Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto, is renowned for its culinary heritage, which makes it a great place to learn how to cook local and Japanese cuisine. I’ve found the best cooking classes in Kyoto to save you time and effort.
For each course, I have highlighted the types of food you’ll make, what it includes and the price. I’ve also included a Kyoto cooking class comparison guide to make your decision easier.
Why should you trust me? Over the past nine years living in Japan, I’ve enjoyed endless culinary adventures, including in Kyoto, which is only an hour away. After reading this, you’ll be more confident picking a cooking class.
And if you’re looking for more food and drink experiences in Kyoto, check out my:
- Kyoto Food Tours – explore the thriving gourmet scene with a local guide
- Geisha and Maiko Dinner Shows – enjoy Kyoto’s once-in-a-lifetime luxury dining and entertainment
- Sake Tasting and Brewery Tours – discover Kyoto’s famous sake paired with food
Here are the seven best Kyoto cooking classes.
If you’re in a hurry, jump to my at-a-glance comparison guide.
Price per person based on two people attending a class: $ = up to $65; $$ = between $66 & $89; $$$ = over $90.
1. Kyoto Ramen Cooking Class (with Complimentary Souvenir)
Discover how to make ramen from scratch in this highly-rated and popular Kyoto ramen cooking class. An excellent hands-on cooking experience with a fun teacher suitable for all age groups.
Enjoy an unforgettable Kyoto ramen-making class with a memorable souvenir to remember your trip.
- Learn how to make ramen step-by-step, including making and boiling the noodles and preparing the soup and sauce
- Personalise your ramen with a choice of flavours and toppings
- Relish eating your homemade ramen for lunch or dinner
- Take home a free omiyage (souvenir) from a ramen t-shirt, ramen bowl or Japanese-style apron
- Halal-certified kitchen, plus vegan and vegetarian options available on request
- Includes: Making ramen from scratch with an experienced instructor, a photo of your experience and a complimentary souvenir
- Price: $$$
- Location: Kamigyō-ku
- Duration and start time: 1.5 hours; 11am, 1pm and 4pm
2. Kyoto Traditional Sushi-Making Class
Discover the art of traditional sushi-making in this five-star Kyoto cooking experience. Your friendly and warm host will give you step-by-step instructions so you can make it at home.
Enjoy an unforgettable Kyoto sushi class in an atmospheric Japanese-style wooden building.
- Learn how to create nigiri (hand-pressed), maki (rolled) and gunkan (battleship) sushi
- Savour the sushi you’ve made from fresh fish sourced on the day from Kyoto’s Nishiki Market
- Don’t miss this fun and relaxed journey into Japanese culinary culture
- Take-home souvenirs, including a bamboo sushi rolling mat, chopsticks, a chopstick rest and recipes
- Includes: Sushi cooking class, eating your creation with miso soup, green tea and a complimentary gift bag including recipes
- Price: $$
- Location: Higashiyama-ku
- Duration and start time: 1.5 hours, 11am and 2.30pm
3. Japanese Bento Cooking Class in Kyoto
Discover how to make various dishes during this bento cooking class in Kyoto. An excellent introduction to different Japanese food with recipes so you can make it at home.
Enjoy a premium experience from a highly acclaimed Japanese cooking school.
- Learn how to make a variety of Japanese dishes, like sushi rolls, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), tempura, teriyaki chicken (Japanese sauce) and miso soup
- Acquire a solid foundation in core Japanese culinary techniques
- Find out about the cultural background and popularity of the bento box in Japan
- Savour the meal you’ve created with your classmates
- Dietary requirements catered for at the time of booking
- Includes: Bento cooking class, lunch you’ve made and recipes to take home
- Price: $
- Location: Shimogyō-ku
- Duration and start time: 3 hours, 9.30am
Compare Kyoto Cooking Classes: Comparison Guide
Here’s a quick comparison guide to help you choose a Kyoto cooking class. Compare what type of food you’ll make, class extras, the location and price.
| Food Type | Class Extras | Location | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Ramen: Chicken Halal Veg/vegan |
Photos Souvenir Recipes |
Kamigyo | $$$ | |
| Class 2 | Sushi: Nigiri Maki Gunkan |
Gift bag Recipes |
Higashiyama | $$ | |
| Class 3 | Bento: Multi-dish Dietary requests |
Recipes | Shimogyo | $ | |
| Class 4 | Izakaya: Multi-dish Dietary requests |
Sake Recipes |
Shimogyo | $ | |
| Class 5 | Sushi Okonomiyaki Vegetarian |
Tofu salad Dessert Tea |
Sakyo | $ | |
| Class 6 | Japanese: Multi-dish Veg/vegan |
Supermarket tour Recipes |
Fushimi | $$$ | |
| Class 7 | Sushi: Nigiri Maki Gunkan Gluten-free |
Sushi chef Photos |
Nakagyo | $$ |
Price per person based on two people attending a class: $ = up to $65; $$ = between $66 & $89; $$$ = over $90.
All Kyoto cooking experiences have English-speaking chefs and instructors.
4. Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class in Kyoto
Immerse yourself in izakaya food and dining culture in this unique Kyoto cooking class. From traditional and seasonal to Western-inspired, you’ll love making tapas-style izakaya (Japanese-style pub) dishes.
Discover one of Japan’s most favourite culinary traditions from a well-established and highly-rated cooking school.
- Learn how to make classic izakaya-style grilled, deep-fried, pickled, pasta and sweet dishes (seasonal menu varies)
- Explore Japanese izakaya cooking techniques that you can make at home
- Experience cooking and enjoy your meal in the cosy atmosphere of an 80-year-old Japanese house
- Dietary requirements catered for when booking
- Includes: Cooking 5-6 izakaya-style dishes, the dinner you created with a glass of sake and take-home recipes
- Price: $
- Location: Shimogyō-ku
- Duration and start time: 3 hours, 2pm
5. Kyoto Homemade Sushi and Okonomiyaki Class
Discover how to make some of Japan’s most renowned dishes in this Kyoto home-cooking class. Combine sushi and regional cuisine for a great value and diverse culinary experience.
Enjoy a popular cooking class with a chef and food writer in the comfort of her Kyoto home.
- Learn how to create two types of homemade sushi – temarizushi (ball) and oshizushi (pressed)
- Experience how to make one of Osaka’s soul foods, okonomiyaki (savoury pancake)
- Relish the meal you’ve created in a relaxed setting
- Vegetarian options are available on request when booking
- Includes: Kyoto home-cooking class and eating the meal you’ve created with tofu salad, dessert and Japanese tea
- Price: $
- Location: Sakyō-ku
- Duration and start time: 2.5 hours, 10am and 5pm
6. Kyoto Japanese Cooking Class and Supermarket Tour
Uncover the culinary skills and techniques of making washoku (Japanese cuisine) in this cooking experience and tour. You’ll learn with straightforward instructions and recipes, so you can make it at home.
Enjoy a comprehensive cooking class and local supermarket tour with a warm, patient and friendly licensed host.
- Discover how to make classic Japanese dishes using seasonal vegetables
- Dishes include sushi, tempura, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), salad, miso soup, dashi (soup stock) and mochi (rice cake) ice cream
- Savour the lunch you’ve created in an authentic Kyoto house overlooking a garden
- Find out about Japanese fruit, vegetables and seasoning on a local supermarket tour
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, including vegetarian dashi (soup stock)
- Includes: Japanese food cooking class, lunch you’ve made, a guided culinary supermarket tour and recipes to take home
- Price: $$$
- Location: Fushimi-ku
- Duration and start time: 4 hours, 9.30am
7. Sushi Making with a Sushi Chef in Kyoto
Discover the art of sushi-making with a professional sushi chef in Kyoto. It suits adults and children with step-by-step instructions, practice, and upfront preparation.
Enjoy a fun and friendly sushi class with a fun and friendly sushi master.
- Learn how to make nigiri (hand-pressed) and maki (rolled) sushi with a sushi chef
- Savour fresh seasonal seafood prepared for you and bought on the day
- Eat the sushi you’ve created after you’ve decorated it on a plate
- Private classes are available for groups of up to six people
- Includes: Sushi-making experience, lunch you’ve made with Japanese-style soup and tea or water, and photos from the class
- Location: Nakagyō-ku
- Price: $$
- Duration and start time: 1.5 hours, 10.30am and 12.30pm (private lesson)