the Musha Koji Senke school, one of the principal schools of Japanese tea ceremony. Enjoy Uji matcha and traditional Japanese sweets as you immerse yourself in the quiet history and serenity of an authentic tea ceremony, while observing a seasoned tea master perform the ritual. Following the tea ceremony, we will guide you through Tondaya itself—a 140-year-old machiya designated as a culturally significant landmark by the Kyoto City Government. A treasure trove of historically valuable artifacts and stories, Tondaya offers a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s living heritage, shared by passionate staff. We at Tonadya look forward to your visit!

Appeal-We wish women who deeply study Japan's traditional culture and wish to incorporate its aesthetic sensibility into their private lives to embody this. ➤By embodying the residence and garden , you can gain a deep understanding of the uniquely Japanese aesthetic sensibility expressed through traditional culture. Please enjoy elegant moments while savouring the scenery that changes with the seasons. Highlights- Generally not offered at historic cultural properties ➤ The exclusive hire is little known, a secret among those in the know. An interview is also required to preserve its value. In other words, most overlook it because they cannot fully appreciate or utilise it. Highlight 2―Embrace this traditional beauty ➤ To radiate beauty through demeanour and manner, a deep understanding of its unique aesthetic sensibility is essential. Instructors patiently and meticulously guide you.

Unlike a standard tea ceremony, this experience is inspired by the traditional Yobanashi Chaji, an intimate evening tea gathering that combines a meal, cultural conversation, and matcha tea in a historic Kyoto machiya. Guests enjoy a beautifully presented Shokado Bento dinner while learning about Japanese hospitality, seasonal traditions, and tea culture. The experience continues with traditional sweets, a live matcha tea preparation, and guidance on tea ceremony etiquette. Through food, tea, and storytelling, participants gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy of Ichigo Ichie and the spirit of Japanese hospitality in an authentic setting rarely experienced by visitors.

Dive into the heart of Kyoto and stir up some fun with our miso-making class! Nestled in this cultural gem, you’ll join the delightful Yoko in a hands-on adventure that’s perfect for families and foodies alike. Yoko is qualified as a guide interpreter (English EN01140) and level 2 food coordinator. She comes from a peach-farming family, up until her grandfather’s generation, and has worked part-time at a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. This two-hour session isn’t just about mashing soybeans—it’s a deep dive into the rich history, science, and culinary magic of miso. You’ll leave with 500 grams of your own miso masterpiece and a head full of insider knowledge about Japanese cuisine. Plus, savor the experience with handmade miso sweets and a refreshing cup of sencha or matcha tea. Get ready for a tasty, educational escapade that’s anything but ordinary!

You can enjoy an authentic Japanese cultural experience and sushi making with a professional Japanese chef. Even beginners will receive clear and attentive instruction. ※This experience is non-refundable because every detail is　prepared exclusively for each guest. Ingredients are sourced in advance from farmers, fishermen, and artisans across Japan. Tableware is carefully selected to match the season and the story of the meal. Preparation begins days before your arrival. Due to preparation and limited seating, this experience is non-refundable, Thank you.

Learn traditional Japanese homecooking from a seasoned chef at a historically significant machiya that is nationally registered as an Important Cultural Property.

Learn from a real sushi chef in two different types of sushi experiences: nigiri and maki sushi! This is the only authentic sushi experience where you can make, taste, and learn to make sushi in Kyoto. You can also enjoy a sake drinking comparison as an extra option.

Learn the spirit of tea in a 150-year-old Kyoto townhouse, guided by a tea master in a private setting.

This private tea ceremony offers a more intimate and traditional approach than many tea experiences in Kyoto. Inspired by the samurai way of tea, it focuses on the philosophy, etiquette, and cultural meaning behind the practice rather than a hands-on matcha-making workshop. Hosted in a traditional Japanese home, guests experience tea culture in a peaceful setting while enjoying personal interaction and cultural discussion with their host. Water is heated over charcoal in accordance with traditional tea practice, preserving an atmosphere rarely experienced in modern daily life. Designed for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Japan beyond sightseeing, this experience offers the opportunity to appreciate tea culture through the atmosphere of a traditional tea gathering.

Exclusive Zen Journey: Only 2 Guests per Day 1. Impossible to find on your own I hand-select "Wagashi" (sweets) from hidden local gems outside tourist zones. These are real flavors of history you cannot find on Google or main streets. I bring the hidden Japan to you. 2. Hospitality starts before you knock Whether cold or room temperature, your tea is ready. If you are sensitive to heat ("Nekojita"), I must be prepared. My welcome begins long before you step inside. You are expected and cared for. 3. The Ultimate Travel Reset I read your body and reset it after 16 years of experience. I don’t follow a manual; I recalibrate your specific fatigue so you can enjoy the rest of your journey in comfort. 4. What is "WADO"? "WA" (和) is harmony; "DO" (道) is the path. To me, it’s a bridge for cross-cultural exchange through the soul of Japan. I don't just offer a service; I share a way of being. Forget the crowds. I’m here for you. Ready to reset? The tea is waiting.

While the cherry blossoms, the symbol of Japan, are flying, you wear a kimono and take pictures with a professional photographer. *You change into a kimono and your hair in the studio *A professional photographer will shoot against the background of flying cherry blossoms Let's become a model !! I will give you the following : Send a single image date of the best shot to your Line smartphone : Photo print of the size of the cabine Of course, you can take pictures freely with your camera *You wear a kimono and walk around Doutonbori for a while *You do the tea ceremomy while wearing kimono(After the lecture, the tea ceremony makes your own matcha) *It's over after changing clothes We have prepared a surprise gift!!

Begin your culinary journey at the sushi counter with a professional sushi chef who shares the art of sushi-making. Master the essentials of handling sushi rice, selecting fresh ingredients, and traditional shaping techniques in a step-by-step guide designed for all skill levels. After crafting your own sushi, indulge in a delectable sushi course prepared by the chef, showcasing seasonal fish and high-quality ingredients. Transition to a serene tatami room for a traditional tea ceremony where you’ll witness the elegance of chanoyu. Learn the rich history and etiquette behind the ceremony, prepare your own matcha tea, and savor it alongside exquisite Japanese sweets.

1. Full English Interpretation A dedicated English interpreter accompanies the group throughout, fully supporting nuanced culinary instructions and lecture content. This eliminates language barriers and any anxiety about asking questions, ensuring maximum satisfaction. 2. Professional Facilities Participants utilize the authentic commercial facilities of "Shoku no Dojo," which has produced numerous famous ramen shop owners. Learn broth extraction and noodle handling directly from professional instructors active on the front lines. 3. Ultimate Time Efficiency By omitting standard sightseeing and dinner arrangements, all value is concentrated between 10:00 and 17:00. This highly focused design is optimal for affluent individuals and entrepreneurs with tight travel schedules.

We invite you to learn and explore sashimi preparation techniques. Our guest chef will guide you through each step of the process, allowing you to personally handle the fish provided during this immersive experience. You will be responsible for the complete preparation. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these cooking techniques, which you can replicate in your own kitchen. This is a hands-on experience, and your chef-guide will be there to assist and accompany you throughout the workshop. You'll conclude the course by savoring your own sashimi alongside rice and freshly ground wasabi.

In this experience you will make sushi. Beginners are welcome to participate as the teacher will carefully guide you through each step. The teacher is a sushi chef with over 30 years of experience. You will be able to feel the Japanese tradition in a calm and Japanese space. It's sure to be an unforgettable memory.

This exclusive experience, available only through our collaboration with Umenoyado Brewery, offers a unique chance to explore the birthplace of sake, Nara. As a leading sake brewery in the region, Umenoyado provides a private tour that includes a brewery visit, tasting session, and chef-prepared sake-pairing lunch, specially designed for this tour. You’ll explore cutting-edge sake-making techniques and learn from the brewery’s staff about the intricacies of sake production. In the VIP room, enjoy rare sake and learn how temperature and vessels influence the taste. Finally, savor a lunch curated to pair perfectly with sake, while engaging with the chef about the ingredients and cooking methods. This special experience blends tradition and innovation, offering a memorable journey into the world of sake.

Your kids will have the opportunity to share fun experiences with local kids and learn more about Japanese culture. This is the only place in Kyoto where you can do this. You can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto while your kids do fun activities with us.