Kyoto · WORKSHOPS

15 Workshops & Classes in Kyoto Worth Booking

35 tours  ·  from $16

The 15 best workshops & classes you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Watching the tea master prepare matcha
Kyoto Tea Ceremonies, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

1.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22Our pick

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master shows you the full thin-tea ritual, then guides you in making matcha. You will taste two green teas and Japanese sweets in 45 minutes, with private, public, candlelight, and kimono options.

“I did this with my mum and I and we rented Kimonos. We loved this part. They host put them on for us and she was soooo friendly and very knowledgeable. We had two different types of green tea and she explained all the history behind tea ceremonies and how to drink it properly. I loved her tea house and it was super easy to get to and find. Highly recommend.”

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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto - Starting at Ramen Factory Kyoto
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Ramen Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

2.Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,937 reviews · from $131Top rated

At Ramen Factory Kyoto, you make noodles, season broth, prepare toppings, and eat your finished bowl. Instructors such as Mahiro, Moeka, Haruka, and Fuku may lead the class, with vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options available by request.

“This is a fun activity! We did it with our family and even the kids had a good time. Fun memories for us all.”

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Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option - Choosing wood by color, grain, and feel
Gion District Tours, Kyoto Craft Workshops, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

3.Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion with Engraving Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 958 reviews · from $15Best value

At ZEN Chopsticks Making Workshop in Gion, you choose Japanese wood, shape two chopsticks with a traditional kanna hand plane, sand and oil them, then add optional engraving. English-speaking staff guide beginners through the one-hour process, with two wood types included and premium options available.

“The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Making my own chopsticks was a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture, and it also turned out to be a perfect souvenir to bring Read more”

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Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts - Entering the dojo at Samurai Kembu Theater
Kyoto Samurai Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts

4.Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 657 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $64

At Samurai Kembu Theater in Kyoto, an English-speaking instructor such as Kazu, Hoga, or Kashin guides you through samurai etiquette, sword drawing, basic strikes, and stylized Kenbu movements. You will wear traditional clothing, take photos, watch a 10 or 30-minute performance, and receive a completion certificate.

“It was informative and fun to train with swords and costumes! We learned a lot in watching the videos and the show and the costumes were awesome. We got to keep the scarf and socks which my son loved. We had enough time for pics and videos. They teach you a few fighting techniques and then you rehearse with them. Very fun! Highly recommend.”

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Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir - Finding the basement near Demachiyanagi
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Ramen Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir

5.Ramen Cooking Class at a Ramen Factory with Souvenir

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 532 reviews · 1h 30m · from $127

At Ramen Factory Kyoto, near Demachiyanagi Station, English-speaking instructors such as Sakura, Fuku, Moeka, and Akemi guide you through noodles, chicken, broth, toppings, and sauces. You’ll eat your finished bowl, choose a souvenir, and receive the recipe to recreate it at home.

“A very unique experience with a great guide and tasty ramen at the end!”

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Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry - Starting with ninja breathing, meditation, and walking
1-Hour Experiences, Kyoto Ninja Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry

6.Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 489 reviews · from $80

Spend one hour at Kyoto’s NINJA DOJO and STORE learning ninja breathing, walking, meditation, trap-house tricks, sword work, kunai, shuriken, and blowgun skills. English-speaking instructors such as Sho or Jack lead the small class, with ninja clothing provided and no more than six people per session.

“Our private ninja class was truly one of the highlights of our entire trip. It felt genuinely authentic and refreshingly non-touristy—immersive, thoughtful, and clearly rooted in real history and tradition rather than gimmicks. The experience was Read more”

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Kyoto: Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class - Onigiri Gives the Meal a Simple Finish
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Ramen Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class

7.Ramen, Gyoza, and Onigiri Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 445 reviews · 1h 30m · from $90

Cook two ramen broths, pan-fried gyoza, and shaped onigiri in a small Kyoto class led by English-speaking instructors such as Nori, Kairi, and Aoi. Ingredients are prepped for steady progress, recipes are provided, and you eat the full meal you make.

“the team were so w arm and friendly, the food was delicious and it was a small group, we loved it”

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The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto - The first lesson: seasoning rice correctly
Kyoto Sushi Making Classes, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto

8.The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 436 reviews · from $69

At Atelier SUSHI near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, Kana leads an English-language, 90-minute class for no more than eight people. You season sushi rice, shape nigiri, roll maki, and eat your work in a restored Kyoto townhouse. Aprons, gloves, tea, recipes, and take-home sushi tools are included.

“Small class , very good sushi …. & easy. The host Kana is super knowledgeable, speaks good English & very nice”

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Kyoto: Japanese Washoku Bento Small Group Cooking Class - Meeting near Saiin Station at Kyoto Laundry Cafe
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: Japanese Washoku Bento Small Group Cooking Class

9.Japanese Washoku Bento Small Group Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 380 reviews · 2h 30m · from $58

Meet chef Ai, Rie, or Miyu near Saiin Station and learn to prepare four bento dishes in a group of no more than five. You’ll make sushi rolls, tempura, tofu salad, dashimaki tamago, and dashi, then sit down to eat your meal together.

“We had great fun learning how to cook & prepare some Japanese food. Our chef and instructor was amazing ! Highly recommend this experience.”

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Kyoto Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional Chefs - Ramen made from flour, not just ordered from a menu
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Ramen Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional Chefs

10.Kyoto Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional Chefs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 282 reviews · from $86

In central Kyoto, you’ll knead and cut ramen noodles, fold gyoza, cook fried rice, and sit down to a full meal with two drinks. A professional chef leads the cooking while hosts such as Yuki or Ayuri translate and explain Japanese food culture. Recipes let you repeat the dishes at home.

“Yuki and the chef were very helpful. Their prep was perfect for us to prepare and cook our food. It was a cozy and well located kitchen. Highly recommended.”

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Kyoto: Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class - Arriving at Cooking Sun in Shimogyo Ward
Cooking Classes, Drinking Tours, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

11.Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 241 reviews · 3 hours · from $67

Spend three hours at Cooking Sun in central Kyoto learning everyday izakaya dishes with English-speaking instructors such as Yumi and Yumiko. You cook in two rounds, eat what you make, practice basic Japanese techniques, and take recipes home for another try.

“We had so much fun and learned a lot about Japanese cuisine. The dishes were delicious! The host were so patient and positive. I highly recommend this activity.”

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Izakaya Style Cooking Class - Learning dashi and Japanese seasoning
Cooking Classes, Drinking Tours, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Izakaya Style Cooking Class

12.Izakaya Style Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $71

Join an English-speaking chef at Cooking Sun Kyoto for a three-hour, hands-on izakaya class. You’ll learn dashi, Japanese seasoning, and several casual dishes, then eat what you prepare. The menu changes with the season, and recipes go home with you.

“This experience far exceeded our expectations! The food was delicious, and we were taught how to make 6 different and unique dishes. The staff was on point and would clean or deliver ingredients without us realizing it. We had a lot of fun! I would do another class next time I visit Japan.”

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Ninja 2-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Medium - Kuji-In meditation and the first ninja techniques
2-Hour Experiences, Kyoto Ninja Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Ninja 2-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Medium

13.Ninja 2-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Medium

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $95

At NINJA DOJO and STORE KYOTO, an English-speaking Japanese sensei guides you through ninja meditation, breathing, walking, sword handling, shuriken, kunai, rope techniques, and blow darts. You wear rented ninja clothing, train in a group of up to six, and return home with photos and memories of a very unusual Kyoto morning.

“So much fun! My wife was working so I decided to try this experience off Viator and was not disappointed! Learned everything from various ninja hand signs for meditation (kuji-kiri), how to walk like a ninja, using various weapons such as the ninja swords, sickle with chain, and then of course got to throw ninja stars and shoot blow darts! The instructors were highly knowledgeable and showed things in a way anyone could understand. They also took photos throughout and sent via email afterwards! Absolute blast of a way to spend 2 hours and recommend to anyone who wants a nice little side adventure when staying in or around Kyoto!”

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Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings - Arriving near Karasuma Oike Station
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings

14.Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $118

In a Kyoto townhouse, English-speaking instructors such as Hama, Maya, Ryo, and Yo guide you through choosing a filling, making wrappers, folding 10 to 12 gyoza, and cooking them. You can also wear Samurai armor for photos. The class lasts about 90 minutes, sometimes closer to two hours.

“We had a great time learning how to make Japanese-style gyoza in the "Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings" and highly recommend the class if you're interested! Our instructor, Hama, was easy and fun to leaRead more”

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Bento Box Cooking Class - Inside Cooking Sun Kyoto at 9:30 am
Cooking Classes, Kyoto Cooking Classes, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Bento Box Cooking Class

15.Bento Box Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 171 reviews · from $71

At Cooking Sun Kyoto, you’ll learn the story and craft of bento, then make miso soup, tempura, egg rolls, sushi, and other seasonal dishes with an English-speaking instructor. You’ll eat your handmade lunch and take the recipes home. The class begins at 9:30 am and lasts about three hours.

“The food tasted very good The instructors explained everything clearly Very enjoyable making everything”

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Explore Kyoto

Pick a lane, a temple or a tea room.

The lanes

GionHigashiyamaWalking ToursNight WalksRickshaw Rides

Temples and shrines

Fushimi InariKiyomizu-deraKinkaku-jiNijo CastleZen Sitting

Tea and food

Tea CeremoniesMatchaNishiki MarketCooking ClassesSake Tastings

Out of town

NaraOsakaUjiSagano RailwayPrivate Car Days