Specialist Guided Ichiju-Go-Sai Fermentation Cooking Experience in Kyoto

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Specialist Guided Ichiju-Go-Sai Fermentation Cooking Experience in Kyoto

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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Reviews
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Duration
2 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 5 guests
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Language
Japanese, English
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Other
Gluten-free, Halal, Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescetarian, Family-friendly, Solo Traveler

A thoughtfully guided fermentation cooking experience in Kyoto, exploring how koji-based seasonings shape balance, umami, and coherence across a complete Japanese meal.

Highlights

  • Learn Japanese meal structure through ichiju-go-sai using naturally fermented koji seasonings

  • Compare different fermentation methods to understand how they shape flavor and balance

  • Learn from Marie, a washoku and fermentation expert teaching in Japan since 2019

  • Attend a beginner-friendly, small class in central Kyoto, just 7 minutes from Omiya Station

  • Accommodate dietary needs with vegan, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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Host will donate 7 meals

Experience Details

Learn the art of Japanese fermentation in a hands-on cooking class in Kyoto with Marie, a fermentation expert who has visited over 100 traditional breweries across Japan.


Begin with a brief introduction to Japanese fermentation and washoku, followed by a tasting and comparison of naturally fermented and industrially produced seasonings. Learn to sharpen your palate and understand the concept of flavor balance before cooking.


Prepare multiple dishes using traditional koji-based seasonings, such as miso, with step-by-step guidance. Marie shows how to adjust flavors, read ingredients, and create harmony in your cooking, skills you can use anywhere.


Enjoy a calm, well-paced class with time for questions, discussion, and tasting. Finish by sharing the dishes you made together.

Located in central Kyoto, a short walk from Omiya Station and 15 minutes from Nishiki Market.


Vegan, gluten-free, and halal-friendly options can be accommodated with advance notice.


Perfect for travelers and food lovers seeking practical skills, deep insight, and a lasting understanding of Japanese fermentation culture.


What You Get

Experience Fee
Ingredient(lunch or dinner food)
Aprons and cooking utensils (rental)
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Good To Know

  • Children are welcome to participate, but their parents are responsible for their participation
  • Please note that children under 3 years of age can participate free of charge but they will not be served any food. Meals will be provided only in case a booking for a child is placed
  • Gluten-free, vegan and halal options, as well as other food allergies or dietary restrictions can be accommodated if informed in advance. Please let your host know your preference upon booking

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • Please meet your host in Shijo. More details and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.

Read more

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.

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Activity Provider

Marie and her team
SinceFeb 16, 2024
Total reviews6
5.0
Reviews
5.0
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based on 1 reviews
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(byFood)
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Lin huiting
April 25, 2026

This is a very enriching and culturally rich cooking course. I learned a lot about the principles of miso and fermentation. I highly recommend it to tourists visiting Kyoto.

Thank you for joining our experience and for your lovely review. We are very happy to hear that you learned a lot and enjoyed it. It was truly a pleasure spending time with you. We hope you will c...Read more

Marie and her teamApril 27, 2026
Photo of faq question markFrequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this fermentation cooking experience?

You’ll explore Japanese meal structure, learn to use koji-based seasonings, and practice creating balanced, umami-rich dishes through hands-on cooking.

Who guides the class?

The experience is led by Marie, a fermentation-focused cooking instructor who has taught washoku and fermentation across Japan since 2019 and visited over 100 traditional fermentation breweries.

Is this experience suitable for beginners or dietary restrictions?

Yes. The class is beginner-friendly and private. Vegan, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options can be accommodated with advance notice.

Where is the class held and how accessible is it?

It takes place in central Kyoto, just a 7-minute walk from Omiya Station (Hankyu line) and about 15 minutes from Nishiki Market.
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