Private Kyoto Sushi Cooking Class & Tea Ceremony with Emika

What your day looks like

Host Bio: A Kyoto native and an avid traveler, Emika has a deep passion for food. She especially enjoys exploring the local cuisine of the regions she travels to and is eager to provide travelers with regional Kyoto cuisine in her home. Emika learned about the art of matcha from her father, a master of Sado (matcha tea ceremony) and loves to teach guests how to prepare the perfect cup of matcha green tea the traditional way. Her father may even lead the matcha demonstration when he is home. Emika's family owns an organic vegetable field where she harvests most of the vegetables that she uses in her cooking. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of daikon radishes grown on their farm! Emika specializes in sushi making that she learned from professionals in the past, and Obanzai cooking, a traditional style of Japanese cuisine native to Kyoto in which at least half of its ingredients must be produced in Kyoto. Obanzai cooking heavily relies on seasonal vegetables and seafood. Emika's food therefore includes locally sourced ingredients, whether it's miso soup from her family's homemade miso or sushi prepared from the freshest fish procured from her local fishmonger. Emika loves to meet new people and share stories of life in Japan - she looks forward to making friends with guests from all over the world! Meal Description: Meet Emika at her home for a regional culinary experience that will start or end with a freshly made cup of traditional matcha green tea prepared by Emika or her father. You will sit down together around a dining table to share a traditional Obanzai meal over fun conversation. Your Japanese meal may include dishes such as miso soup, rice, traditional Obanzai dishes, and a sweet that goes well with matcha.  Cooking Description: During your Kyoto cooking class learn how to make sushi of your choice or a traditional main along with two Obanzai style vegetable dishes. Learn to prepare classic dishes, explore seasonal ingredients, and experience the flavors of Japan in a fun and engaging environment. All skill levels welcome! Emika grows her own organic vegetables that you will use in your Japanese cooking class in Kyoto. The cooking portion of your experience may last about an hour before you enjoy the meal you prepared together. Your meal ends with a tea ceremony. Supermarket Tour Description: Please note that this is a visit to a Japanese supermarket and produce store—not a Nishiki or open-air market tour. This experience offers an authentic glimpse into local life, as your host Emika takes you to the places where she and other locals regularly shop for everyday ingredients. After enjoying your meal, you'll take a 10-minute walk with Emika to the nearby supermarket, where you'll gain insight into essential Japanese ingredients and seasonings. She’ll also be happy to help you purchase items to bring home, so you can recreate your Japanese meal later. Next, you’ll visit a produce store known for its fresh, seasonal vegetables, where you can learn more about local Japanese produce and how it’s used in everyday cooking. Please note that this private market tour takes place after your cooking class and lunch, and lasts approximately one hour.