Kyoto: Bento Box Cooking Class with Lunch & Chef Guide

Summary

Kyoto food culture hands-on make your own bento box lunch

You’ll step into a Kyoto kitchen and learn to cook classic bento dishes like tempura and sushi rolls with help from a local chef. Feel textures, taste fresh miso soup, hear stories behind each dish, then share your homemade lunch with new friends. It’s casual, hands-on, and leaves you with memories (and recipes) you’ll want to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

We walked into the kitchen in central Kyoto and I could already smell something toasty — maybe sesame oil? Our instructor, Yuki, greeted us with this quick bow and a laugh when my friend tried to say “itadakimasu” (I think she appreciated the effort). Aprons on, we crowded around the little prep tables. The menu was written on a chalkboard: gomaae salad, miso soup, teriyaki chicken, tempura, sushi rolls. I’d eaten bento before but never thought about how much care goes into each piece.

Yuki showed us how to roll sushi and shape rice — her hands moved so fast it was almost hypnotic. My tempura came out kind of lumpy but she just smiled and said “home style is best.” There was this moment when I tasted the miso soup straight from the pot and it was so simple but somehow deeper than any I’d had at home. The kitchen filled up with the sound of oil popping and people chatting in English and Japanese. It felt relaxed — not like a cooking show or anything fancy.

I didn’t expect to learn about why every part of the bento has its own spot in the box (apparently it’s about balance and color as much as taste). When we finally sat down together to eat what we’d made, there was this quiet pause — everyone just looking at their boxes for a second before digging in. I still think about that moment sometimes, honestly. The whole thing took about three hours but it felt like less. If you’re curious about Japanese food or just want a break from temples for an afternoon, this bento box cooking class is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bento Box Cooking Class in Kyoto

• Attend morning bento cooking class
• Learn about Japanese bento culture
• Watch master chefs demonstrate dishes
• Cook bento dishes yourself
• Enjoy the bento lunch you made

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto bento box cooking class last?

The class lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours total.

Is lunch included in the bento box cooking class?

Yes, you eat the bento lunch you prepare during the class.

What dishes do you make in this Kyoto cooking class?

You’ll make gomaae sesame salad, miso soup, teriyaki chicken, tempura, and sushi rolls.

Are there English-speaking instructors at the class?

Yes, an English-speaking cooking instructor guides the class.

Is this Kyoto cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly too.

Can infants or small children join the bento box class?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Do I need to bring my own ingredients or apron?

No need — all ingredients and aprons are provided for you.

Where is the bento box cooking class held in Kyoto?

The class takes place in central Kyoto with easy public transport access nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for cooking five classic Japanese dishes plus use of an apron during your lesson; an English-speaking chef guides you through every step; after preparing your meal together you’ll sit down for a full bento lunch before heading out again into Kyoto’s streets.