Private Ramen or Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto with Chef Midori

Recommended by 100% of travelers

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Kyoto, Japan

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Enjoy an immersive culinary experience, and learn how to cook a traditional Japanese meal with a private cooking class in Kyoto. Instead of being in a crowded kitchen, this is a private lesson just for you, which means you can enjoy one-on-one guidance. There are several set menus to choose from: teriyaki chicken, sushi, tonkatsu or Kansai street snacks such as gyoza (dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Flexible choices: Pick from set menus including vegetarian and vegan options
Enjoy personalized attention from a local Japanese chef just for your party
Eat your delicious creations at the end of the cooking demonstration
Choose from lunch or dinner classes to suit your schedule

Sample Menu

Main

Menu 1: Teriyaki Chicken

(Teriyaki chicken or fried tofu steak, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)

Main

Menu 2: Okonomiyaki

(Japanese pancake, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)

Main

Menu 3: Takoyaki

(Octopus ball, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)

Main

Menu 4: Gyoza

(Pan fry dumplings, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)

Main

Menu 5: Pork Tonkatsu

(Pork or chicken cutlet), onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)

Main

Menu 6: Vegan or Vegetarian

Choose one of the menus listed which can be made vegetarian or vegan, including ramen and gyoza

Main

Menu 7: Ramen

Shoyu Ramen (Soy sauce ramen, Japanese fried chicken and onigiri (rice ball)

Main

Menu 9: Karaage

Japanese fried chicken, potato salad, onigiri (rice ball) and miso soup

What's Included

Private cooking demonstration and meal with your host Midori N.
Local tips and recommendations about the best restaurants and shops in Kyoto!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Japan, 600-8806 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Chūdōji Mibukawachō, ７−１３ 7番地13
Meet your host at her cooking studio in Shimogyo Ward. A 5-minute walk from Tambaguchi station, 2 stops on the Sagano Line from JR Kyoto station. Check the 'before you go' section in your voucher for the exact address and Google Maps link to the location. Above only offers neighborhood details.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Traveling Spoon

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal options are available, please advise at time of booking if required - our host can accommodate dietary restrictions if informed in advance.
Private, personalized experience
Please choose between 5 different set menu options and include it in the Special Requirements section of your booking
A cat resides in the home but remains upstairs during the class and does not enter the kitchen or dining area.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

IE_V

If you like Japanese food do this course! Midori San is a legend and ever so unique! She is kind, welcoming and funny. More than that, she treats you like a long lost friend the moment you walk through the door. Her class is very interactive and you will definitely improve. We made tonkatsu, miso soup and onigiri and will be making it again when we get home. She will give you a glimpse into local culture, cuisine but also choice of ingredients and great tips for making do with Western ingredients. She gave us some marvellous tips for local shops and food places and actually helped us find a Japanese knife. Even if you are no good in the kitchen, this will be a cultural experience for you and it ends with a tasty meal. Highly highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience Kyoto in more depth.

Reviews

5.0

based on 26 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

An Unforgettable Cooking Experience with Midori

Reena_C, Jul 2026

We had such a wonderful cooking class with Midori today! We learned how to make delicious gyoza, onigiri, and ramen, and every single dish turned out amazing. There was so much food that we left completely full and happy! From the moment we arrived, Midori welcomed us into her home like old friends. She was incredibly warm, personable, and welcoming, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere from start to finish. The class struck the perfect balance between hands-on cooking and watching her demonstrate techniques, so we not only had fun but also came away feeling like we truly learned how to make each of these dishes ourselves. Everything was explained clearly, the food was absolutely delicious, and we left feeling confident that we can recreate these recipes at home. Thank you so much, Midori, for such a memorable experience. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan, and we would highly recommend this class to anyone visiting Kyoto!

Best food in Japan

Heather_S, Jun 2026

Chef Midori is simply fantastic. The best meal we have had in all of Japan. From the moment you walk into her place, she welcomes you like long, lost friends. She masterfully teaches you how to cook and you don’t even know you’re actually cooking. Perfect activity for non cooks and for people who love cooking. We would fly back just to spend time with Chef Midori and eat her delicious food. 5000 stars!!

An evening eventing of fun.

Debra_P, Jun 2026

If you are interested in a cooking demonstration and dinner with a lovely Japanese host, this might be the experience for you! I wish we had made ramen.

Best Kyoto Meal

Christy_B, May 2026

Absolutely delightful evening with Midori! We learned so many great secrets for several dishes and had a fantastic meal. Our meal with Midori was by far the favorite for our Kyoto stay. She is delightful, like visiting a friend and will share so many tips. Don’t hesitate, such a fun experience!

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that your evening with Midori was such a highlight of your time in Kyoto. It’s wonderful that you not only enjoyed the meal but also picked up helpful tips and techniques along the way. Midori has a special way of making guests feel at home, and we’re glad that warmth and sense of connection came through, just like visiting a friend. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to her. She’ll be delighted to know she made your Kyoto experience so memorable. We hope to welcome you again on another culinary adventure in the future!

Midori is a wonderful...

Joyce_M, Nov 2025

Midori is a wonderful teacher and enthusiastic about passing on her knowledge and expertise. She was interested in us and our interests and gave us tips for the places we were visiting in Japan.

A fun cooking experience

Anthony_S, Nov 2025

Midori gave very specific advice on shopping related to our cooking wishes. We cooked two delicious meals with her. She was enthusiastic and experienced.

Escape hoards of tourist and experience Kyoto differently

IE_V, Jun 2025

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a memorable experience with Midori-san. Her warmth, humor, and deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine truly make her classes special, and we're so glad you felt welcomed like an old friend. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed making tonkatsu, miso soup, and onigiri, and that you’re inspired to recreate them at home! We’re especially happy you appreciated the cultural insights and local tips she shared. Thank you again for recommending this experience. We hope to welcome you on another Traveling Spoon experience soon!

Fun cooking class!

Alissa_T, Jun 2025

My husband and I are on our honeymoon and we both love to cook. We both enjoyed Mindori’s class. She answered all of our questions and even made recommendations on things to do in Kyoto and other cities. She also helped us with making dinner reservations. Her location is also easily accessible by train and she let us record the lessons for future use.

Like Visiting Family

Amanda_E, Apr 2025

This was the most wonderful experience we had in Kyoto! Midori-San communicated with us after we booked and shared several options for what we could choose to cook. On the day of, from the moment we arrived at her charming studio we felt like we were family visiting a close relative. Midori was so welcoming and kind, and we ended up staying and chatting with her for a long while. She had fabulous recommendations for restaurants, shops, and experiences to make our trip perfect. She even spent a good deal of effort helping me track down my Japanese host family from high school. Not to mention the delicious cooking!!! We loved our evening with our new “Kyoto Mama” and would highly recommend as a must-do experience for anyone visiting Kyoto. ❤️

The morning spent with...

Mark_H, Apr 2025

The morning spent with Midori in her home was very enjoyable and informative. I learned a great deal about Japanese cooking techniques and the use of different ingredients. Midori has good communication and teaching skills and together we prepared a delicious lunch. She has a good choice of menus catering for all dietary requirements. I highly recommend this experience.

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