Kyoto 和食 美食体验

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.

Marie was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The tea and the fermented food tastings were excellent. She was a pleasure and we had a wonderful time.

From the moment we stepped into the private tea tasting, it felt like entering a completely different world—one defined by calm, care, and an almost reverent appreciation for tea. What truly elevated the entire experience, however, was our teacher. Their depth of knowledge was nothing short of astonishing. Every detail—from the origin of the leaves to the subtle differences in processing methods—was explained with such clarity and passion that it transformed each sip into a story. You could tell this wasn’t just expertise; it was a genuine love for the craft. The tea itself was absolutely exquisite. Each variety we sampled was more nuanced and flavorful than the last, with layers of aroma and taste I had never noticed before. The experience was paired with a thoughtfully prepared selection of food that complemented the teas beautifully. Every bite felt intentional, enhancing the tasting experience and making the whole session feel indulgent without being overwhelming. What surprised me most was just how fun it all was. This wasn’t a stiff or overly formal class—it was engaging, interactive, and filled with moments of delight and discovery. We laughed, asked questions, compared favorites, and left feeling not only more knowledgeable but genuinely inspired. All in all, this private tea tasting was an unforgettable experience and such a unique, enjoyable way to explore the world of tea. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone—even those who think they already know tea.

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.

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.

Our group of 6 had a wonderful tour of Uji on April 7! With excellent English, Terumi S. led the tour which focused on a wide variety of Matcha and Green Tea experiences. We especially liked Terumi putting tea-making in Japan in context by pointing out the differences as we went along. Even though it was raining we were able to do all of the activities indoors. I especially liked the tea ceremony where the women were in full kimono dress with Terumi translating the ritual. She went the extra mile to get us to our next appointment by riding the train with us and showing us the connection! Arigato for an exceptional tour!