Kyoto Pickling Workshop and Traditional Pickle Buffet Lunch

Visit a pickle shop in Ohara, Kyoto, with more than 120 years of history, and discover the traditions behind Kyoto-style pickles. Learn how these local favorites are made and what makes each variety unique. Begin with a guided walk around the company's farm, followed by visits to the shibazuke pickling cellar and pickle packaging facility. A video about shibazuke and a slide presentation introduce the history of Kyoto-style pickles and the variety of pickled vegetables enjoyed throughout Japan. During the tasting session, compare different kinds of Japanese pickles and sample vegetables at several stages of the process: fresh, preliminarily pickled, and fully pickled. Notice how their flavors change as the vegetables develop through pickling. Then, put what you have learned into practice. Measure the seasonings yourself and prepare a basic marinade for asazuke, or lightly pickled vegetables. Personalize your creation with ingredients such as kelp, bonito flakes, curry powder, chili peppers, and sesame seeds. No previous cooking experience is required, and you can take your finished pickles with you to enjoy after an overnight stay in the refrigerator. After the workshop, sit down for a buffet lunch at the on-site restaurant. Freshly cooked rice, a selection of Japanese pickles, and traditional Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes known as obanzai offer another way to explore the region's flavors. With a guide and interpreter to support the experience, this workshop connects the history, production, and everyday enjoyment of Kyoto pickles through tasting, learning, and hands-on preparation.