Kyoto 麻糬 課程

We had the most incredible day doing the washi and mochi making with our wonderful guide Yuki. He was so knowledgable about the local area, and it really felt like we were seeing a true representation of life in Ayabe. Learning about the history of washi paper and the steps it takes to make it was fascinating, and then getting the chance to do it ourselves with an expert was really exciting. We can’t wait to receive our finished Washi postcards at our next hotel! The mochi making was also a wonderful experience, with two sweet ladies showing us the way to properly pound the rice and shape it into delicious mochi balls. We even got to eat the mochi we had made, prepared in three traditional methods. We had an absolutely unforgettable day with Yuki in Ayabe, and we can’t wait to come back again.

We really enjoyed our experience in Ayabe - Yuki was a great tour guide and took some wonderful photos of us! It was fascinating to see the local crafts that are going on in the area and we only wish we’d had more time to see more!

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 printed instructions are so easy for us to follow at home for a delicious traditional meal.

We had a great time with Teruyuki around Ayabe with making mochi and washi and seeing the surrounding areas and villages. Highly recommended.

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 experience for everyone. While the food was beautiful, it seemed possible to prepare it in a home kitchen as long as you have access to the ingredients. We communicated easily in English. You do a lot of forming the final products, but not as much of the actual cooking, so it is a little less hands on than some classes I have been to in the past. However, I don't think it would be possible to make so many dishes in just 2.5 hours otherwise. Yuka does send a Google Maps address ahead of time. It is the correct one as a sort of demonstration kitchen of the restaurant. It is not, however, the actual restaurant, so don't get confused and go to the wrong place.

Teruyuki is a wonderful host! This tour was our favorite part of our japan trip. Ayabe is a much needed reprieve from the bustle of Kyoto and Tokyo, and we enjoyed learning about the art of washi paper and then making our own! Pounding mochi was so much fun too, and we got a wonderful lunch which catered to our dietary restrictions! I am recommending this tour to my friends visiting Japan!

What a terrific day -we had the perfect host! He was friendly , knowledgeable and fun 😊 we got to see a side of Japan that was very unique and "local". A little part of history gave us appreciation for washi paper and mochi!!! Would definitely recommend!

This tour was more than we ever imagined. Set in the beautiful mountainous countryside of Ayabe and led by our wonderful guide, Teruyuki, this was a truly unique experience. Learning about the traditional methods of making Washi and Mochi was made more special by having the hands on experience. Not only did we learn about these amazing products,Teruyuki shared his knowledge of this area and of Japanese culture in a very informative and entertaining way. If we had done nothing else while in Japan other than this we would have gone home happy.

Teruyuki was an exceptional guide and a very good ambassador to the Ayabe city. Not only did he take us to the washi paper workshop and mochi making activity, but he also showed us so much like the temple and de rose garden. A truly wonderful day!

It was a delightful experience, enhanced by Yuki's congeniality, vasr knowledge and eagerness to share the traditional handicrafts of his community.

Teruyuki was a generous and knowledgeable host, and Ayabe was such a beautiful place to visit during our time in Kyoto. We ate a delicious lunch and came away feeling like we'd had a real taste of the Kyoto surrounds. Incredible day.

Thank you Teruyuki san for the very nice day we learned a lot about the washi and the area. We woud recomend this tour to everybody.