Private Tour
Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
You can have an Kyoto specific culinary experience in this class.
Japan has a long history of vegan cuisine which developed at Buddhist temples. Since killing animals is strictly prohibited in Buddhism, so all the dishes generally don’t contain any animal products such as meat and fish. It's very healthy and well-balanced cuisine featuring seasonal vegetables, soybeans(tofu), grains, seaweed or many fermented foods.
We make a variety of dishes inspired by classic Buddhist cooking with modern twists. These delicious dishes make the most of the original taste of local ingredients. It's not difficult to cook at all but you will find the delicacy of Japanese cuisine in every detail of the dish. I'm sure you can enjoy Japanese authentic cooking which you are not be able to taste in the restaurant.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
In Japan we have a traditional Buddhist cooking called Shojin-ryorui, which is made without animal products. I will provide the participants knowledge of Shojin-ryori and introduce unique local ingredients and products at first. Then put on the aprons and learn how to make a variety of dishes through our hands-on cooking. In the end you can enjoy beautiful and flavorful plate lunch(dinner). We'll cook 7 dishes like as Simmered seasonal vegetables, Dried strips of daikon salad, Kinpira of lotus（braised thinly sliced lotus), Nasu dengaku(miso-grazed eggplant), Shiraae（mashed tofu salad), Spicy teriyaki balls, vegetarian fried chicken using wheat gluten and 2 rice balls. ※We can accept gluten-free, please let us know.
Sample Menu
main
Shojin-ryori (traditional Buddhist cooking)
Simmered vegetables, dried strips of daikon, miso-grazed eggplant, mashed tofu salad, Spicy teriyaki balls, vegetarian fried chicken
What‘s Included
Ingredients, Drink (water or tea), Apron, All the equipment, Utility charges, Facility fee, Recipes
Private transportation
Options
Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worthy experience
susanbW6151LL,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were welcomed in Yukari’s home and learned about Buddist cooking. We had ample opportunity to be hands on and the result was delicious. We have the recipes and we hope to try them successfully at home. Thank you Yukari!
Exceptional Class
Barbara M,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yukari-san’s cooking class was brilliant. First she introduced us to the origin and importance shōjin ryōri (temple cuisine), then she kindly explained all the dishes we made. The dishes were fairly easy to make with her clear instructions and they were incredibly delicious. As the activity took place in her home, we were joined only by two more guests, so it had a very cozy vibe - not to mention the great hospitality of Yukari-san, and her great recommendations both for Kyoto and Osaka. Pretty much the best cooking class I have ever attended. ありがとうございました。
What an experience❣️
Madhu J,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had such a wonderful experience this morning at a vegan Buddhist cooking class in Kyoto! Our instructor, Yukari, spoke very clear English and made everything easy to follow from start to finish. Before we began, she carefully introduced all the ingredients and explained the philosophy behind Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine), which made the experience even more meaningful. What I loved most was how hands-on the class was—we were involved in every step, from chopping and marinating to pan-frying and even plating the dishes beautifully. In total, we learned how to make 7 different dishes, and every single one was absolutely delicious. Yukari created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and her passion really showed throughout the class. I would honestly give her more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Great hidden gem of Kyoto
Bryan H,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00She was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was great. Had a great time exploring the consecpt of sojin ryori. She is definitely a hidden gem in Kyoto and would highly recommend take a class with her.
An amazing cultural...
Mike D,Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing cultural experience. Yukari was an amazing host and we all enjoyed learning about the ingredients and preparation of a Japanese traditional meal. Not to mention the food was incredibly delicious! It was a highlight of our time in Kyoto and we could not recommend the experience more!
Recommended
andreamK6204TE,May 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really good time at the cooking course! Yukari is very welcoming, kind and professional. It was fun to learn about a bit about the cuisine, about new ingredients and equipment, and the dishes were all really delicious.
Awesome experience!
jhalinem,Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience and incredibly fun! I’m very glad my husband and I got a chance to do this while staying in Kyoto.
This is a delicious and...
Christine G,Apr 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a delicious and delightful experience! The teacher is a kind and talented person and we all enjoyed the class.
Learn the intricacies of Japanese Buddhist cooking with Yuka sensei
Morty O,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Yukari was an amazing host and teacher as she guided us through cooking and preparing a seven-part vegan Buddhist meal. Her knowledge of Japan's culinary culture is vast and profound. My wife and I enjoyed chatting with her not only about the meal we were making but Japanese culture, where to buy some of the specialized kitchen tools we were using, and suggestions on quieter alternatives to some of the overtouristed sights of Kyoto. It was one of my favorite experiences in our two-week adventure through Japan. And the food was one of the highlights of our trip, too!
Best experience in Japan
MmeGermaine,Feb 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! Yukari was well organized. The menu has been very well explained. All the preparation for the workshop was well done. And the food... OMG it was delicious!! I absolutely recommend. I would do classes with Yukari again and again!
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