Seasonal Home Cooking Class in Kyoto
Learn the secrets of Japan’s comfort food from a local! Prepare and enjoy some of Japan’s most beloved dishes in a four-item lunch using organic and seasonal ingredients.
Highlights
Learn authentic Japanese home cooking at a home in Kyoto
Make a four-dish lunch and taste the flavors of the season: items in the menu change every month and are prepared using seasonal ingredients
The venue is within walking distance from some of Kyoto’s main attractions, only 10 minutes from the Botanical Gardens and 30 minutes from the Imperial Palace
This experience is ideal for traveling families looking to cook an authentic Japanese meal together
10 meals
Experience Details
Put on your apron and get cooking at this creative Kyoto kitchen. The menu doesn’t include sushi, gyoza, or ramen — instead, you will use seasonal ingredients to prepare lesser-known but equally comforting foods that capture the essence of Japan’s flavors. The host will share some of their original recipes, and, what’s best, you can take this knowledge with you and replicate your favorite ones back home!
Your cooking instructor will gather from their experience working at an organic restaurant and in the catering business to provide you with an authentic home cooking experience. First, they will introduce the menu and walk you through the steps before you get cooking. Once the meal is ready, you can enjoy the delicious lunch you prepared. The whole experience takes approximately three hours. If you are lucky and the host has more students booked for the day, you might also make new Japanese friends, since this class is loved by locals too!
The menu changes monthly to make the most of the fresh ingredients available each season. For instance, yuzu, a tart citrus fruit typically available in winter, is used in several dishes in February. No matter the month, however, you will learn about some of Japan’s staple dishes, like tofu (in March), Japanese-style omelet tamagoyaki (in April), and more.
If you want to cook with and like a local during your time in Kyoto, you simply can’t miss this experience!
Sample menu for February 2024:
Yuzu-flavored fried chicken
Yuzu daikon (radish)
Daikon mochi with bacon and cheese
Spinach and grilled shiitake mushrooms with yuzu soy dressing
Please note that the contents of the menu are subject to change depending on availability and seasonality.
Apart from cooking, this experience offers a unique opportunity to learn more about local customs through direct communication with the host, who is eager to share insights and fascinating details about Japanese culture.
Inclusions
Instruction in English from a local cook
Ingredients and items needed for cooking, such as an apron, utensils, etc.
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet directly at the instructor’s home, located 10 minutes by foot from the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and a short taxi ride away from Kuramaguchi, Kitaoji, Mototanaka, and Kitayama Stations. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please note that the menu for this experience changes every month.
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options can be arranged for private bookings.
Private bookings are only available for a price equivalent to that of more than four participants.
If you book this experience but are not able to make it, please cancel your booking rather than not showing up without notifying the host.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 1 week before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.
This is an absolute must do experience whilst visiting Kyoto. Aki is warm and kind and very good with communication leading up to the class. She explained the processes and answered all our questio...read more
A warm and talented host who welcomed us into her home and guided six guests in creating a 6-7 course lunch. The atmosphere was cozy, and it was a great experience!
The seasonal cooking class with Aki was such a special experience for my son and I to share together. Aki was a wonderful teacher who had planned the class with great care. We learnt so many new th...read more
Aki's cooking class was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend meeting Aki and taking her class. My husband and I are real foodies, when we travel we always do a food tour and/or a cooking class...read more
The Seasonal Home Cooking Class was one of the highlights of our visit to Kyoto. Aki was so warm + welcoming from the moment my friend and I were greeted at the door. It was evident she had put a l...read more
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10 meals
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