Kyoto Umami Experience | Bonito Shaving & Japanese Cooking

4.9 (12 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
Duration1h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English, Chinese
Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Overview

Learn about umami and why dashi is the soul of Japanese cooking
Shave traditional dried bonito flakes — a rare experience even for Japanese
Compare four varieties of dashi to understand how delicate flavor is built
Make your own miso soup and onigiri, alongside three seasonal side dishes
Step into the birthplace of Taichiro Kobayashi — a philosopher and art historian

Options

Dashi & Umami + Calligraphy (+30 min)

Calligraphy (+30 min)

Umami 75 min

What's included

  • Tea and water
  • Four dashi tastings
  • All ingredients and cooking equipment
  • Bonito shaving experience
  • English-speaking instructor
  • Miso soup and onigiri making
  • Three seasonal Japanese side dishes
  • Transportation
  • Additional food or beverages not specified

What to expect

In a quiet historic Kyoto neighborhood, discover the flavors at the heart of Japanese cooking and how simple ingredients and time-honored techniques create its delicate, satisfying taste.

【Learn About Umami】
Begin with an introduction to umami, Japan's fifth taste, and learn why dashi is the foundation of countless Japanese dishes.
【Bonito Shaving & Dashi Tasting】
Shave dried bonito yourself, a rare experience outside Japan. Then taste and compare four kinds of dashi to discover how their flavors and aromas differ.
【Make Your Own Japanese Meal】
Prepare your own miso soup and onigiri using techniques you can recreate at home, and enjoy them with three seasonal side dishes made with dashi.
【A Philosopher's Table】
JURAKU sits in Nishijin, where philosopher and art historian Taichiro Kobayashi (1901–1963), known as "the Burckhardt of the East," was born and raised. His days began at a table much like this one, nourished by the umami-rich flavors of everyday Kyoto cooking. Enjoy your meal in that same spirit, away from Kyoto's busiest streets.
【Personalized Journey】
Enhance your visit with an optional cultural experience.*
*Options vary by season. Please check our website for updates.

  1. Kyoto

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Kyoto City Bus #203, 59 201, 5-minute walk from Imadegawa Jofukuji.
19-minute walk from Exit 4 of Imadegawa Station (Subway Karasuma Line).
Located next to Honryu-ji Temple, direclty across From Tori Iwarou, a well-known restaurant famous for its chicken and egg rice bowl.

End point

Kyoto City Bus #203, 59 201, 5-minute walk from Imadegawa Jofukuji.
19-minute walk from Exit 4 of Imadegawa Station (Subway Karasuma Line).
Located next to Honryu-ji Temple, direclty across From Tori Iwarou, a well-known restaurant famous for its chicken and egg rice bowl.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.9 (12)
From
7,700.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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From
7,700.00 JPY per person
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