Uncover the secrets of traditional Japanese cuisine in an intimate culinary experience with local chef Masayo. In her charming Kyoto cafe, you’ll don an apron and dive into hands-on preparation of a multi-course feast, mastering authentic recipes and techniques. But this class goes beyond just cooking – it offers a rare chance to learn about Kansai’s rich cultural heritage, from savoring a private lunch in a tranquil tatami mat room to exploring Masayo’s own home. Get ready to discover the delicate flavors and time-honored traditions that define this captivating regional cuisine.
Key Points

- Participants learn authentic Japanese recipes and cooking techniques from Masayo, a local chef, during an immersive culinary experience.
- The cooking class takes place in Masayo’s charming Kyoto home, providing a rare opportunity to connect with Japanese domestic life.
- Guests enjoy a private multi-course Japanese feast in a traditional tatami mat room, savoring exquisite flavors and artful presentation.
- The experience delves into the historical significance and regional nuances of the dishes, offering a profound appreciation of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Beyond just learning recipes, the class provides an immersive cultural exploration, allowing participants to gain insights into the rituals and values that shape the Japanese lifestyle.
Overview of the Experience
This traditional Japanese cooking class with local chef Masayo offers an immersive culinary and cultural experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit Masayo’s cozy cafe, learn authentic recipes and techniques, and enjoy a private lunch in a tranquil tatami mat room.
The class provides an intimate look into traditional Japanese cuisine, with Masayo sharing her expertise and passion for the unique flavors and traditions of the Kansai region.
The experience culminates in a delicious Japanese feast, allowing guests to savor the fruits of their culinary labors in a serene and authentic setting.
This is a must-do for anyone seeking a truly authentic taste of Kyoto.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Kyoto
Cooking Class With Local Chef

The cooking class with local chef Masayo immerses participants in the art of traditional Japanese cuisine, allowing them to learn authentic recipes and techniques from an expert of the Kansai region.
Masayo, an acclaimed chef, guides students through the preparation of a multi-course Japanese feast, sharing the history and cultural significance of each dish.
From delicate sushi rolls to hearty miso-based soups, attendees gain hands-on experience in the nuanced flavors and precise methods that define Japanese culinary mastery.
Throughout the class, Masayo encourages participants to engage with the ingredients, techniques, and traditions, fostering a deep appreciation for the culinary heritage of Japan.
Immersive Culinary and Cultural Exploration

Beyond just learning recipes, the cooking class with Masayo offers participants an immersive experience in Japanese culinary and cultural traditions.
Guided by Masayo’s expertise, guests not only master the preparations of beloved dishes but also explore the historical significance and regional nuances that define Kansai cuisine.
The private lunch experience in a traditional tatami mat room further immerses visitors in the graceful aesthetics and intimate ambiance of Japanese hospitality.
Guests will also have the rare opportunity to visit Masayo’s home, offering a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of a local Kansai native.
Through this holistic exploration, the class elevates the culinary journey into a profound appreciation for the richness of Japanese culture.
Lunch in a Traditional Setting

Guests will savor a Japanese feast in a traditional tatami mat room, seeing the graceful aesthetics and intimate ambiance of Kansai hospitality.
Masayo, the local chef, will serve a sumptuous multi-course meal, showcasing the exquisite flavors and artful presentation that define authentic Japanese cuisine.
Diners will sit on the floor, surrounded by the warm, natural tones of the tatami mats and the refined design elements that characterize a traditional Japanese home.
This private lunch experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a bespoke culinary journey while gaining insights into the cultural traditions that shape the Kansai region’s gastronomic heritage.
Visiting a Kansai Native’s Home

Masayo, the local chef, warmly welcomes guests into her cozy Kyoto home, where they’ll enjoy a rare glimpse into the daily life and traditions of a Kansai native.
After the cooking lesson, visitors are invited to explore Masayo’s charming abode, a traditional Japanese house with tatami mats and paper doors.
They’ll have the opportunity to observe Masayo as she goes about her routine, providing insights into the rituals and values that shape the lifestyle of a Kansai local.
This intimate experience allows guests to connect with the culture on a deeper level, fostering a greater appreciation for the nuances of Japanese domestic life.
Want to bring Kyoto's flavors home? More hands-on cooking experiences we cover
Savoring a Japanese Feast

After the cooking lesson, visitors are invited to savor a Japanese feast in Masayo’s cozy tatami mat room, where they can fully enjoy the flavors and traditions of Kansai cuisine.
The meal showcases an array of seasonal dishes, each one meticulously prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Guests might start with a delicate miso soup, followed by grilled fish, tender beef, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables.
The experience is a true delight for the senses, as diners savor the intricate flavors and admire the elegant presentation of each course. Throughout the meal, Masayo shares insights into the cultural significance and preparation methods of the dishes, creating a truly immersive culinary journey.
Meeting and Pickup Logistics

The meeting point for the traditional Japanese cooking class is Cafe Loto Kyoto, located at 367 Motomachi in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. From there, the experience concludes with a return to the same meeting point. The class starts at 12:30 pm, giving participants ample time to arrive and get situated before the culinary adventure begins.
| Meeting Point | Pickup Location | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe Loto Kyoto | Returns to Cafe Loto Kyoto | Start time: 12:30 pm |
| 367 Motomachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto | — | — |
| — | — | — |
Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. The experience is not wheelchair accessible, but stroller access and service animals are allowed.
Additional Information and Cancellation Policy

Though the menu may vary depending on the season, the private, personalized experience allows participants to enjoy a Japanese feast in a traditional tatami mat room.
The cooking class and immersive Japanese culinary and cultural experience are confirmed within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Plus, the class isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller access and service animals are allowed, and it’s located near public transportation.
The cancellation policy is straightforward – guests can receive a full refund if they cancel 24 hours in advance.
This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all who participate in this traditional Japanese cooking class with the local chef, Masayo, in her Kyoto cafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Experience?
The experience has a small, intimate group size. According to the details provided, it’s a private, personalized experience, allowing participants to enjoy a customized Japanese culinary journey with the local chef in a relaxed setting.
Is the Cooking Class Hands-On or Demonstration-Style?
The cooking class is a hands-on experience, allowing participants to actively prepare traditional Japanese dishes alongside the local chef. It’s an immersive culinary adventure where guests get to learn and cook the authentic flavors of Japan.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?
Yes, dietary restrictions can be accommodated. The chef is happy to modify the menu to suit any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, as long as guests provide the information in advance.
Is There an Option to Extend the Experience Duration?
Yes, the duration of the experience can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can inquire about extending the class or adding a cooking demonstration or cultural activity to their package when booking.
What Is the Level of English Proficiency of the Local Chef?
The local chef, Masayo, has a strong grasp of the English language, allowing her to comfortably guide participants through the traditional Japanese cooking class and provide an immersive cultural experience for English-speaking guests.
Recap
This immersive cooking class with Chef Masayo offers a rare glimpse into the rich culinary and cultural traditions of Kyoto.
Guests won’t only learn authentic recipes and techniques but also savor a multi-course feast in a tranquil tatami mat room and visit Masayo’s charming home, providing a profound appreciation for the Kansai region’s captivating gastronomic heritage.
More Workshops & Classes in Kyoto
More Cooking Classes in Kyoto
- Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto With a Local, Midori
- Arashiyama Veggie Kitchen: Hands-On Tempura & Riceboll Cooking
- Kyoto Local Rice Bowl Cooking Class With Vegan/Vegetarian Option
- [Japan Wellness] White Miso Cooking Class and Lunch in Kyoto
- Kyoto: Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class
- Japanese Cooking Experience: Dashimaki, Yakitori & Onigiri
More Tour Reviews in Kyoto
- The Art of Geisha: Exclusive Show & Traditional Japanese Game
- Tea Ceremony With Kimono and Professional Photoshoot in Kyoto
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hidden Hiking Tour
- Kyoto Early Morning Walking Tour: Nature & History
- Small-Group Dinner Experience in Kyoto With Maiko and Geisha
- Private Kyoto Night Tour: Historic Walk at Gion and Fushimi
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Kyoto we have recnetly reviewed
- 5 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Kyoto
- 14 Best Dining Experiences In Kyoto
- 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Kyoto
- 5 Best 2 Day Tours In Kyoto
- 2 Best 4 Day Tours In Kyoto
- 20 Best Photography Experiences In Kyoto
- 13 Best Dinner Tours In Kyoto
- 25 Best Food Tours In Kyoto
- 14 Best Lunch Experiences In Kyoto
- Kyoto Bus Tour: Iconic KInkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu Temple (AW)
- Kyoto Bus Tour: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji Review
- Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings
