Top Kyoto Prefecture Dining Experiences - page 2

Don’t just leave Kyoto with the memories of great sushi, but learn to make the iconic Japanese dish yourself during a cooking class with a professional sushi chef. You’ll master rolling rice and seasoning the filling, so you can recreate the dish at home for friends and family. Plus, tasting matcha, sake, and Japanese sweets ensure you leave feeling full.

Learn to make artistic sushi rolls during your own private ‘kazarimaki’ class in Kyoto. Kazarimaki is the art of making designs within a sushi roll, using edible pigments extracted from plants to create colorful patterns in the sushi. Your instructor also provides a kimono (for women) or other traditional garments (for men and children) to wear during the experience.

Led by local host who is a 5th generation Matcha tea farmer, our guests can be a part of legacy passed down for generations. You will have a chance to visit local Matcha Farmers, invited to traditional Japanese style home to enjoy delicately crafted Matcha Lunch Set, participate in Matcha tasting and tea tasting. You will not only learn all about Matcha but also smell, taste, and even take home some of those premium Matcha from farm previously owned by the Imperial Family.

Discover Kyoto's vibrant nightlife with a local bartender. Enjoy sake, whisky, craft beer, and homemade food in the city's best bars and izakayas. Unforgettable experiences await! Itinerary: - Start at Matsukawa for a first drink. A liquor store at Nishiki market's western entrance turns into a bar in the evening. Popular among students and politicians, it's a spot where all walks of life gather. - Head south for an izakaya experience with locals' favorites. Tachinomiyas (standing bars) offer a welcoming setting and fast-paced service, ensuring a great night out. - Then the choice is yours! Downtown Kyoto has much to offer, from high-quality craft beer and top cocktail bars to serious sake shops.

This experience is dedicated for people who want to go beyond Matcha and know about the world of Japanese tea. This small group activity is offered for the first time to allow guests to discover marvelous and unique products that exist only in Japan. Tea was introduced to Japan from China for the first time in the 9th century, making it the second oldest culture of tea in the world. Since then, Japanese have developed their own teas and perfected their techniques, resulting in gems that you can discover in the presence of an expert. This experience has been created and is delivered by the founder of the Mandaracha Tea House in person. English or French languages are available for this experience.

Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful moment in a quiet tea room. Delight in exquisite Japanese sweets and the finest matcha—an experience that soothes the soul. We proudly serve exquisite confections from a long-established Kyoto wagashi shop, perfectly paired with one of the finest matcha selections from Marukyu Koyamaen. Among countless tea experiences in Japan, few can match the level of quality we offer in both sweets and tea. “Chanoyu The KYOTO uzumasa” is a hidden sanctuary nestled in the historic district of Uzumasa, where the refined elegance of the Heian period still lingers. Step inside and you’ll be welcomed by a stylish interior, leading to a meticulously designed garden and an authentic tea room. The atmosphere—crafted with the utmost care—feels like a world apart. Take your time, and immerse yourself in the deep and beautiful world of Chanoyu.

You can experience Japanese culture such as knife sharpening, obanzai cooking and calligraphy lecture at Furukawacho Shopping Arcade in Shirakawa area in Kyoto, Japan. The concept of Furukawacho Shopping Arcade is “Retro and Modern.” This shopping arcade is the kitchen of the locals and the base of their lives. The lanterns hung from the arcade roof creates a unique atmosphere. You will surely enjoy the nostalgic culture and local food culture experience of Kyoto, at Furukawacho Shopping Arcade. An English private staff attends to each group. ●Notes: We will contact you via email or messege within 3 business days after your application/payment. You may not be able to participate in the workshop of your choice, as this will depend on reservation availability. In this case, the prepaid fee will be refunded to the credit card you used for the payment. And also, this course accepts the people from 2 to 6 only. Please be aware of it before you make a reservation.

You will learn the basic information of soy sauce such as the making process, the variety of soy sauce type. Then taste 5 different types of soy sauce and experience food pairing with each. It includes the tips to how to use each type of soy sauce for daily cooking, so that guests can have more cooking variety even after they are back home. This workshop is perfect for those who love cooking and want to deepen their knowledge of Soy sauce.

Join this guided food tour to dive deeper into Kyoto’s culinary culture—an experience you simply couldn't find on your own. Wander through the historic districts of Gion area, stopping at hidden bars and restaurants to savor traditional drinks and dishes carefully curated to leave you feeling fully satisfied. You will also have the chance to sample three varieties of local craft sake. - Discover Kyoto’s authentic food scene and hidden backstreets. - Learn about local culture and history from your expert guide. - Small group sizes ensure a personalized and intimate experience. - Sip & Sightsee: Enjoy a seamless blend of temple visits and local drink tastings. - Hidden Gems: Explore secret local bars and breweries tucked away from the tourist crowds. - Diverse Selection: Taste a wide variety of authentic Kyoto-made beers, spirits, and more. - The Insider’s Kyoto: Learn the history of the city and its drinks from local experts.

-Learn how to make hand-rolled sushi from a seasoned chef. -Enjoy a tradtional Japanese meal with your loved ones. -Be guided through a historically significant machiya.

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

お寿司を作ります 手を洗います •握り寿司のシャリを作ってみましょう •ネタをのせます •お好みでわさびをつけます •シャリにネタを乗せて、一つ完成です •次は巻き寿司です •巻いたお寿司は大将が切ってくれます •軍艦巻きも作りましょう •それぞれに海苔の大きさが違います •卵やエビのアレルギーがある方は事前にお知らせください。 •作ったお寿司を並べたら、【いただきます】をしましょう ランチタイム •お寿司、天ぷら、赤だし、お漬物、ソフトドリンクでランチタイムです

Explore Kyoto's hidden alleys and delicacies with a local guide. Many people assumes that Japan is famous for dishes such as Tempura, Teppanyaki and Sushi. However in Kyoto you will discover dishes that only the local's enjoy. These areas are very difficult to find at first-sight, but with the help of your local guide you too can become one of the locals. You will be able to spend time with the locals and taste the typical Kyoto delicacy at carefully chosen bistro and local bars.

What sets this experience apart is the combination of Kyoto’s hidden beauty and a genuine cultural encounter. As a local, I’ll guide you through quiet backstreets and shrines that most visitors miss — places full of history and stories passed down through generations. After the walk, we’ll visit a long-established sake shop where the staff will introduce you to rare regional varieties and the meaning behind them. You won’t just taste sake — you’ll understand its role in Kyoto’s culture. This is more than sightseeing; it’s a deeper, more personal way to experience the heart of the city.

Immerse yourself in a 100% plant-based culinary journey right in the heart of Kyoto. In this intimate, small-group class, you will master the art of crafting Japan’s favorite comfort foods entirely from scratch. Discover the secret to a rich, umami-packed Shoyu Ramen using traditional soy sauce and fresh vegetables—without a single drop of animal broth. Alongside, you will perfectly pan-fry crispy Vegan Gyoza bursting with savory goodness.

With so much to feast on, knowing where to start your eating adventures in Kyoto can be tough. This food tour eliminates the guesswork by giving you an introduction to some of the city’s signature dishes, from sushi and skewers to sake and convenience store ice cream. Plus, you won’t have to worry about deciphering Japanese symbols, as your guide is on hand to translate.

I'll be happy to introduce Kyoto’s hidden culture and Kagai (‘Flower Town’Entertainment District) where Maiko and Geiko lives, while paying the greatest respect to the traditional culture of the district’s strict. We have saying "Ichigen-san Okotowari" which means even though Japanese people are not allowed to get in Ochaya for the first sight. Someone familiar with the place and has trust from them needs to introduce you. This is the reason why I take time for dinner with you and explain the details and culture before getting in Ochaya. I believe that would help you enjoy the time with Maiko and Geiko more, and of corse, the perfect dine experience will also be such a wonderful time! The perfect restaurants are prepared, however, I can also accompany the restaurant you would like to dine in. Please let me know anything! It's a private tour for YOU!

[Highlights] ・Sake bars loved by locals ・Tips & Recommendations for Enjoying Kyoto ・Meet new friends along the way ・Discover the secrets of geisha culture and Kyoto’s rich history ・Chance to Spot a Geisha

◆Beautiful Dance by Maiko Enjoy the elegant dance of Maiko up close. Alongside your meal, the Maiko’s delicate and captivating dance performed right in front of you adds an extra layer of elegance to your special experience. ◆Traditional Games Ozashiki asobi (Traditional Games) offers a rare opportunity to deeply experience Kyoto’s culture. Through traditional games, we create a joyful and memorable time, making your experience even more special. ◆Omakase Course Menu We offer a luxurious course menu featuring carefully selected Kyoto vegetables, fresh seafood, and Satsuma Wagyu beef. Chef Tominaga combines the creative freedom nurtured in New York with the traditional techniques refined in Kyoto, crafting each dish with great care. We promise a special moment to enjoy the seasonal flavors throughout the year.

Japan is known for its excellent cuisine, and on this tour, you’ll become a tofu expert! Start your day with a tour of a tofu shop and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the tofu production process. You won’t have to worry about buying ingredients for your cooking class as everything is provided. Enjoy a cooking lesson where you’ll learn to make multiple dishes, and then get to eat them afterwards with a local beer (or soft drink).

The Hochoshiki Knife Ceremony is a traditional Japanese culinary ritual from the Heian period, practiced in Kyoto. It involves skilled practitioners wearing ceremonial attire and using a specific style of knife to cut fish into festive shapes without direct contact, a tradition from imperial court celebrations. This art form, primarily performed during special festivals called "Sekkai," is not just about eating but appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the dish. This Hochoshiki experience allows visitors to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Japan, making it a memorable part of their visit.

Enjoy an authentic Maiko dinner experience at Nishiki Orizuruya, a 100-year-old traditional tea house just 1 minute from Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. This special evening includes a delicious Japanese kaiseki dinner with sake, accompanied by a Maiko—an apprentice geisha known for her graceful dance, elegant kimono, and warm hospitality. Watch her traditional performance up close and enjoy direct conversation in an intimate, elegant setting. For those selecting the Kimono Plan, begin your night by dressing in a beautiful kimono to enhance the experience. A minimum of 4 guests (combined) is required to operate. Due to its popularity, early booking is recommended. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience Kyoto’s refined culture in a setting usually unavailable to the public.

【Comments from the planner】 I’m a professional guide — not a bartender — but I love whisky so much that I ended up creating this tour anyway. I’ve tasted whiskies from all over the world, yet Japanese whisky is still my favorite. I’m not big on heavily peated, smoky whiskies, so the smooth, delicate, and beautifully aromatic style of many Japanese whiskies really speaks to me. Of course, Japan also produces wonderfully smoky expressions, which shows just how wide and fascinating the range truly is. In recent years, micro-distilleries have been popping up all across Japan, adding even more depth to the whisky scene. Japanese whisky is now famous worldwide, but I believe there are still plenty of incredible bottles that can only be enjoyed here in Japan. The more you learn, the deeper and more fun the world of Japanese whisky becomes — and I’d love to explore it with you. This tour is basically my personal passion project, and I’m the only one on the team who guides it. Kenji

This vegan food tour highlights small, family-run shops loved by Kyoto locals—not tourist chains. Rather than focusing on labels, it shows how Kyoto’s culture naturally supports plant-based food. Led by a Kyoto-based host with over 10 years of local experience, guests gain insider access to hidden spots in the Umekoji area. Through storytelling and tastings rooted in Buddhist culture and shojin ryori, travelers learn why plant-based cuisine has thrived here for centuries. The tour moves at a relaxed pace through quiet neighborhoods and ends with Japanese tea and seasonal vegan sweets in a 100-year-old machiya, offering a calm and authentic taste of local life.