Private Tour
Private Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with a Local Chef, Midori
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join Midori in her cooking studio for a traditional Japanese cooking lesson. You can choose one of the five set menus she offers. Midori teaches you Japanese dishes with simple and easy recipes that can be easily reproduced at home. You will watch Midori prepare local dishes using seasonal and traditional ingredients.
- Japanese cooking class in Kyoto with a local
- Learn to cook traditional Japanese dishes from scratch
- Discover Japanese ingredients and cooking styles
- Get insight into Kyoto's best restaurants and shopping recommendations
- A fun and relaxing, cultural and culinary experience
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal options are available, please advise at time of booking if required - our host can accommodate dietary restrictions if informed in advance.
Private, personalized experience
Please choose between 5 different set menu options and include it in the Special Requirements section of your booking
A cat resides in the home but remains upstairs during the class and does not enter the kitchen or dining area.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Private cooking demonstration and meal with your host Midori N.
Local tips and recommendations about the best restaurants and shops in Kyoto!
All Fees and Taxes
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Midori has been teaching Japanese cooking for over 30 years and is a true expert in the art of Japanese cuisine. She warmly welcomes you into her cozy Kyoto cooking studio with a traditional cup of Japanese tea before introducing you to the essential ingredients that form the foundation of home-style Japanese cooking—soy sauce, mirin, sake, and miso. Join Midori for an authentic and immersive cooking class where you’ll choose from one of her thoughtfully curated set menus, featuring simple yet delicious recipes that are easy to recreate at home. The experience blends hands-on cooking with live demonstrations, as Midori guides you through preparing seasonal dishes using time-honored techniques and traditional ingredients. The cooking session lasts about 1.5 hours, followed by a shared meal where you'll savor the dishes you helped create. During the meal, Midori will share her favorite local restaurant recommendations and insider tips on where to shop for food and souvenirs in Kyoto. This is a relaxed, intimate experience—like cooking with a friend—and is perfect for couples, families, or anyone curious about Japanese food culture.
Sample Menu
main
Menu 1: Teriyaki Chicken
(Teriyaki chicken or fried tofu steak, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)
main
Menu 2: Okonomiyaki
(Japanese pancake, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)
main
Menu 3: Takoyaki
(Octopus ball, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)
main
Menu 4: Gyoza
(Pan fry dumplings, onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)
main
Menu 5: Vegan or Vegetarian
(Choose one of the above menus which can be made vegetarian or vegan)
main
Menu 6: Pork Tonkatsu
(Pork or chicken cutlet), onigiri (rice ball), miso soup)
main
Menu 7: Ramen
(Vegan ramen, onigiri (rice ball), vegan gyoza)
dessert
Please select ONE from the menus
Please select ONE from the menus above when making a booking. All menus are served with welcome Japanese sweets, seasonal vegetables and tea
Options
Cooking class and lunch
Cooking class and lunch with your host Midori.
Cooking class and dinner
Cooking class and dinner with your host Midori.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Escape hoards of tourist and experience Kyoto differently
IE V,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00If you like Japanese food do this course! Midori San is a legend and ever so unique! She is kind, welcoming and funny. More than that, she treats you like a long lost friend the moment you walk through the door. Her class is very interactive and you will definitely improve. We made tonkatsu, miso soup and onigiri and will be making it again when we get home. She will give you a glimpse into local culture, cuisine but also choice of ingredients and great tips for making do with Western ingredients. She gave us some marvellous tips for local shops and food places and actually helped us find a Japanese knife. Even if you are no good in the kitchen, this will be a cultural experience for you and it ends with a tasty meal. Highly highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience Kyoto in more depth.
Fun cooking class!
Alissa T,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00My husband and I are on our honeymoon and we both love to cook. We both enjoyed Mindori’s class. She answered all of our questions and even made recommendations on things to do in Kyoto and other cities. She also helped us with making dinner reservations. Her location is also easily accessible by train and she let us record the lessons for future use.
Like Visiting Family
Amanda E,
Apr 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was the most wonderful experience we had in Kyoto! Midori-San communicated with us after we booked and shared several options for what we could choose to cook. On the day of, from the moment we arrived at her charming studio we felt like we were family visiting a close relative. Midori was so welcoming and kind, and we ended up staying and chatting with her for a long while. She had fabulous recommendations for restaurants, shops, and experiences to make our trip perfect. She even spent a good deal of effort helping me track down my Japanese host family from high school. Not to mention the delicious cooking!!! We loved our evening with our new “Kyoto Mama” and would highly recommend as a must-do experience for anyone visiting Kyoto. ❤️
The morning spent with...
Mark H,
Apr 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00The morning spent with Midori in her home was very enjoyable and informative. I learned a great deal about Japanese cooking techniques and the use of different ingredients. Midori has good communication and teaching skills and together we prepared a delicious lunch. She has a good choice of menus catering for all dietary requirements. I highly recommend this experience.
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