Kyoto: Private Market Tour & Cooking Class With Local Host

Summary

Shop Kyoto’s markets then cook & eat at a local’s home kitchen

You’ll wander Kyoto’s Demachiyanagi market with a local host, pick out fresh ingredients together, then ride back to her home kitchen for hands-on cooking. Learn family recipes like Chikuzenni and miso soup before sharing a homemade meal. It’s relaxed, personal, and full of those small moments you remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down Demachiyanagi Shoutengai when Aki waved me over to a stall selling these tiny, bright-green peppers — she called them shishito, and I’d never seen them before. The market was humming, not loud exactly, but full of those soft greetings between neighbors and the clack of crates being stacked. I kept pausing to sniff things (probably too obviously), and Aki just grinned and explained what each thing was. She even let me pick out burdock root for later — it felt like being let in on some small secret.

The bus ride to her place was quick, maybe ten minutes? We squeezed in with a few school kids and an old man who nodded at us. Aki’s apartment smelled faintly of dashi the second we walked in — not strong, just that warm, savory note you get in Japanese kitchens. Her kitchen wasn’t fancy but it had this lived-in calm; sunlight on the counter, recipe cards tucked behind jars. We washed up and started chopping vegetables together while she told stories about her grandmother’s cooking back in Kyushu. I tried to say “Chikuzenni” right and totally failed — Aki laughed so hard she nearly dropped her knife.

I didn’t expect making miso soup from scratch to be so… meditative? There’s something about stirring slowly while someone tells you why each step matters. We made marinated spinach too — the sesame seeds left this nutty smell on my fingers for hours after. When we finally sat down to eat (with tea poured into mismatched cups), it felt more like visiting an old friend than taking a class. I still think about that first bite of braised chicken and vegetables — soft, sweet-salty, nothing like restaurant food.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market Tour and Cooking Class

• Explore Demachiyanagi Shoutengai market
• Bus ride to Aki's home
• Hands-on cooking class with Aki
• Enjoy the meal prepared together

Top questions

How long does the Kyoto market tour last?

The market walk with your host lasts about 45 minutes before heading to the cooking class.

Is transportation included from the market to the cooking class?

You’ll take a short public bus ride (about 10 minutes) with your host from the market to her home.

What dishes will I learn to cook during this experience?

You’ll make dishes like Chikuzenni (braised chicken & vegetables), miso soup, and seasonal vegetable sides such as marinated spinach or burdock root.

Are vegetarian options available for this Kyoto cooking class?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

Will I get recipes in English during the class?

Your host provides English recipes for all dishes prepared during your cooking class.

Is this a private experience or will there be other guests?

This is a private experience just for your group with your local host.

Does the tour include lunch or dinner?

You’ll enjoy a full homecooked Japanese meal at your host’s table after cooking together.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Please advise any allergies or dietary needs when booking so your host can adjust the menu.

What’s included

Your day includes a private guided walk through Demachiyanagi market with your local host Aki, all ingredients for your hands-on cooking class in her home kitchen, non-alcoholic drinks like tea, English-language recipes to take home, and a full homemade Japanese meal shared around her table before you head out again.