Top Kyoto Cooking Classes

Kyoto Omakase sushi making with optional samurai photo

"Learn how to make authentic, vegan-friendly Japanese dashi (broth) with us." Our private, one-group-only format makes the class a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Your group only — no strangers, no shared sessions. This is our home in Arashiyama, Kyoto. When you are here, it is yours for the day. We cook together, eat together, and talk — about food, about Japan, about whatever comes up. In one afternoon, you will make vegan soy sauce ramen broth from scratch, roll maki sushi with our homemade tofu and Hatcho miso filling, assemble temaki by hand, and finish with hand-whisked matcha and warabi mochi. Your hosts are Satoru, a professional chef with over 30 years of experience, and Akiko, a fluent English speaker. Every ingredient is explained. 100% plant-based and dashi-free. You will always know exactly what is in your food. One group. Maximum 4 guests. Every time.

Make Japanese Vegan Dashi Ramen & Sushi & Matcha

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Knife Workshop with a Master Cutler

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.

Sukiyaki Master Experience | Cooking & Certificate

- 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.

Hand-Pulled Noodle Challenge! A Ramen Master Experience to Enjoy

Japanese Sweets Making with Seasonal Motifs

$52$50

Escape the bustle of the city and find sanctuary in our quiet tea room. Indulge in exquisite Japanese sweets paired with the finest matcha—a sensory experience that soothes the soul. We take pride in serving confections from a historic Kyoto wagashi maker, curated to complement our selection of premium matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen. Among the many tea experiences in Japan, few offer this level of uncompromising quality in both tea and sweets. “Chanoyu The KYOTO in the Museum” is a hidden gem in a historic district where the elegance of the Edo period still lingers. Beyond our stylish interior lies a meticulously designed garden and an authentic tea room, crafted to transport you to another world. Immerse yourself in the profound beauty of Chanoyu. Take a deep breath, and let time stand still.

Authentic Tea Ceremony experience in The Museum of Kyoto

Authentic Tea Ceremony experience in The Museum of Kyoto

Kyoto: Private Ethical Cat Sanctuary & Tea Ceremony

This is more than a cooking class—it's an opportunity to experience everyday life in Kyoto through its food, culture, and traditions. In a private lesson at a traditional Kyoto townhouse, you'll prepare a homemade Japanese bento using Kyoto's famous underground spring water. Learn authentic techniques for making fluffy onigiri, dashimaki tamago, and seasonal side dishes that you can recreate at home. After cooking, wrap your bento in bamboo leaves and, weather permitting, enjoy it on a peaceful picnic by the Kamo River, followed by a casual matcha experience. Because every class is private, the menu can be customized with advance notice, creating a relaxed and personal experience that goes beyond simply following recipes.

Private Kyoto Morning Cooking Class: Make Onigiri Bento & Picnic

Private Kyoto Morning Cooking Class: Make Onigiri Bento & Picnic

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony 18:15 Start - Sanjo Chasuian

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony 18:15 Start - Sanjo Chasuian

$53$50

Kyoto Kimono Rental And Matcha Experience

Experience tea ceremony in a traditional machiya townhouse on Kyoto’s historic Ninenzaka street, with views of Ichinenzaka from the upstairs tatami room. In a small group of up to six guests, learn about Japanese culture, tea room etiquette, and the meaning behind the ceremony through clear explanations in English. Watch your host prepare tea, then whisk your own matcha and enjoy it with a Japanese sweet, with time to ask questions along the way.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Matcha Making in a 120 Year Old Townhouse

$29$28

Uncover the rich tradition of Japanese sake with a guided tasting featuring 12 distinct varieties, each chosen to highlight the unique aspects of this beloved beverage. A knowledgeable host guides you through the details of each sake — from the rice and brewing region to the flavor notes that set them apart. Ideal for novices and enthusiasts alike, this experience lets you compare flavors and deepen your appreciation of sake's complexity. Located in Kyoto's vibrant Kawaramachi district, My Sake World offers a welcoming space to explore and purchase your favorites, taking home a piece of Japan's sake heritage. Planning your Kyoto itinerary? This tasting fits easily between temple visits and sightseeing, thanks to its central Kawaramachi location. We recommend booking in advance, though walk-ins are welcome if space allows — an easy, English-friendly way to add cultural depth to your trip.

Kyoto 12 types Japanese Sake Tasting Experience

Kyoto 12 types Japanese Sake Tasting Experience

30 minutesFree Cancellation

$25$24

Go beyond simply shaping sushi and experience the process for yourself. In this small-group sushi class in Kyoto, you'll slice tuna with a Japanese knife, make nigiri and gunkan sushi, and learn each step with personal guidance from your host. No cooking experience is needed, making it easy and enjoyable even for complete beginners. After making your sushi, sit down and enjoy what you've created, along with the sushi your host prepares during the demonstration, miso soup, and Japanese green tea. Come hungry—there's plenty of sushi to enjoy, making this both a hands-on Japanese cultural experience and a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Kyoto Sushi Making Experience

$52$49

Casual Matcha-Making Experience in Osaka, Namba ★★Same-day bookings are welcome!★★ Take a relaxing break from your travels and enjoy a casual matcha-making experience in Osaka! Learn how to whisk your own matcha in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a perfect quick stop while shopping or exploring Namba! All instructions are provided in English, so you can enjoy the experience even if it’s your first time. You’ll also learn about matcha, including the names and uses of the traditional tools. Enjoy your freshly made matcha with a cute Japanese sweet! Experience includes: ・ 1 cup of matcha+ 1 traditional Japanese sweet ・Full English instruction ・ Learn the names and uses of traditional matcha tools ・ Learn basic knowledge about matcha ・ Matcha-making tools are also available for purchase (additional fee) No experience necessary — just sit back, relax, and enjoy a little taste of Japanese culture!

Kyoto Casual Matcha Making Experience in Kawaramachi

Kyoto Casual Matcha Making Experience in Kawaramachi

30 minutesFree Cancellation

$13$12

17min from Kyoto Sta, 10min from Inari: Tea Ceremony in a Machiya

$22$21

Kyoto Japanese Tea Blending Workshop with Take-Home Tea

$26$25

Kyoto Samurai Experience Matcha Only

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Join hands-on Udon making experience from scratch at a cozy Kyoto home! The noodles are crafted with care using 100% domestic Japanese flour to ensure an authentic taste and texture. You will also get to taste flavorful Japanese Dashi stock and cook a delicious sweet and savory beef topping to complete your bowl. Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that feels just like visiting a local friend—perfect for families and travelers looking for a warm, authentic cultural connection.

Authentic Udon Making Class in a Cozy Kyoto Home

$78$74

Temari Sushi Experience Kyoto

$78$74

Immerse yourself in Japanese food culture and learn popular Japanese dishes in the style of izakaya restaurants in this afternoon cooking class. A type of informal Japanese pub, izakaya restaurants are comparable to Irish pubs or tapas bars. During the class, learn about dashi broth and seasonings like soy sauce, mirin, sake, and miso, and prepare authentic dishes such as lotus root salad with miso and sesame sauce, gyoza, braised beef and potato, a dashi-based soup with mushroom and egg, and more.

Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto

Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto

3 hoursFree Cancellation

You can learn how to make tempura—a popular dish in Japan—from a professional chef. The highlight of this experience is that it takes place in an actual restaurant, where each participant has their own dedicated stove and deep fryer, allowing them to make tempura at their own pace without worrying about others around them. With eight types of ingredients, primarily sourced from Kyoto, and the portions are generous enough to leave you feeling satisfied.

[Kyoto, Gion] Tempura Experience Imafuku

[Kyoto, Gion] Tempura Experience Imafuku

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

$57$54

Step into a world where tradition and elegance intertwine in the heart of Kyoto. This curated experience invites you to engage in an authentic Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy workshop, while adorned in a hand-selected Vintage Haori, showcasing the beauty of Japanese fashion. With full English support, international guests can fully immerse themselves in the tranquil essence of Japanese culture. Capture these unforgettable moments with our smartphone photography service, ensuring that the memories of your Kyoto journey are preserved beautifully. Embrace the Spirit of Zen and discover the artistry of tradition and style from February 2026.

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Kyoto Haori ZEN~禅~

$60$57

This class goes beyond the usual cooking lesson —you’ll learn the secret plant based ingredient that gives our gyoza its meaty texture, and discover an easy trick for making ramen noodles from scratch, no special equipment needed. The broth itself is rich and creamy, built on the deep umami of traditional dashi. It’s a hands on experience loved by vegans and meat-eaters alike. Led by a former food writer with deep knowledge of Kyoto’s food scene, Yukari can also recommend the best restaurants around the city based on your taste.

Plant Based Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto

Plant Based Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto

Kyoto Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional Chefs

$71$68

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Must-Dos in Kyoto

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What are people saying about Kyoto

Angela_G, Oct 2026

A great arm workout and learning experience

Thank you so much for everything Yuki and team from the wonderful photos and local tips, to the kind support throughout the recipes!!! We can’t wait to make them at home! The spicy broth was magical, thank you for helping me, rolling the dough was a good workout

Traditional Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweets in Kyoto

Lyciana_L, Oct 2026

A lovely memory of our time in Kyoto!,

A beautiful tea ceremony experience in Kyoto We booked this tea ceremony through Viator, and it was a wonderful experience. We chose a ceremony with chairs rather than sitting on the floor, which made it very comfortable. The person preparing the tea made the experience especially memorable, sharing fascinating details and sparking our curiosity about the tradition. It was a beautiful opportunity to slow down and appreciate the care behind the ceremony. A lovely memory of our time in Kyoto!

Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views

Erin_M, Sept 2026

Beautiful Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

Tucked into a quiet courtyard on a busy Kyoto street, is this perfect tea room. It can be a bit hard to find, so leave a bit of extra time. It is 100% worth the effort to find it. This was such a worthwhile experience, first our host gave us an introduction to the history of the tea cermony and explained what would happen. Then we participated in a tea ceremony and finally we made our our matcha tea. It's just an hour long, but it was the perfect length of time and perfect calm moment in the middle of a busy day!

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, Karasuma Shijo

Susan_S, Sept 2026

Wonderful experience!

Loved, loved, loved this! There is something quite special about having your hair done and getting dressed in the most beautiful kimono by experts. I wish I could experience that every day! The tea ceremony was also great, being walked through each step. Would highly recommend this experience if you are in Kyoto.

Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Oritzuruya, Nishiki

Zoe_F, Sept 2026

Must-do in Kyoto! Beautiful immersive traditional experience.

Beautiful glimpse into traditional arts of tea ceremony and calligraphy. We witnessed the purification of the tea, ate wagashi (Japanese sweet) and whisked our own matcha. I enjoyed learning about calligraphy. It requires much more grace than I possess but I was allowed to practice a character until I felt confident and made a final one on nice paper to take home as a souvenir. Being invited to wear a kimono made this experience even more special, and afterwards the they allowed us to wander around Kyoto in our kimonos for the day. It was overall a truly lovely experience! Staff was very friendly and informative. I highly recommend!

Ninja 2-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Medium

Stacey_C, Aug 2026

Fun and engaging activity for all!

This was a fun experience for the family. It was very engaging from donning the clothes to learning the history, and practicing techniques including stealthy walking, using hidden doors, and throwing stars, knives, and blowing darts. A great activity for our teens and adults alike!

Elegant Tea Ceremony While Wearing Kimono Experience in Kyoto

Adam_R, Aug 2026

A Peaceful and Unforgettable Experience

We had a wonderful experience at the tea ceremony in Kyoto. Everyone was so lovely, kind and welcoming, and the experience felt very inclusive and relaxed. The ceremony itself was incredibly peaceful and calm, and the beautiful traditional building made it even more special. We also got the opportunity to hold a samurai sword, which was a really memorable bonus! A fantastic experience and definitely one we’d recommend.

Kyoto Samurai Experience

Sandra_G, Jul 2026

What an amazing...

What an amazing experience! The staff was very friendly and polite, you get a history lesson, a zen lesson, you get to hold a 650 year old sword and you get to meet a modern time samurai! He had an incredible presence and really encourages everyone to do a good job during the actual cutting. We loved every second of this tour. I would love to do it again.

Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony: Camellia Flower Teahouse

Theodore_O, Jul 2026

A Wonderful Experience!

We had such a wonderful experience! Our hosts were so lovely and treated us to an authentic tea ceremony. The highlight for us was making our own matcha and learning all about the beauty and depth of the tea ceremony. I would highly recommend this to all who travel to Kyoto!

Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a 130-Year-Old Traditional House

Laura_J, May 2026

Magical tea ceremony experience

The tea ceremony with Kaori was my favorite experience in Kyoto. Kaori is very knowledgeable about the traditions and very professional but also kind, warm and willing to answer every question. The tea house is beautiful-lovely and peaceful garden. We did it as a private session and it was magical.

Kyoto 1-Hour Ninja Training Experience with a Japanese Master

Yannick_V, Apr 2026

Amazing ninja experience

What an amazing place! Definitely a highlight of my trip to Japan. I cannot recommend this place enough. I had a one hour ninja experience. You get to dress up as a ninja, learn about the history and various tools/weapons ninja used. I then had had a go at ninja stealth walking, shurikens, blowing darts, katana and ninja sword. They take photos (free of charge) during the class. My Sensei was extremely knowledgeable about ninja history and culture and she took the time to explain everything. Her English was really good. The experience didn't feel rushed at all (unlike some other places I had read reviews about), and they limit the classes to a low number of people. This is a real dojo where they also do ninjustu training. They have a shop with some artefacts that you can buy, and some old authentic artefacts. It felt really immersive and authentic. I cannot recommend this place enough, I wish I had known about the two hour class! Thank you so much to the whole team for making this experience so memorable!