Cooking classes in Kyoto
A cooking class is one of the best ways to take Kyoto home with you. Classes run all year, so the weather matters more for the rest of your day: Kyoto is warmest in August at about 93°F (34°C).
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top cooking classes in Kyoto
Ramen Gyoza Onigiri Japanese Cooking Class in KyotoFrom $98View 
Sushi Making Class at Sushi Restaurant Before Open in KyotoFrom $31View 
Kyoto Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional ChefsFrom $94View
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What to eat and drink in Kyoto
Classes here usually build the menu around local dishes. Ones to look for:
- Kaiseki
- A formal multi-course Japanese meal built around the season, served as a sequence of small dishes.
- Tofu
- Kyoto is known for delicate fresh tofu, made with the city's soft water.
- Matcha
- Powdered green tea whisked into a frothy drink; also used in sweets.
- Yudofu
- Tofu simmered gently in a kombu broth, a speciality around Kyoto's Zen temples.
- Sushi
- Vinegared rice with raw fish or other toppings; counter seats let you watch the chef.
- Ramen
- Wheat noodles in a rich broth (pork, soy, miso or salt) with toppings such as pork and egg.
- Obanzai
- Kyoto home-style side dishes of seasonal vegetables, tofu and fish.
How to pick a good cooking class
- Check whether you cook every dish yourself or watch a demonstration. Hands-on classes usually cap groups at 10 to 12.
- Morning classes often start with a market walk to buy ingredients; afternoon ones go straight to the kitchen.
- Tell the host about allergies or a vegetarian diet when you book, not on the day.
- Look for a class that sends the recipes home with you, so you can cook them again.
Kyoto month by month
Averages for Kyoto.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 48 (9) | 50 (10) | 57 (14) | 68 (20) | 77 (25) | 83 (28) | 90 (32) | 93 (34) | 85 (29) | 74 (23) | 63 (17) | 53 (12) |
| Low °F (°C) | 35 (2) | 35 (2) | 40 (4) | 49 (9) | 58 (15) | 67 (19) | 74 (24) | 76 (25) | 69 (21) | 58 (14) | 47 (8) | 38 (4) |
| Rainy days | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:08 pm | 5:39 pm | 6:04 pm | 6:29 pm | 6:53 pm | 7:12 pm | 7:12 pm | 6:46 pm | 6:05 pm | 5:23 pm | 4:52 pm | 4:46 pm |
Questions
What food is Kyoto known for?
Kaiseki: a formal multi-course Japanese meal built around the season, served as a sequence of small dishes. Tofu: kyoto is known for delicate fresh tofu, made with the city's soft water. Matcha: powdered green tea whisked into a frothy drink; also used in sweets.
How long does a cooking class take?
Most classes run three to four hours including the meal; ones that start with a market visit take closer to five.
Where can I book cooking classes in Kyoto?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
