What is the must-do activity in Japan?
One of the main reasons foreign tourists visit Japan is to enjoy Japanese food — but it’s so much more than sushi and ramen. Kyoto offers everything from traditional Kyo-ryori to everyday home cooking like Obanzai. Why not cook it yourself instead of just eating it, and experience the joy and flavor firsthand? If you’re visiting Kyoto, join a cooking class loved by locals and tourists alike.
Step Into a Real Japanese Kitchen
Yukari welcomes guests from all over the world into her own home kitchen. it’s not a large space — but that’s exactly the point.
Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 6 guests, making it ideal for couples, families, and small groups.
In this relaxed, home-like setting, you’ll learn everyday cooking, pick up traditional techniques, and deepen your understanding of authentic Japanese food.
Ever Popular Combo, Two Dishes in One
Sushi & Okonomiyaki
Sushi is Japan’s most iconic dish, but this class isn’t about maki rolls or nigiri. Instead,
you’ll learn the kind of sushi Japanese families actually make at home — so there’s no need for hard-to-find fresh fish.
Paired with okonomiyaki, a beloved local street food, this is one of our most popular sessions.
Discover Traditional Japanese Vegan Cooking,
Shojin Ryori
Shojin-ryori is Japan’s traditional Buddhist cuisine, made without meat,
fish, or strongly scented ingredients.
This class is a great way to explore unique Japanese ingredients and
seasonings you won’t find anywhere else. It is a must-try cooking class for
modern Vegans and vegetarians.
Even Non-Vegans Loved It
Plant-Based Ramen & Gyoza
Ramen is nearly as popular as sushi, and in Japan it’s often served alongside gyoza.
Both usually contain meat. But how do you make rich, satisfying ramen and
gyoza without any animal products?
Come find out — the techniques and ingredients might surprise you.
My Story
After graduating from university, I began my career as a flight attendant, living in Hong Kong while traveling the world.
Visiting so many countries gave me the wonderful opportunity to taste cuisines from all over the globe.
After returning to Japan, I changed careers to work in advertising, then went independent as a freelance writer. Becoming a magazine writer had always been one of my dreams, and I gradually expanded my work in the food field, where my passion lay. After returning to Japan, I changed careers to work in advertising, then went independent as a freelance writer. Becoming a magazine writer had always been one of my dreams, and I gradually expanded my work in the food field, where my passion lay.
Kyoto is a city of culinary excellence with a long history and rich culture — home to more than 100 Michelin-starred restaurants. I visited countless restaurants and producers, learning a great deal from each of them.
Drawing on these experiences, I opened a cooking class for international visitors in 2019. Since then, more than 1,500 participants have learned Japanese cooking in my kitchen.
Sharing Japan’s Unique Plant-Based
Cuisine with the World
Japan has a long tradition of shojin ryori — Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that uses no animal products. It’s likely no coincidence that this is one reason Japan became the world’s longest-living nation. Yet as diets have become more westernized, many Japanese people are gradually forgetting the value of their own traditional vegetarian cooking.
Meanwhile, in Europe and the US, more and more young people are turning to plant-based eating for ethical reasons. If anything, it was my guests from abroad who inspired me to rediscover the true value of Japanese shojin cuisine and the growing need for plant-based cooking.
In my shojin ryori class, I explain the philosophy, spirituality, and culinary wisdom behind this tradition in an easy-to-understand way. I’m also passionate about developing umami-rich recipes, so that people around the world — regardless of religion or dietary custom — can enjoy delicious, plant-based Japanese food with complete peace of mind.
Let's Cook Together!
Hi, I’m Yukari living in Kyoto Japan. I’ve been offering Japanese cooking classes in my private kitchen for international travelers since 2019. Cooking is a great way to communicate with each other across the world and I believe that cooking and a meal in an everyday Japanese home can become an unforgettable memory of your trip!
Classes
All the classes can be booked through Airbnb or airKitchen. If you’d prefer to book directly, would like to request a custom menu or are interested in a class for a large group, please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form with your preferred date, number of participants, menu, and email address. You can make your payment with PayPal.
Popular Authentic Menu
For Vegan
All the classes can be booked through Airbnb or airKitchen. About private lesson or online cooking, please contact us via inquiry form below. You can make your payment with PayPal.
Tidbits
Cooking class is not only learning how to cook, but also the place for cross culture exchange. Here are some tips and tidbits about Japanese cookware and tableware.
Access
Yukari’s Cooking Class is located in Sakyo-ku, close to Kyoto University of the Arts.
Contact
Please use the form for any inquiries or comments, thank you!