Private Ramen or Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto with Chef Midori

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kyoto, Japan

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

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

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Overview

Learn how to cook a traditional Japanese meal through a cooking demonstration in a local's cooking studio in Kyoto. Instead of being in a crowded kitchen, this is a private lesson just for you, which means you can enjoy conversations with your tutor and one-on-one guidance. There are several set menus to choose from, which include teriyaki chicken, sushi, tonkatsu or Kansai street snacks - such as “gyoza” (dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls) or “okonomiyaki” (savory pancakes).

Visit a local cooking studio near Gion in Kyoto for a Japanese cooking lesson
Flexible choices: Pick from set menus (includes vegetarian or vegan options)
Enjoy the personalized attention of a local Japanese chef just for your party
Eat your delicious creations at the end of the cooking demonstration

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, ７１３ 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

Supplied by

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 19 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

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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