Top Kyoto Cooking Classes

A Special Experience of Traditional Japanese Soba Making Soba has been enjoyed in Japan since the Jomon period. In this hands-on experience, you will make, cut, and cook soba noodles yourself. Exploring the different ways to enjoy soba is part of the fun. You can savor it cold and refreshing, warm and comforting, pair it with various condiments, or change up the dipping sauce—the possibilities are endless. This is a rare opportunity to deeply connect with traditional Japanese cuisine—especially the unique flavor of dashi and soba.

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.

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.

The session begins with a clear and insightful introduction to the cultural background and philosophy of the tea ceremony. You will then observe a demonstration by the host, where every movement is performed with care, precision, and intention. After that, you will prepare your own matcha, guided step by step. By the end of the experience, you will not only know how to make matcha, but also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture — and experience a sense of calm. This experience is an ideal experience for those who are looking for something more meaningful than just a typical tourist activity. 2 bowls of Matcha (one by the host, one made by you or with a companion) and traditional seasonal Japanese sweets are included. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Subway Karasuma Oike Station. You may also continue the experience at home—preparing matcha for yourself or for someone special—using carefully selected tea bowls and matcha available for purchase at the venue.

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.

Experience an authentic private matcha tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto tea room, guided in the spirit of omotenashi—Japan’s philosophy of wholehearted hospitality. Hosted by a Kyoto local from a kimono family, this is not a demonstration, but a quiet and personal cultural experience. Inside a real tea room, you will observe the careful preparation of matcha and learn the meaning behind each movement, tool, and gesture. Every element reflects centuries of tradition and the intention to create harmony between host and guest. You will be welcomed as a guest and served matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a genuine tea gathering. This fully private experience offers a rare opportunity to step away from the crowds and encounter the living culture of Kyoto in an intimate and meaningful way.

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.

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).

A Master Cutler and your chef guide will invite you to sharpen your own santoku knife, which you can take home as a cherished memento at the conclusion of the workshop. Our goal is for you to not only acquire knowledge but also to carry a tangible embodiment of your time in Japan, creating lasting memories for years to come. We aim to demystify this craft and showcase the wide range of knives and tools used by both professional chefs and enthusiasts. With over a dozen different types of knives utilized in kitchens across Japan, we provide a comprehensive explanation of this unique assortment of tools.

Step away from the digital noise and rediscover your inner rhythm in the profound stillness of a historic setting. This is a meditative journey where you become the protagonist of your own tea ritual. Under gentle orientation, you will experience the grounding sensation of ladling steaming water directly from a traditional iron kettle (kama) to whisk your own vibrant matcha. This act of mindfulness is harmoniously paired with handcrafted raw chocolate, designed to nourish both mind and body. In this intimate sanctuary of shared silence, embrace a moment of true serenity and reset your senses.

There's no better way to explore Japanese food then by making it yourself. With this private cooking class in Kyoto, you’ll learn about typical Japanese ingredients and how to assemble them into a healthy, artful meal. Skip the search for a restaurant and let a local chef guide you through the recipes step-by-step. Menus change monthly but can be customized on request, whether you want to learn how to make a bento box lunch, tonkatsu cutlet, or other favorites.

Step into the world of the Samurai and experience the essence of Japan. Feel the thrill of holding a sword and discover Japanese culinary culture through a hands-on sushi workshop. Enjoy a truly special moment where you can connect with the authentic spirit of the Samurai.

Experience the tea ceremony and immerse yourself in the traditions of Kyoto. Brew a delicious cup of tea in an authentic and vibrant Japanese atmosphere. With careful instruction, you will be able to make a creamy matcha tea like no other. At the same time, you will enjoy a live performance of Japanese harp "Koto", a traditional Japanese stringed instrument.

Take more than a memory home from Kyoto: learn ramen-broth skills you can use in your own kitchen. Vegan and gluten-free guests are welcome, with options available to suit their dietary needs. At Musoshin Ramen Dojo in Gion, a professional chef guides you through a hands-on cooking and tasting experience using seasonings available in your country. Keep the ramen recipe, a Musoshin bandana, and chopsticks engraved with your name. Musoshin was founded in Kyoto in 2012. Our Toronto restaurant has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide for five consecutive years. Our Gion restaurant was selected for Dazhong Dianping’s 2026 Must-Eat List (必吃榜) and was one of just three restaurants from Japan invited to the awards ceremony.

Learn about umami and why dashi is the soul of Japanese cooking Shave traditional dried bonito flakes — a rare experience even for Japanese Compare four varieties of dashi to understand how delicate flavor is built Make your own miso soup and onigiri, alongside three seasonal side dishes Step into the birthplace of Taichiro Kobayashi — a philosopher and art historian

This cooking class takes place every Tuesday. As a chef and nutritionist who previously ran a French restaurant serving home-style meals on the World Heritage site of Yakushima, I also focus on healthy Japanese cuisine. I will carefully teach you how to recreate the recipes at home. You will learn about culture and history using ingredients unique to Kyoto. Most of the ingredients used in class are vegan. Fish and eggs may also be used. If you have any allergies, please let me know in advance. If you would like a completely vegan diet, please also send me a message.

- Guided by an Urasenke tea master - Easy-to-access café in central Kyoto - Compare different Japanese teas such as matcha, sencha, and hojicha - Learn the basics of Japanese tea culture in a relaxed way - Whisk your own bowl of matcha - Enjoy traditional wagashi sweets - Comfortable table-style experience, no floor sitting required This experience is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Japanese tea culture in a more relaxed and accessible way. In a comfortable café in central Kyoto, an Urasenke tea master will introduce you to the world of Japanese tea. You will learn how matcha, sencha, hojicha, and other teas differ in flavor, aroma, color, and preparation style, then taste and compare them for yourself. You will also learn how to whisk matcha yourself and enjoy it with traditional wagashi sweets. It is a comfortable way to experience the essence of Japanese tea culture during your time in Kyoto.

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. *Preschooler (under 7 years old) is free and can join with a parent. If you would like us to prepare tasting for them, please include them in the number of participants.

Experience the Beauty of the Seasons and Kyoto’s Tradition through Decorative Sushi Rolls First time making sushi? No problem! Join us in Kyoto for a unique decorative sushi roll-making experience where art meets tradition. In this class, you’ll learn the basic techniques of creating decorative sushi rolls, inspired by traditional Japanese motifs unique to Kyoto. Enjoy making decorative sushi rolls with seasonal designs and Kyoto-inspired motifs that change throughout the year. This is a special experience where you can feel the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Relax in a traditional Japanese setting as you enjoy a warm and welcoming sushi-making experience with beautiful Japanese aesthetics. Visitors from overseas are also warmly welcomed! Dive into Japanese culture while creating stunning sushi art.

1) We use fresh fish purchased fish store where has 70 years history. They always get flesh and seasonal fish. 2) We teach you about traditional seasonings! Not only will you learn how to make sushi, If you're interested, we can also talk about seasonings commonly used in Japan, as well as soy sauce and vinegar made using traditional methods. 3)Beginners, Family, Friends, and couple are welcome! Anyone can join! We can also arrange private tours if you let us know in advance via message.

What sets this experience apart is its focus on real Japanese home cooking, rather than restaurant-style or overly complex recipes. Instead of spending hours preparing everything from scratch, this class is designed around how locals actually cook at home—efficient, practical, and full of flavor. By making takoyaki, gyoza, and ramen in one session, you get to experience three iconic Japanese dishes in a short, well-paced 2–2.5 hour class without feeling rushed. The small-group setting (maximum 6 participants) creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can truly engage with the instructors and other guests. With local guides supporting the class, you receive personal attention, clear explanations, and a safe cooking environment. Located in central Kyoto near Shijo–Karasuma, this experience feels less like a tourist attraction and more like being invited into a local kitchen—sharing food, culture, and conversation the Japanese way.

The unique appeal of the Wagyu Sukiyaki Cooking Experience is that it offers more than just a meal — it provides a hands-on opportunity to experience Japanese home culture and the rich flavors of wagyu beef. Some of the highlights include: Cooking authentic sukiyaki yourself using high-quality wagyu beef Learning traditional Japanese home-style ways of enjoying sukiyaki Discovering Japanese food culture and ingredients while cooking with the instructor Enjoying both a cooking experience and a freshly prepared meal in one activity Easy participation for beginners with clear and friendly guidance Experiencing authentic Japanese home cooking beyond what you would normally get at a restaurant One of the most special aspects of this experience is the chance to connect with everyday Japanese food culture in a warm and interactive way.

- You can explore the fascinating world of Japanese ramen. - Become a ramen master for a day. - There are individual, private kitchens lined up in the venue for each participant. - You can sample several types of soup and choose your favorite. - Select your preferred bowl from our diverse range of designs. - We will present you with original merchandise and a recipe book as a token of our appreciation.