Japan · JAPANESE COOKING CLASSES IN KYOTO
Good japanese cooking classes in Kyoto fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
At Ramen Factory Kyoto, you knead and press noodles, season your broth, prepare toppings, and cook a personalized bowl with guidance from friendly instructors such as Mahiro, Moeka, and Haruka. The class is Halal-certified, with vegetarian and vegan choices available by request.
“This is a fun activity! We did it with our family and even the kids had a good time. Fun memories for us all.”
At Sushi Master Kyoto Kawaramachi, you learn sushi basics, prepare rice, shape nigiri and rolls, then eat what you make. English-speaking instructors such as Kioko and Rio help beginners, children, couples, and families. The class lasts about 90 minutes and includes ingredients, your sushi meal, and a small gift.
“Super fun sushi making workshop. My son and I chose Temar sushi. The guidance was top notch and entirely in English. Highly recommended!Auto-translated”
At Ramen Factory Kyoto, English-speaking instructors such as Sakura, Fuku, and Akemi guide you through making noodles, seasoning chicken, choosing miso, salt, or soy flavors, and assembling your bowl. The 90-minute class includes a souvenir and a recipe sent by email.
“it was wonderful. the staff were very friendly and showed and explained everything in detail. they heloed us to take pictures and videos . the ramen was very delicious. they provided us with souvenirs. the location was easy to find. we learned a lot and had fun. the place was clean and pretty. we enjoyed every moment. thank you. it was a great experience and we would like to do it again.”
In central Kyoto, English-speaking instructors such as Nori, Kairi, Aoi, and Minori guide you through miso and shoyu ramen broth, gyoza wrapping, and onigiri shaping. Ingredients are ready to use, the class is limited to eight, and you eat your creations with coffee or tea afterward.
“I can highly recommend this ramen cooking class! The organization and preparation were absolutely outstanding – everything was perfectly planned, well-structured, and thoughtfully arranged. The cooking instructors were incredibly friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. Their warm and welcoming attitude created a relaxed and motivating atmosphere where you felt comfortable from the very beginning. The instructions for each dish were clear, easy to understand, and designed in a way that made every step quick and effortless to follow. We also prepared delicious gyoza and beautifully shaped onigiri. The guidance for each of these dishes was just as precise and enjoyable, making the whole cooking e...”
At Atelier SUSHI near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, Kana leads an English-language class for up to eight people. You season sushi rice, shape nigiri, roll maki, and eat what you make. The 90-minute workshop includes fresh fish, tea, an apron, gloves, and useful take-home keepsakes.
“Small class , very good sushi …. & easy. The host Kana is super knowledgeable, speaks good English & very nice”
At Kyoto Laundry Cafe near Saiin Station, chefs such as Ai, Rie, and Miyu guide you through a hands-on washoku class. Make sushi rolls, tempura, sesame tofu salad, and dashimaki tamago, then enjoy the full bento together. English and Japanese instruction, ingredients, aprons, and equipment are included.
“This was one of our favorite things we did on our trip to Japan. We learned how to make many different things and there was so much food to eat after, come hungry! We appreciated the presentation describing the history of the bento box. Excellent activity!”
Spend 2.5 hours in a small Kyoto cooking class making noodles, gyoza, fried rice, and ramen with a professional chef and English-speaking guide such as Yuki, Ayuri, or Rina. You get a full meal, two drinks, cultural background, and recipes, but the ramen uses pork broth and dietary substitutions are limited.
“We had the best time and one of the best meals with Avinash, our host, and the chef! They were so friendly and were so friendly and helpful when it came to directions and hospitality. Definitely booking again next time we come to Kyoto!”
Spend three hours at Cooking Sun in Kyoto learning everyday izakaya cooking with English-speaking instructors such as Yumi and Yumiko. You cook in two rounds, usually making five or six savory dishes and dessert, then sit down to eat what you prepared. Recipes are provided for home use.
“A completely brilliant afternoon of making local Japanese food which we could easily make again at home. Wonderful instruction, friendly staff and we loved the food we made. A really great experience. Thank you for helping to make Japanese food accessible. Delicious.”
At Cooking Sun Kyoto, an English-speaking chef and team guide you through dashi, Japanese seasonings, and several izakaya-style dishes in a traditional wooden house. You cook, eat, and take home the recipes. Classes begin at 2pm and last about three hours, with groups capped at eight.
“My 3rd Cooking Sun class didn’t disappoint. The instructors are nice and very patient answering the classes questions. The cucumber salad is still one of my favorites it I think the Pumpkin soup is now my #1. The pasta was delicious and I loved the mochi dessert we made.”
In a traditional Kyoto townhouse, an English-speaking instructor such as Hama, Maya, Ryo, or YO guides you through fillings, homemade wrappers, folding, and cooking 10 to 12 gyoza per person. You can also learn about Japanese history and try samurai armor for photos.
“Thank you Ryo for an amazing gyoza cooking class. One of the best experiences we have had. Would highly recommend.”
At Cooking Sun Kyoto, you spend about three hours learning to prepare a seasonal Japanese bento. English-speaking chefs demonstrate each dish, then guide you through sushi, tempura, egg rolls, soup, and more before you eat your handmade lunch and take home the recipes.
“A fun way to learn and experience Japanese cooking. 12 people were individually supervised by 3 chefs. We learned about the food and what and why a Bento Box is prepared. We made delicious food.”
Spend three morning hours at Cooking Sun in central Kyoto learning the practical art of bento. English-speaking instructors such as Mei, Mae, Tomoko, and Yukari guide you through sushi, tempura, teriyaki chicken, miso soup, and other home-style dishes before you sit down to eat what you made.
“The cooking instructors were great, easy to understand directions in English, and produced a delicious lunch. The instructors were patient with my teenage son and provided additional guidance when needed. It was an enriching cultural culinary experience that I highly recommend.”
In a restored Kyoto townhouse near Kiyomizu-Gojō Station, Kana and her team teach you to season sushi rice and shape nigiri, gunkan, and maki. The English-language class is limited to eight people, includes miso soup and the sushi you make, and ends with a take-home mat, chopsticks, and recipe card.
“Excellent experience all around! I would highly recommend this lesson to anyone considering it. the host is very nice and knowledgeable. The food is excellent and the class was fun!”
Join Miho or another licensed guide interpreter for a four-hour English-language cooking class in a traditional Kyoto home near Fushimi Inari. Prepare about five Japanese dishes, eat lunch beside a garden, receive recipes, and spend 30 minutes learning your way around a local supermarket.
“It was a wonderful experience, very well explained and simple to follow! The room was very clean and the food was delicious. She can cater to vegetarians as well. Thank you for a great time.”
Join Kaori at Japanese Cooking Class Roujiya in Kyoto for a two-hour, English-language lesson on sushi, dashi soup, pickled ginger, umami, and Japanese table manners. You prepare and eat several dishes, receive recipes to take home, and learn in a small kitchen setting near public transportation.
“Knew nothing about making sushi went started this experience, left knowing how to make it!!! Great host who talked you through the stages and gave recipes to take away so you could give it a go. Great fun, lots of laughs, highly recommend”
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