Meet
Emika
Born and raised in Kyoto, Emika is passionate about sharing her city’s food culture with travelers from around the world. An avid traveler herself, she loves exploring regional cuisines and now invites guests into her home to discover authentic Kyoto cooking traditions. Emika specializes in Obanzai cuisine, a seasonal and sustainable style of cooking unique to Kyoto that uses local vegetables and seafood. Many of her ingredients come directly from her family’s organic farm, where she grows a wide variety of daikon radishes and makes homemade miso. She also learned professional sushi-making techniques and enjoys teaching guests how to prepare fresh sushi with fish from her local market.
Matcha is another passion: Emika’s father is a master of Sado (the Japanese tea ceremony), and together they share how to prepare the perfect cup of matcha green tea in the traditional way. Warm and welcoming, Emika loves meeting new people and exchanging stories of life in Japan. She looks forward to introducing you to Kyoto’s culinary heritage, from farm-fresh ingredients to centuries-old traditions, and to sharing her insider recommendations on the best places to eat, shop, and explore in her hometown.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(1-4 guests)
Step into Emika’s Kyoto home for an authentic regional dining experience. Your visit begins or ends with a freshly whisked bowl of traditional matcha green tea, prepared by Emika or her father, a master of the Japanese tea ceremony. Around her family dining table, you’ll enjoy a warm and welcoming Obanzai-style meal, a Kyoto tradition that highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes may include comforting miso soup, steamed rice, a variety of classic Obanzai specialties, and a handmade sweet that pairs perfectly with matcha. As you dine, Emika will share stories of Kyoto’s food culture, creating a memorable blend of delicious flavors and meaningful conversation.
Cooking experience:
(1-4 guests)
Join Emika in her home for a private Kyoto cooking class where you’ll discover the art of Japanese home-style cuisine. Under her guidance, you can choose a main dish from sushi, gyoza or okonomiyaki. In addition to the main dish, you will also make miso soup and a side dish using seasonal vegetables (Obanzai) - a unique Kyoto culinary tradition that celebrates local, farm-fresh ingredients. Many of the vegetables come directly from Emika’s own organic garden. And finally, there will be a tea ceremony.
During your Japanese cooking class in Kyoto, you’ll learn how to prepare classic dishes step by step in a relaxed and welcoming environment, perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The hands-on cooking portion lasts about an hour before you sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you created together. Your experience concludes with a traditional matcha tea ceremony, the perfect way to end your immersion into Kyoto’s rich food culture.
Market visit:
(1-4 guests)
Please note this is a visit to a Japanese supermarket and produce store, not a Nishiki Market or open-air market tour. Instead, you’ll enjoy an authentic glimpse into everyday Kyoto life as your host, Emika, takes you to the places where locals shop for fresh ingredients. After your cooking class and meal, join Emika on a short 7-minute walk to her neighborhood supermarket. Here you’ll explore the aisles of essential Japanese ingredients and seasonings and learn how locals use them in daily cooking. Emika will happily guide you in selecting items you can bring home, so you can recreate your Japanese dishes later.
Next, you’ll visit a nearby produce store known for its seasonal vegetables, where you’ll discover more about Kyoto’s farm-fresh produce and how it shapes traditional Japanese cuisine. This private market tour in Kyoto takes place after your cooking class and lunch, and lasts approximately one hour.
Notes:
1. Note: If you choose the paid transportation option, Emika will pick you up from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, NOT from your hotel. Her home is located just a 5–10 minute drive from the station.
2. If you're a group of five, Emika is happy to host you; however, please note that her kitchen is small, so the space may feel a bit tight.
Languages spoken:
English, Japanese
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
Lovely sushi class with Emika! The food was delicious and we learned a lot.
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chelsea
March 01, 2026
Wonderful and authentic experience of okonomiyaki cooking.
Very good chat with Emika about the true Japan.
Very tasty meal eating at the end !
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alex
January 05, 2026
The sushi cooking & tea ceremony experience with Emika was a ton of fun and a great experience. Emika welcomed us into her home and taught us how to cook a couple of dishes. Because it was just us and Emika, we received her full attention. Learning how to make nigiri sushi is something we're excited to try back at home. This experience was well worth it.
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mikel
December 29, 2025
The cooking class and tea ceremony with Emika was fun and informative. We learnt to
make gyoza and various side dishes, which were delicious! It was a great experience and a
highlight of our trip :)
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Patty
December 16, 2025
Excellent experience with Emika. She was thoughtful, organized, welcoming and
entertaining. I recommend the experience. The day was topped off with a trip to Emika’s
local grocery store where she educated us on new foods.
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Jan
November 30, 2025
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