Soy Sauce Workshop and Tasting in a Kyoto Sushi Restaurant

Soy sauce may seem simple, but in Japanese cuisine, choosing the right one can completely change a dish. A delicate sushi topping, for example, can be enhanced by the perfect soy sauce or overwhelmed by one that is too strong. In this immersive workshop in Kyoto, discover how soy sauce is carefully selected and used to enhance the flavors of Japanese cooking. Held at Kikyo Sushi, a traditional restaurant with more than 60 years of history in central Kyoto, this experience offers a deeper look into one of Japan’s most essential ingredients. Your host, Akane, is a fermented food expert with extensive knowledge of soy sauce, miso, and vinegar, and she’ll guide you through the rich world of shoyu in a warm and approachable way. After a welcome drink, learn about the ingredients, production methods, and history behind Japanese soy sauce. Akane will explain the differences among various types of shoyu and share practical tips for using them in everyday cooking to elevate flavor without overpowering a dish. During the tasting session, sample five different soy sauces ranging from light and delicate to rich and bold. As you compare their flavors and aromas, you’ll also learn which foods pair best with each variety and how soy sauce is thoughtfully used in traditional Japanese cuisine. By the end of the workshop, you’ll understand how to use soy sauce more confidently in your own cooking and take home a small bottle of soy sauce as a souvenir. Located near Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, this workshop is ideal for travelers wanting to explore Japanese food culture and traditional cooking techniques.