Vegan Edible Flower Sushi Making and Vegetable Tour in Kyoto

Kyoto , Japan

Vegan Edible Flower Sushi Making and Vegetable Tour in Kyoto

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About this experience

Tour various locations to learn about the production of seasonal vegetables in Kyoto.
Tour the Depachika (basement in department stores where food is sold) in Daimaru and learn about the current popular food trends in Japan. Shop for fresh vegetables, such as sweet cherry tomatoes, that you will use on your sushi.
Explore Nishiki Market, a local market with over 400 years of history and the heart of Kyoto's kitchen. Learn about the history, varieties and importance of local vegetable cultivation methods.

After learning more about Kyoto's vegetables, experience making your own vegan temari sushi with edible flowers.
Use the same techniques and create your own version of ball-shaped sushi at home with locally sourced ingredients!

Available options

Vegan Edible Flower Sushi Making and Vegetable Tour in Kyoto

What's included

Guide Fees

1 Taxi Ride during Tour

Printed-out Recipe for Vegan Sushi

Early Dinner (Self-made sushi)

Detailed itinerary

The products in the basement of the department store always hint at current food trends and show what kind of foods Japanese people like. Recently, professional buyers in Japan and abroad are searching for new sweets and ingredients that are Instagrammable. Long-established stores in Kyoto also have booths in department stores. Depachika is a place where you can catch a glimpse of Japanese food trends by region and shop for fresh vegetables for your sushi.

Stop 2

With a history of 400 years, Nishiki Market has been called the kitchen of Kyoto. Its prosperity is attributed to the abundance of groundwater, known as the Kyoto Basin. Each store has well water in the basement, which played a role in preserving fresh vegetables in the Edo period when there were no refrigerators. The Kyoto vegetables sold at Nishiki Market are limited to 23 types of vegetables such as turnips and green onions that are specially grown in each region of Kyoto. Traditionally, the cultivation method of seedlings, which is difficult and time-consuming, has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is important to protect the seeds. In addition to greengrocers, pickles, and tsukudani, Nishiki Market also sells soybean products such as tofu and yuba, which are used as vegetable protein sources for shojin ryori, the foundation of the diet of Zen monks.

Learn how to make temari sushi. As a first step, you will learn how to make sushi rice. Learn how to prepare vegan sushi using the fresh ingredients available locally and discover the seasonal vegetables. Ball-shaped sushi can be easily prepared using this technique. Take the same techniques and create your own version of ball-shaped sushi at home with locally sourced ingredients! You can capture some photos of your sushi and have it for early dinner.
During the tasting, enjoy a cup of complementary Kyoto vegetable flavored coffee or Uji tea (One take-home gift per person is included).

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet your guide at Daimaru Kyoto Store Taxi Rank (East-bound).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6RsjnnLd3NvDChCm8

Near Karasuma Station (Hankyu-Kyoto Line) or 5-minute walk from Shijo Station (Karasuma Line).

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.