Kyoto Vegetarian Food Experiences(52)
Kyoto-Style Sushi Making Class in a Traditional Restaurant
Step into a sushi restaurant near Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden for a class on traditional sushi. You’ll craft a chirashizushi bowl and make oshizushi (pressed sushi) under expert guidance and enjoy a delicious meal.
Miso Making Class & Tasting in a Kyoto Sushi Restaurant
Umami-rich miso is used extensively in Japanese cuisine, from ramen to salad seasonings. In this miso-making class and tasting in Kyoto, discover its rich flavors and create your own batch to take home guided by an expert in fermented foods.
Gion Tour with Kaiseki Meal in Kyoto at Night
Join a local guide as you stroll the cobbled streets of Gion and the Pontocho alley, and take in the atmosphere and local culture and history. After exploring, sit down to an elegant, multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Kyoto Nishiki Market Tour
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s 400-year-old culinary hub, stopping at several shops offering fresh seafood, local products and intricate sweets. Get deep insights into Kyoto’s cuisine from a local guide.
Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour in Uji with Lunch
Calling all matcha lovers! Uji, Kyoto is famed for its high-quality green tea. Tour the tea-making district, enjoy a tasting of various matcha teas, enjoy tea-flavored ice cream and wagashi sweets, and have a lunch of traditional Japanese dishes.
Kyoto Whisky and Sake Tasting Tour
During this evening tour in Kyoto, stop at an award-winning bar where the bartenders can fix you up a personalized drink, taste seasonal Kyoto delicacies alongside a sake tasting, and enjoy a whisky and chocolate pairing in Pontocho.
Make Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) & Matcha with Nariko (Kyoto)
Unleash your inner confectionary artist with a nerikiri-making class in Kyoto! Join Nariko to learn how to make 5 different nerikiri (Japanese wagashi sweets) then enjoy a matcha-making & tasting experience.
Kyoto Private Takoyaki Cooking Class with a Local Foodie
Only 10 min by train from Kyoto Station, Midori welcomes travelers of all ages for a private cooking class where you can make a traditional Japanese takoyaki meal suited to your dietary needs! Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available.
Private Sushi Masterclass: Nigiri, Gunkan, & Maki (Kyoto)
Become a sushi samurai in Kyoto! Learn the art of crafting perfect nigiri, gunkan, and hosomaki sushi in an intimate, 2-hour class led by sushi masters with over 10 years of experience. This experience includes premium seafood and ingredients!
Uncovering Uji: Premium Tea, Shrines & Spirituality in Kyoto
Uncover the intricacies of Japanese tea via a road less traveled in Uji–Kyoto's most famous tea-producing region. You'll learn the nuances of regional teas, soak up Uji's history, and journey to cultural landmarks alongside a knowledgeable host.
Private Cooking Class in Kyoto: Make a Tonkatsu Cutlet Meal
Learn to make a crispy tonkatsu cutlet meal with a Kyoto foodie and culinary researcher in this cooking class only 10 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. Gluten-free, vegan, halal-friendly and vegetarian options available!
Sake Spectacular: Museum Tour & Tasting in Fushimi (Kyoto)
Join Hiroshi for a private sake tour in Fushimi! Explore Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, learn about history, culture, production, & savor samples. With a diverse background, Hiroshi shares Kyoto's charm, while Fushimi's legacy enhances the experience.
Kyoto: Gion & Pontocho Traditional Food & Culture Tour
Explore Gion and Pontocho districts by their food. Dine at 3 unique restaurants and taste the full range of Kyoto’s distinctive gourmet, from seasonal obanzai dishes to izakaya fare and noodle dishes.
Tempura Rice Bowl Food Sample Making Class in Kyoto
Get creative with culinary crafts in this food sample-making workshop in Kyoto. Learn all about the world of replica food samples and create an amazingly realistic sample of tempura rice bowl to take home as a souvenir.
Private Teriyaki Chicken Meal Cooking Class in Kyoto
Make a delicious chicken teriyaki meal in this private cooking class with a foodie and culinary researcher in central Kyoto. Gluten-free, vegan, halal-friendly and vegetarian options can be accommodated (with deep-fried tofu instead of chicken).
Miso Masterclass, Tasting & Soup Making in Kyoto
Love miso and want to learn how it’s made? In this cooking class only a short train ride from Kyoto Station, you’ll learn all about miso, taste different kinds, and make soup packs customized to your taste!
Gion Night Walk and Japanese Whisky Tour
The atmospheric Gion district of Kyoto is home to traditional “machiya” houses and geisha culture. Avoiding the tourist crowds, your tour guide will take you through the quiet alleys to experience a calmer atmosphere, before checking out a local bar.
Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden – Kyoto
Enter a world of Japanese art, nature, history, culture, & tea. Join Junko Sophie Kakizaki – a respected tea ceremony master – for a small group Japanese tea ceremony at Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum in Kyoto.
Comfortable Japanese Tea Ceremony at a Table with Sweets
Enjoy an accessible tea ceremony without having to sit on the floor. This tea ceremony is performed sitting at a table, perfect for those who have difficulty or pain siting on the floor. Experience includes matcha and Japanese sweets.
Learn How To Make Miso & Onigiri in a Cozy Japanese Kitchen
Learn to make miso, one of Japan’s classic fermented ingredients, and onigiri (Japanese rice balls) from a fermentation expert in a cozy Kyoto kitchen.
Kyoto Gion & Higashiyama Tour w/ Lunch (Halal/Vegan Options)
Explore the quintessential sights of Kyoto with a guide! Stroll the quaint streets of Gion, stopping at temples and shrines, enjoy lunch suited to your dietary needs at Nishiki Market, and cross the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine.
Kyoto Private Vegan Walking Tour w/ Lunch or Dinner
Explore Kyoto’s vegan scene! Stroll the city’s historical streets with a guide, sample vegan foods at four different shops, interact with shopkeepers, and learn about the area’s traditional crafts. Wrap up with a decadent meal at a vegan restaurant.
Central Kyoto Traditional Sweets Making & Tea Ceremony
Enjoy the teatime flavors of Kyoto in this sweet workshop only a 5-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. Make wagashi sweets, enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony and learn to whisk matcha the traditional way!
Washoku Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Food
Join a fun Kyoto cooking class and master Japanese home cooking! Learn to make chicken or fish, Japanese-style omelet, miso soup, and sweets with an experienced instructor and discover the flavors and culture of Japan in a new light.

Discover Kyoto's Vegetarian Delights
Kyoto, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is also a haven for food enthusiasts, especially those seeking vegetarian options. This ancient city seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a culinary experience that caters to diverse tastes. Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian or simply exploring the benefits of a plant-based diet, Kyoto provides a variety of unique vegetarian food experiences that are sure to delight your palate.
Traditional Vegetarian Cuisine in Kyoto
One of the most renowned vegetarian experiences in Kyoto is shojin ryori, a form of Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Originating in the Zen temples, this cuisine emphasizes the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients. Meals are carefully crafted to balance nutrition, flavor, and aesthetics, often featuring tofu, fresh vegetables, seaweed, and pickles. Enjoying shojin ryori in a serene setting can be a truly enlightening experience, as it provides not only nourishment but also a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s spiritual traditions.
Kyoto is also famous for its exquisite tofu, produced locally using clear spring water and high-quality soybeans. Tofu dishes in Kyoto are diverse, from yudofu (tofu simmered in a simple broth) to more elaborate presentations in multi-course meals known as kaiseki. These dishes illustrate the versatility and elegance of tofu as a staple in vegetarian cuisine.
Modern Vegetarian Experiences
For those interested in modern takes on vegetarian cuisine, Kyoto offers a variety of innovative dining options. Many contemporary eateries provide a creative twist on traditional dishes, incorporating international influences to craft unique vegetarian meals. From vegan ramen to plant-based sushi, these restaurants take pride in using fresh, local produce to offer flavorful and health-conscious meals that push culinary boundaries.
Moreover, Kyoto's bustling markets and food stalls are perfect stops for sampling vegetarian-friendly street food. Wander through Nishiki Market, where you can find everything from fresh vegetables to vegetarian-friendly snacks like grilled mochi or yuba (tofu skin). These experiences offer a casual yet immersive way to enjoy Kyoto's vibrant food culture and discover new tastes.
Whether you're indulging in the serene ritual of tea ceremonies or exploring bustling food markets, Kyoto's diverse vegetarian options allow you to enjoy the city's culinary wonders without compromising your dietary preferences. Dive into Kyoto's vegetarian food experiences and savor the essence of Japanese cuisine, conscious of both tradition and health.