Top Kyoto Classes & Workshops

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Why don't you try "Rokets dye craftsman experience" in Kyoto !! "Draw by yourself and dye by yourself" This is the only workshop where you can experience 100% of bucket dyeing. Enjoy a full-fledged dyeing experience easily The entire journey takes about 90-120 minutes and can be taken home on the day. If you have your own sketch Original works can also be produced.

Experience the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi in a quiet workshop near Gion and Kawaramachi in Kyoto. In this hands-on experience, you will repair cracked or chipped ceramic pieces using lacquer and gold powder, transforming broken pottery into something beautiful and unique. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you will carefully work on bowls or plates while learning the basic techniques of Kintsugi. Rather than hiding imperfections, this traditional method celebrates them as part of an object’s history and character. During the workshop, you will also learn about the history of Kintsugi and the Japanese philosophy that values imperfection and mindfulness. Your finished piece will become a one-of-a-kind souvenir and a meaningful reminder of your time in Kyoto, offering a calm and authentic introduction to Japanese culture.

This “kintsugi” workshop introduces a traditional Japanese craft that repairs broken ceramics with gold powder. Held in a great location near Gion and Yasaka Shrine, the session teaches practical techniques while exploring the philosophy of embracing imperfections. It’s an ideal way to learn new skills, create a meaningful souvenir to take home, and learn more about Japanese culture.

Ramen and gyoza are two of Japan’s most popular and tasty dishes, and rather than just eating them in restaurants, this cooking class teaches you to make them from scratch. Rather than having to source ingredients, everything you need is provided, with a chef to provide step-by-step guidance. Then, at the end, you can enjoy the best bit—savoring the taste of your delicious Japanese foodie creations.

If you love to create, and want to learn a traditional Japanese art, try making Washi paper. Enjoy designing paper using seasonal pressed flowers and leaves. Make a set of postcards, a table-mat, wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. Bring home a unique handmade souvenir in only 60 minutes. Or, choose to add an additional hour so you can make more gifts for friends and family.

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

Experience an authentic tea ceremony, which is at the heart of Japanese culture and is a centuries old ritual, in Kyoto. You’ll be provided with a tea bowl, tea scoops and whisks, and instruction on how to make matcha. You’ll also try matcha and sweets, and you are encouraged to ask questions. Photos and short videos are permitted. Usually guests sit on the floor, but chairs and tables are also available if preferred.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring back from Japan, then this hands-on workshop fits the bill. Enjoy the special opportunity to learn how to design and make your own wooden chopsticks from scratch. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried anything like this before—it’s a beginner-friendly session with step-by-step guidance. Then, at the end, take home your beautifully wrapped chopsticks—perfect to keep or give as a thoughtful gift.

Japan is known for its world-class kitchenware, and with this hands-on experience, you can learn how to forge your own knife. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you, as all materials are provided to make the class as hassle-free as possible. Also, the group size is kept small so you can get plenty of help throughout.

Rather than drinking matcha in a restaurant, this traditional tea ceremony lets you watch a tea master prepare it from scratch. Held in a beautiful teahouse overlooking a famous garden, the setting offers peaceful views as you take part. The session includes two cups of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, all served through a series of graceful rituals.

Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a ceremonial kimono during this small-group cultural experience in Kyoto. Learn about the meaning of different kimono patterns and the history behind the tea ceremony from your guide, then watch the professional tea master prepare a cup of tea. Sip your tea and learn about Japanese manners during a tea ceremony, then enjoy the opportunity to try your hand at brewing your own.

This workshop is unique because it lets you hand-craft your own wooden chopsticks in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, guided by a local artisan using traditional tools. Instead of simply watching a demonstration, you experience the full process yourself—choosing the wood, shaping it by hand, and finishing it into a practical, personal keepsake rooted in everyday Japanese culture.

Step into the world of ninja craftsmanship in Kyoto and forge your own authentic ninja weapon using traditional Japanese tin casting techniques. In this immersive workshop, you will melt, cast, cool, and finish real metal under the guidance of experienced craftsmen. It offers a rare chance to work hands-on with time-honored methods used in Japanese metalwork. This Experience is designed to be approachable for beginners and families alike, allowing participants to enjoy the magic of crafting without any prior skills. Children age 5 and above are welcome to participate.Our experienced staff provide full step-by-step support through the entire process, ensuring that both kids and adults can comfortably enjoy the activity, and safely experience the excitement of the melting and molding process. Whether you are visiting with family, friends,or as a couple, this activity offers a memorable way to create something meaningful with your own hands.

Don’t return home from Japan with any old eating implement. Instead, shun standardized souvenirs for your own personalized chopsticks during a craft workshop in Kyoto. Select your material from more than 10 types of wood from the forested Arashiyama and master the art of whittling your chopsticks down to perfect points.

Ramen is one of Japan’s most popular dishes—a noodle and broth soup, topped with various meat or vegetable combinations. On this tour, learn how to make ramen from scratch at a local ramen factory, including making the noodles, mixing the soup, and adding the toppings. Finish by enjoying your delicious bowl of home-cooked ramen. The factory is also Halal-certified and vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

The refined setting of a Japanese tea ceremony can feel intimidating to travelers. This immersive small-group Kyoto experience unravels some of the mystery. With the help of an expert, don a beautiful kimono and have your hair styled, then participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an elegant tea room; learn how to prepare matcha; and, if you like, create your own piece of calligraphy.

Take a deep dive into the art of traditional Japanese handcrafts at the Kyoto Shibori Museum by learning how to dye silk scarf using the sekka shibori method. At the end of your private class you'll have a beautiful scarf to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto.

Make the most of your time in Kyoto by combining two classic experiences: wearing a kimono and taking part in an authentic tea ceremony. Led by a professional tea master, learn about the tools and traditions behind preparing Japanese green tea. To enhance the experience, kimono rental is included, offering an atmospheric way to appreciate this centuries-old tradition.

Travel round-trip from Kyoto by high-speed bullet train to take in Hiroshima's historic sites, including exhibits about the 1945 atomic bomb that devastated the city. Start your visit on a lighter note, traveling by boat to Miyajima, a famously beautiful island that is home to the revered Itsukushima Shrine. Have lunch there, then return to the city to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Your expert guide shares important details about Hiroshima's heartbreaking history and remarkable recovery throughout this unforgettable tour.

This is the only samurai sword experience in Tokyo where you would feel like a real samurai and have a real hands on sword experience different from some simple costume play. Many people come to Japan to learn about the history of samurai and fulfill their childhood dream of being a samurai and this is it. ！Children under 10 can not enter the samurai venue.！ ！You can reserve maximum 4 people from Viator however we accept any other booking site and there will be more participants in your experience！

Experience a warm cultural welcome to Japan with an authentic tea ceremony in traditional kimonos in Kyoto. Dress in a classic kimono, sip authentic matcha green tea, sample Japanese sweets and learn the customs and history behind this cherished ritual. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.