Private Market Visit, Tofu Tour and Japanese Cooking Class with a Local in Kyoto

A truly delightful local with a zest for life, Rita is a wealth of knowledge about the local culture and speaks great English. After studying in the US, she returned to Japan to become an entrepreneur and make time for her main passion: cooking and sharing her food and culture with others! Rita follows the Japanese principles of mottainai (avoiding waste) and ichiju sansai (literally "one soup three dishes" or a balanced approach to menu planning). She tries to balance her dishes with a variety of flavors that come together as one. She usually uses fresh, seasonal vegetables in her cooking to make healthy, well-balanced and nutritious dishes. Rita also delights in beautiful table settings using traditional plates and cutlery so guests can enjoy the visual and sensory experience of her food.

Rita will provide you with recipes in English for the dishes you learned to take home with you after your experience, leaving you well-prepared to recreate a satisfying, authentic, and home cooked Japanese meal for your loved ones back home!

Explore a bustling, local supermarket that sells everything you need to cook a traditional Japanese meal. Your host Rita will teach you about the local products on offer, from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to Japanese ingredients and spices. After exploring the supermarket together you will walk to a tofu shop, where you will have your cooking lesson. Rita will walk you through the process of how tofu is made from soy beans and describe the variety of products that can be made from it. 

During your hands-on cooking class, you will have the opportunity to help prepare and taste the unique ingredients and seasonings that form the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Your cooking lesson with last about an hour and a half before you sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare over a fun conversation. Your fresh and seasonal Japanese meal might include dishes such as Chirashi-sushi, miso soup, Teriyaki of fatty Buri (yellowtail) fish, and tofu dishes.

Not wheelchair accessible
Menu may vary depending on the season
If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Private, personalized experience
Please note: This is a visit to a supermarket where locals shop everyday, not a typical open market!
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate