Top Kyoto Prefecture Classes & Workshops - page 12

The biggest attraction is that you can make IKEBANA works using rare antique vessels. You'll discover traditional Japanese culture and learn techniques that can easily be repeated at home. You can watch IKEBANA performance taking place in a Japandi-style alcove. You'll get a hands-on training from a licensed instructor. You can learn “moribana”and“nageire” techniques. We'll work together to create a total of 5 to 6 ikebana works. You can go up to the roof and see the Daimoji and view of Kyoto. You can also learn how to make petit bouquet too. You can deeply learn the sense of the seasons and the spirit of hospitality that we Japanese cherish.

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

The biggest attraction is that you can experience two traditional cultures privately. You'll discover traditional Japanese culture and learn techniques that can easily be repeated at home. You can watch IKEBANA(flower arrangement) demonstration and Tea ceremony taking place in a Japandi-style alcove. You'll get a hands-on training from licensed instructors. You can deeply learn the sense of the seasons and the spirit of hospitality that we Japanese cherish. Vegans are welcome. Let me know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

Step into the serene grounds of a Kyoto temple and immerse yourself in a unique yoga experience that blends physical practice with spiritual peace. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, our sessions are thoughtfully designed to accommodate all levels, ensuring a calming and meditative journey for everyone. Experience the calming power of Zazen, the ancient practice of seated meditation. In a serene, guided environment, you'll learn to quiet your mind, focus on the present moment, and deepen your self-awareness.To complete your experience, indulge in a calming tea session with freshly prepared matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets, adding a delightful touch to your visit. Our sessions are intimate and personalized, with groups of up to 10 people, allowing for a peaceful, focused atmosphere where you can fully embrace the serenity of your temple surroundings.

Tea is not just the green beverage that many associate with Japan, but a brew sourced from a vast variety of regional flora that supports physical and mental health, mirrors the climate and landscape of the season, and a product of agricultural and political history. Tea alone can tell the tale of Japan.

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.

Kintsugi is a traditional technique that adds a meaningful touch to damaged objects. This technique symbolically represents the Japanese aesthetic of embracing imperfection and the spirit of valuing things. The restored object is transformed into a completely new and unique piece while retaining the story of the past, so that it can be used with love and care again. In this workshop, you will learn traditional kintsugi techniques from a master craftsman with over 50 years in crafting Buddhist ritual objects. Recognized by the Japanese government as a “Traditional Craftsman,” he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure for his contributions. Under his guidance and with genuine lacquer, you will follow key steps of kintsugi, from joining broken pieces and repairing chips to applying gold powder. Engaging with a craftsman who preserves Japan’s traditions offers a rare chance to broaden your view and connect with living culture. Please note: Minimum group size: 2 participants required

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.

For centuries in Japan, fermented indigo dyeing has been used to create a spectrum of blue masterpieces, cherished for their symbolic and protective qualities. Dye your own textile (or use one provided by us), and learn about the cultural and historical context of this ancient technique.

At Maana, our renovation work has led us to a deep appreciation for Tsuchikabe—a distinctive blend of clay, rice straw, sand, and seaweed, crafted by skilled craftspeople called Sakans. In our workshop, let's discover this traditional craft by creating your own earthen wall art panel, adding a piece of Japan’s heritage to your home in a meaningful way.

Make two seasonal pantry staples using traditional fermentation and preservation techniques. Miso, shoyu, vinegars, pickles, sauces, and preserves are essential to the Japanese table. Directed by each microseason, fermentation and preservation have been practiced in Japan for centuries. Today, we know that fermented foods are essential for a healthy gut, supporting mental and physical well-being.

Welcome to the World of Urushi Guided Tour of a 100+ Year-Old Lacquer Factory Experience urushi — Japan’s precious natural lacquer — at our historic refining factory, founded in 1909.The tour begins with a clear introduction to urushi and the urushi tree (excluding Fuki-Urushi Workshop). You’ll then watch skilled artisans refine raw sap (ki-urushi) into deep black and vivid vermilion urushi in the normally closed workshop, learning the delicate techniques and timeless craftsmanship.For more depth, join optional programs at “Und.” on the third floor: Visually rich talks on tree-planting, cultural preservation, and modern urushi use, followed by hands-on workshops — apply urushi to chopsticks or try traditional “Fuki-Urushi” (wipe-on) technique. Special guest sessions in kintsugi, urushi painting, woodworking, and natural/urushi dyeing are offered periodically.More than a tour — a rich journey blending tradition, sustainability, and contemporary craft.Feel authentic urushi at its source.

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.

Step into a 150-year-old Kyoto townhouse and enjoy a fully private cultural experience at Onishi Tsune Shoten, a renowned folding fan atelier with over a century of history. This exclusive, one-group-only program invites you to take part in the fan-painting process—one of the most artistic steps in traditional sensu making. Your hand-painted fan will be finished by skilled artisans and shipped to your home overseas, making it a truly personal and lasting keepsake. After painting, you'll try Tosenkyo, a refined fan-tossing game from the Edo period. Though simple in concept, this elegant pastime blends grace, strategy, and quiet focus. You'll learn how to play from the basics—how to hold, throw, and score—before enjoying a friendly match to test your skills. This program is conducted entirely for your group, ensuring an intimate and undisturbed encounter with Kyoto’s living traditions. Escape the crowds and enjoy a rare, hands-on cultural experience in a serene, historic setting.

Discover the elegance of Japanese tea culture in a private ceremony held in a charming machiya townhouse that has stood for over a century. This intimate setting offers a serene atmosphere where you'll learn about the rich history and philosophy of tea while savoring freshly prepared matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. Your knowledgeable host will guide you through the graceful ritual of the ceremony, explaining the significance of each step and answering any questions you may have, ensuring a meaningful connection to this timeless tradition.

The sharpness of a sword is determined by sharpening! Japanese kitchen knives are very popular. What is important is maintenance. Chefs continue to carefully sharpen their own precious kitchen knives with the best whetstones to prepare their dishes. This is a kitchen knife sharpening experience by Miyakoshi Seito, which has continued to produce the most highly regarded whetstones among chefs at Kyoto's long-established ryotei restaurants. Please experience how a worn-out kitchen knife is transformed into the best sharpness through the kitchen knife sharpening. Sharpening techniques and whetstones are useful not only for professional chefs but also for home use. You will receive a Miyakoshi whetstone as a gift. Please learn how to sharpen and use them at home after returning from Japan. Miyakoshi Seito has been in business for 86 years, and its whetstones, made using a special technique called the vitrified method, are highly regarded by knife sharpeners and chefs around the world.

Do you know the dyeing technique called “katazome”? Before the advent of Inkjet Printers and Laser Impression, kimono patterns were made, either by hand painting or using this stencil technique. Hand painting consists of drawing directly on the fabric, resulting in a unique piece. Katazome, on the other hand, is a technique created for mass production, and it has a very long history. Stencil engraving requires patience and precision in design. During this activity, however, you can discover a part of the world of kimono and make a photophore with this traditional technique.

[Important: This is a private experience.] Although it may appear as a shared experience due to system settings, this is actually a private booking. Up to 6 guests can participate. Please make the reservation for 1 person only. ------------------------------- Step inside a traditional Kyoto machiya and experience two iconic Japanese cultural traditions in one unforgettable activity. Watch a graceful tea ceremony up close, learn the philosophy behind the movements, and enjoy freshly prepared matcha and Japanese sweets. Then relax as a live shamisen performance fills the room with the powerful sound of this traditional instrument. This rare combination of tea ceremony and live music offers an immersive cultural experience you won’t easily find elsewhere in Kyoto.

Discover the enchanting Gion district of Kyoto, where historic charm meets cultural elegance. Stroll through narrow, stone-paved streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and teahouses. Savor a delightful lunch at the beloved restaurant “Karumiah,” known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes. Afterward, immerse yourself in the art of the Maiko, Kyoto's apprentice Geishas, renowned for their exquisite performances of dance and music. Enjoy a unique opportunity to meet a Maiko, appreciate her artistry, and partake in a traditional Matcha tea ceremony complemented by delicious sweets. This tour promises an authentic glimpse into the heart of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. - Explore the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto's traditional district - Enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant featuring fresh ingredients - Meet and watch Maiko performances showcasing traditional arts - Participate in a Matcha tea ceremony along with sweet delicacies

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.

Unleash your creativity in a small-group manga and anime drawing class led by a professional artist in the heart of Kyoto. Perfect for both novices and seasoned artists, this workshop guides you through the art of sketching, coloring, and bringing your unique characters to life. Learn insider techniques and tips from a pro who has worked in the manga industry, making this not just a class, but a deep dive into Japanese pop culture. Plus, you’ll leave with your very own artwork as a memorable souvenir of your Kyoto adventure.