Top Kyoto Classes & Workshops - page 8

This Zen workshop offers a truly unique opportunity to experience mindfulness in a calm, natural setting, not inside a temple, but by the riverside, surrounded by trees and fresh air. It’s designed not just as a tourist activity, but as a genuine introduction to Zen practice. Participants are guided step by step through the basics of zazen (seated meditation) in a way that is easy to understand and approachable, even for beginners. Rather than focusing on strict formality or religious rituals, the workshop emphasizes how Zen can be part of everyday life. You’ll learn how to carry the mindset of calm and awareness with you. Not just during your trip, but back home as well. The experience concludes with a peaceful tea time, where you’ll enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and freshly whisked matcha, allowing your mind and body to gently return to the flow of daily life.

This experience is suitable for people who love culture, adventure, and cute things.By joining this tour, you can experience the true hospitality culture of Kyoto.You can experience making hand-rolled sushi with the okami in a 120-year-old Kyoto townhouse. You can see the culture and history of Kyoto, and experience the precious and special atmosphere of living in a local area. You can experience the unique experience of interacting with old things. Enjoy making hand-rolled sushi with the okami, using the Kyoto dialect. We hope you will immerse yourself in the local area and get a feel for the everyday life of Kyoto people. While you are making your sushi rolls, you will of course enjoy a homely atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in a homestay, so please come and visit us. We look forward to seeing you.This immersive local cultural experience will give you a deeper insight into the people of Kyoto.Come and make unforgettable memories with us in a Kyoto townhouse MACHIYA.

・Located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, the popular tourist spots are within walking distance. ・We recommend having lunch with soba noodles that you made yourself while sightseeing. ・You can make and eat the traditional Japanese dish "hand-made soba noodles". ・Making soba noodles requires deep and sophisticated techniques. ・We have prepared a program that allows you to easily enjoy the technique. ・The soba noodles are made from 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour produced in Nagano Prefecture. ・A popular instructor with over 20 years of experience will be in charge. He is very enthusiastic, but will not help you unnecessarily during the experience. He will only give you advice when necessary, so you can make soba noodles at your own pace. ・This is a private lesson. There will be no other customers than you. You can relax and enjoy yourself. The soba noodles you make yourself have a special taste. There is nothing to bring or prepare. Now! Let's make delicious and fun soba noodles

Most visitors enjoy tasting sushi while in Japan, but with this hands-on experience, you can go a step further and learn how to prepare raw fish. Discover specialist skills from someone who has worked in a fish shop for over 20 years—including how to handle and cut fish into sashimi. Then, at the end, you can enjoy a delicious sashimi lunch.

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.

Learn how to make sushi from real sushi chefs during a small-group class in Kyoto. Get personalized attention from your instructor and feedback on how to improve your techniques. Go at your own pace and ask questions about each step. Get tips for plating your finished sushi in a beautiful way. Private and vegan sushi classes are also available.

Kyoto, famous for its green tea, is a culturally significant city in Japan. Experience that culture firsthand in a Japanese tea ceremony, where you’ll get to wear traditional kimono. Learn about the tea ceremony from an English-speaking tea master as a professional photographer captures your experience with three digital photos sent by email. Choose between two central locations, including Nishiki Market where you can wear your kimono until 6 PM.

Gyoza dumplings originated in China but have evolved over time into a uniquely Japanese dish, with different styles and sizes, becoming a popular favorite. In this class, you’ll learn how to make Gyoza dumplings from scratch while also discovering a bit about Samurai culture and Japanese history, all within a traditional Kyoto townhouse. After the cooking class, you’ll have the option to dress up in Samurai armor(optional) and take memorable photos.

You found the best experience in Kyoto for families! Come visit our home and let's have an every day home-cooked meal together. When you arrive, take a load off, drink some tea, and let's chat about your trip. We will segue into food talk and then we will preview the food that we will cook together that night. After that, we'll put aprons on and gather around the kitchen counter to slice, dice, and mix up the dishes. You will learn about the staples that we have from which most Japanese dishes can be made. We are a busy family, but we are foodies and love to open our doors to the world. So as long as you are ok with coming over to a family home and making a meal with the kids, the cat, and the dog, let's enjoy the time together. We open our home and hearts to you, in a setting where kids, pets, and adults can relax, eat, and talk together. Step into our house on the hill and become a part of our family for the day.

1. Authentic Experience Unlike standard sushi classes, this experience covers every step, from preparing rice to crafting perfect nigiri. You’ll use authentic tools and techniques under the guidance of skilled instructors. 2. Cultural Insight Learn not only how to make sushi but also its cultural significance in Japan. It’s more than a cooking class—it’s an exploration of tradition. 3. Personalized Instruction With small group sizes, you’ll receive guidance tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. 4. Hands-On Fun Grate fresh wasabi, slice sushi-grade fish, and assemble sushi in an engaging, interactive environment. 5. Graduation Ceremony Celebrate your achievements with a fun graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion. 6. Take-Home Skills Learn techniques and recipes to make sushi at home, impressing friends and family. 7. Unique Setting Held in the heart of Japan, this class offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Experience authentic Japanese home cooking at a local’s home in Kyoto. Immerse yourself in local culture during a supermarket visit, where you’ll learn about different ingredients essential to Japanese cooking. The lessons have a maximum of six people, so you’ll get more time to ask your instructor questions and learn different techniques.

In this class, you will experience making home-style ramen and homemade gyoza from scratch using simple ingredients in a home environment. Not only will you get to enjoy a fun cultural experience during your Japan trip, but with the skills you learn, you can actually try and cook these dishes once you return home. My guests often tell me that they're surprised how simple it is to make and how delicious the food turns out. After my class, you will hopefully have the confidence to cook some delicious Japanese food for your loved ones at home.

A visit to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without diving into its rich tea culture. In just 50 minutes at a charming 100-year-old machiya, you’ll not only learn the art of matcha-making but also craft a modern matcha latte. Enjoy seasonal wagashi while absorbing the serene atmosphere. The experience culminates with a chance to don authentic samurai armor for unforgettable photos that capture the spirit of Japan. Perfect for beginners and curious adventurers alike, this small-group tea ceremony invites you to savor the beauty of tradition with a modern twist.

Private Morning Meditation in Kyoto Start your day in Kyoto’s serene mornings: Experience the city before the bustle begins, enjoying the tranquil light, quiet sounds, and peaceful atmosphere. A fusion of tradition and wellness: Combine the ancient art of Shakyo (sutra calligraphy), the refined ritual of traditional matcha tea, and the relaxing techniques of Head Healing for a one-of-a-kind meditative experience. Engage all your senses: See the morning light, hear the gentle brush strokes, smell the aroma of tea and ink, touch the brush and feel the healing touch, and taste authentic matcha — fully immersing in mindfulness. Personalized and intimate: Designed for 1–2 participants, each guest alternates between calligraphy and head healing, ensuring a tailored and private experience. A gateway to Japanese culture: This experience blends traditional practices with modern wellness, making it perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, restorative, and uniquely Kyoto morning.

Step into the Matcha capital, Uji, and experience the heart of Japan's finest green tea. Walking through the famous Byodo-in temple, known for its appearance on the 10-yen coin, you will grind tea leaves into matcha powder and drink your fresh matcha tea. A must-try experience for matcha lovers! ⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our tour guide will use these platforms to contact you. ⚠️ Please wear a mask during the Matcha making workshop. ✅ English Guided Tour – Explore Uji City with our friendly and knowledgeable guide. ✅ Hands-on Matcha Experience – Grind your own matcha powder using a traditional stone mill, then enjoy your freshly made tea with your choice of Japanese sweets or matcha ice cream. ✅ Visit Byodo-in Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture featured on the 10-yen coin. ✅ Learn the History of Uji Tea – Discover why Uji is known as Japan’s top region for high-quality green tea.

Have you ever tried Japanese calligraphy or Japanese picture letters on iPad? As part of this workshop, you will be introduced to both traditional and digital calligraphy as well as how to make Japanese picture letters called Etegami, in a traditional setting.Come experience an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind art experience, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with your family!This workshop is led by Ami and her team of professional artists and creators. About Ami ・ Studied digital art in the UK ・Her Youtube channel named amity_sensei, introduces creative uses of iPad, which currently has over 340,000 subscribers ・Founded Japan's first creative school in 2020 called iPadmate kids, helping kids unlock their creative potential through iPad Check our studio's video! We are all looking forward to meeting you here in Kyoto!

This private pewter sake cup experience offers a rare chance to craft your own sake cup by hand. Led by a skilled artisan, learn traditional techniques that have been part of Japanese culture for centuries. Discover why pewter is so highly regarded as a material for drinking sake, and enjoy exclusive access to a workshop that is usually closed to the public.

Step into a quiet evening in Kyoto. While many famous sightseeing spots close at night, this experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture in a private setting. Inside a historic ryokan, a special tea setting is carefully arranged in a spacious 20-tatami room, illuminated by traditional Japanese candles. In this unique space, you will experience authentic kimono, tea ceremony, Zen meditation, and traditional Japanese culture — all in one evening. This experience takes place in a room that is usually not open to the public. This is a fully private experience, prepared exclusively for you. We use a translation device to communicate in your preferred language, allowing smooth and comfortable interaction. This is not a group activity, but a carefully prepared private cultural experience.

We offer expert guidance from a professional photographer with local knowledge who will lead you to the best locations, angles, and lighting for stunning photos. During the tour, you’ll receive personalised education on camera settings, composition, and other techniques to enhance your skills. As locals, we know the top spots and hidden gems in Kyoto, ensuring you capture magical images. Our private tours allow you to go at your own pace, tailored to your skill level. Maximise your time and photographic opportunities, improve your skills, and explore new locations with expert guidance, making this activity unique and enriching.

A 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, located in the center of Kyoto. The private plan ensures a session exclusively for your group, with no other guests present. Families are also welcome to enjoy this experience in a completely private space at their own pace. 【１】Hands-on Experience Learn by doing - choose a tea bowl and whisk your matcha. By observing and trying the host’s movements, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the tea ceremony. 【２】Two Bowls of Matcha Enjoy two servings - one prepared by the host, and one you whisk by yourself or with a companion. 【３】Traditional Seasonal Japanese Confectionary Delight in beautiful traditional confections from a Kyoto sweet shop with over 100 years of history is included. 【４】Nijiriguchi Your tea room includes a Nijiriguchi - a crawl-in entrance that invites guests to leave the outside world behind and step into the heart of the tea ceremony. *All guidance and explanations offered in English.

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.

The craftsman teaching the sharpening and handle attachment has trained at a knife shop with over 150 years of history. Because he has undergone all-round training in sharpening, handle attachment, and even engraving, he is able to offer both sharpening and handle attachment workshops. Also, while the knife blade tends to get the most attention, please don’t overlook the variety of handles made from different types of wood! Through the sharpening experience, we hope you will appreciate the sharpness of Japanese knives, and through the handle attachment experience, the beauty and variety of knife handles.

Create your own original Japanese incense in a traditional Kyoto setting. In this hands on experience, you will blend natural fragrance ingredients to design a scent that reflects your personal taste and mood. Incense has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, known as “Kodo” the Way of Incense. Through this experience, you will not only create your own incense but also discover the cultural meaning and beauty behind it. What makes this experience special: Blend over 7 natural fragrance ingredients Add your favorite aroma oil to create a unique scent No rules design a fragrance that reflects you Experience it inside a traditional Kyoto machiya Relaxing and sensory experience for all travelers What you get: - Your own handmade incense sticks - A one of a kind scent you created yourself - A meaningful and memorable Kyoto souvenir

Why Choose This Experience: ★ This is NOT an activity for tourists but real katana training done for local students ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else