Private Kyoto Sushi Cooking Class & Tea Ceremony with Emika

Kyoto , Japan

Private Kyoto Sushi Cooking Class & Tea Ceremony with Emika

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(78 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

During this experience you will learn to make sushi of your choice or traditional Obanzai style dishes such as cooked and marinated mushrooms, pickled or slow-cooked seasonal vegetables and tofu dishes prepared the traditional way over an informative conversation with your host Emika in her cozy kitchen. Emika will also teach you to prepare traditional, homemade miso soup from scratch.

The cooking portion of your experience may last about an hour before you enjoy the meal you prepared together.

Emika's family owns an organic vegetable field where she harvests most of the vegetables that she uses in her cooking. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of daikon radishes grown on their farm!

Join Emika and learn all about traditional Japanese cooking techniques, from chopping to marination, from a lovely local!

Available options

Cooking and dinner

Cooking, dinner and alcohol with Emika

Cooking and lunch

Cooking, lunch and alcohol with Emika

Supermarket + cooking + lunch

What's included

Local alcohol (1-2 glasses)

Private cooking class and tea ceremony with your host Emika

Supermarket and produce market tour (if you choose the Market tour option)

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

24 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

54 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Please inform your host Emika if you would prefer a sushi or Obanzai (native Kyoto) menu when making your booking

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking

Please note that if you choose the market tour option, it includes a supermarket and your private market tour happens "after" your cooking class and lunch, not before.

Meeting point

Meet your host Emika at her home. The above is a generic location, not the exact address. Exact address and Google Maps link can be found in your ticket upon confirmation, check the 'before you go' section. It is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Katsura station on the Hankyu Kyoto line.

Important notes

Address: 31-30 Inariyamachō, Katsura Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Address in Japanese: 〒615-8025, 京都府京都市西京区, 桂稲荷山町31-30
Google Maps link to her home: https://goo.gl/maps/R3cDBTicvA7Adb6P9

Meeting Instructions: Meet your host Emika at her home. It is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Katsura station on the Hankyu Kyoto line.

Host name: Emika Inao
Phone +81 90 2109 5885
Email: emikakyoto@gmail.com

We recommend emailing Emika after you book so that she can send you a map in Japanese that you can share with your taxi driver for additional directions to her home.

Notes: If you have any specific dietary requirements and have not provided this information upon checkout, please contact and inform your Traveling Spoon host at least 48 hours in advance via their email or phone listed above in your voucher.

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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

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.