Washoku Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Food

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Washoku Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Food

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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 - 16 guests
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Accessibility
Stroller Accessible
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Language
Japanese, English
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Other
Gluten-free, Halal, Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescetarian, Wheelchair Accessible, Family-friendly, Has a gift, Personal chef, Private Experience

In this Kyoto cooking class, learn the principles of Japanese home cooking (washoku) guided by a friendly instructor with over a decade of experience.

Highlights

  • Cook a traditional Japanese meal with five dishes, including dessert, and enjoy it with matcha

  • Learn Japanese table manners, home cooking techniques, and practical recipes

  • Taste dashi and seasonings sourced from Aichi Prefecture

  • Cook alongside Yuka, a professional chef with over 10 years of teaching experience

  • Join an optional grocery shopping walk with your host after the class

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

Experience Details

Traditional Japanese cuisine, or washoku, is celebrated for its harmony, seasonal flavors, and thoughtful presentation, delighting all the senses.


While cooking Japanese food from scratch can feel intimidating at first, this hands-on class shows that with clear guidance, anyone can prepare an authentic meal with confidence.


The experience will start by meeting your host and walking for five to 10 minutes to the cooking school. There, Yuka introduces the class and the day’s recipes, setting a relaxed and friendly tone for cooking.


Before cooking begins, guests sample essential ingredients such as dashi and seasonings prepared using traditional techniques, including fermentation methods from nearby Aichi Prefecture. Along the way, Yuka shares insights into Japanese food culture and table manners, adding cultural context to each dish.


The cooking session focuses on preparing a complete Japanese meal. Guided step by step, guests make a main dish using either chicken or fish, along with fluffy Japanese rice, miso soup, and a classic Japanese-style omelet. The meal is rounded out with traditional sweets, and menu adjustments are available upon request in advance.


After cooking, there is time to take photos and sit down to enjoy the finished dishes together. The experience concludes with freshly brewed green tea and relaxed conversation with the host, offering a warm and satisfying end to a practical introduction to Japanese home cooking.

What You Get

All ingredients and utensils to make a full washoku meal, wagashi, and matcha green tea
Dashi and soy-based flavors tasting
Professional English-speaking instructor
Transportation to/from the experience location
Additional drinks and purchases

Good To Know

  • The main dish can be either chicken or fish. If you have a preference, please notify your host in the "notes" section upon booking
  • If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please specify them in the "notes" section at the time of booking
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before the experience start time

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • Meet your host at Karasuma Oike Station in Kyoto. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 72 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.

Get Directions

Activity Provider

Yuka
SinceOct 22, 2024
Total reviews6
4.8
Reviews
5.0
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based on 2 reviews
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(byFood)
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Kristine Clark
October 15, 2025

Our friend group did this cooking class together on our first trip to Japan and the ladies were both so sweet and helpful. Everything we learned to make was much easier than expected and the printe...read more

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Melody Ryan
June 15, 2025

Our group had so much fun with Yuka and her associates. All of the prep work was done ahead of time so that we were ready to go when we got there. She took care to make sure it was a positive exp...read more

Photo of faq question markFrequently Asked Questions

What dishes will we cook in this class?

Guests will prepare a full Japanese meal, including a main dish with chicken or fish, Japanese-style omelet, miso soup, rice, and a traditional dessert.

Will I learn about Japanese food culture?

Yes. Your host will share insights on Japanese cooking techniques, table manners, and the cultural context behind each dish.

Can the menu be adjusted for dietary preferences?

Menu alterations can be requested in advance to accommodate dietary needs.

What is included in the tasting portion of the class?

Guests will taste dashi and other seasonings made using traditional methods, including fermentation techniques from Aichi Prefecture.
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