Make Onigiri and Miso Soup in Takayama Temple

You make both dishes in the temple's kitchen, not watch a demonstration.

Make onigiri rice balls and miso soup from scratch in the kitchen of a Buddhist temple in Takayama, guided in English or Japanese. You personalize your own onigiri with various fillings, learn to prepare miso soup using locally sourced Hida miso, and spend the hour in the tranquil setting of a historic temple rather than a cooking school. Children are welcome from age 7, and the experience is entirely vegan-friendly.

The experience

The class runs one hour in the kuri, the temple's kitchen space, where you'll learn onigiri-making with fresh, seasonal ingredients and then prepare miso soup from scratch. A live guide in English or Japanese leads you through both, weaving in how Japanese people relate to food and touches of Buddhist teachings on mindfulness and gratitude. The temple setting itself is part of the experience. You're working in an authentic space, not a classroom designed for tourists.

You personalize your own onigiri plate by experimenting with different fillings and flavors, so what you make is yours to eat or take with you. The miso soup uses locally renowned Hida miso, a regional specialty. The entire experience is vegan-friendly, so dietary restrictions don't exclude you. Come hungry: you'll be making food to nourish yourself.

What’s included

• Instruction in onigiri-making and miso soup preparation.
• live guide in English or Japanese.
• use of the temple kitchen and all ingredients needed to make both dishes.
• the food you prepare.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and SundayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (20 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by 高山善光寺

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Takayama without a car. The temple kitchen is walkable via public transport, putting you in an authentic space rather than a commercial school.

Traveler reviews

4.76★★★★★★★★★★

17 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

Can I do this class if I'm vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. The entire experience is vegan-friendly, so all dietary preferences are accommodated.

What exactly do I learn to make?

You make onigiri rice balls with your choice of fillings and flavors, personalizing your own plate, and you prepare miso soup from scratch using locally sourced Hida miso. Both are hands-on. You're not watching a demonstration.

How do I get to the temple if I don't have a car?

Public transportation options are available nearby the temple, so you can reach it without a rental vehicle or private transfer.