Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host worth booking?
Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host is a 2.3-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $69 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- $69 per person
You can have an Kyoto specific culinary experience in this class. Japan has a long history of vegan cuisine which developed at Buddhist temples. Since killing animals is strictly prohibited in Buddhism, so all the dishe
What you get
About this experience
You can have an Kyoto specific culinary experience in this class. Japan has a long history of vegan cuisine which developed at Buddhist temples. Since killing animals is strictly prohibited in Buddhism, so all the dishes generally don’t contain any animal products such as meat and fish. It's very healthy and well-balanced cuisine featuring seasonal vegetables, soybeans(tofu), grains, seaweed or many fermented foods. We make a variety of dishes inspired by classic Buddhist cooking with modern twists. These delicious dishes make the most of the original taste of local ingredients. It's not difficult to cook at all but you will find the delicacy of Japanese cuisine in every detail of the dish. I'm sure you can enjoy Japanese authentic cooking which you are not be able to taste in the restaurant.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
Not included
- Private transportation
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
If my address doesn’t appear on Google Maps, please search for Giomon, a soba restaurant. My apartment “Fairmont bldg“ is on the corner just north of the soba restaurant.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If my address doesn’t appear on Google Maps, please search for Giomon, a soba restaurant. My apartment “Fairmont bldg“ is on the corner just north of the soba restaurant.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Yukari’s Japanese Home Cooking
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A nice course with a nice host
The host is very sweet, and the course is well-organised. I had a bit of prior experience with japanese cooking and found the course helpful, and it should also work well for people with no prior experience.
Response from the operator: Clemens, thank you for joining my cooking class. I enjoyed your company and was happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience. Try to recreate the Shojin ryori at home! Yuka
via Viator
Worthy experience
We were welcomed in Yukari’s home and learned about Buddist cooking. We had ample opportunity to be hands on and the result was delicious. We have the recipes and we hope to try them successfully at home. Thank you Yukari!
Response from the operator: Suzan, Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the hands-on experience and the dishes we made together. I also truly enjoyed cooking with just the two of you—it was such a warm and lovely time. I hope you’ll have fun recreating the recipes at home! Yukari
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional Class
Yukari-san’s cooking class was brilliant. First she introduced us to the origin and importance shōjin ryōri (temple cuisine), then she kindly explained all the dishes we made. The dishes were fairly easy to make with her clear instructions and they were incredibly delicious. As the activity took place in her home, we were joined only by two more guests, so it had a very cozy vibe - not to mention the great hospitality of Yukari-san, and her great recommendations both for Kyoto and Osaka. Pretty much the best cooking class I have ever attended. ありがとうございました。
Response from the operator: Barbara, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m really glad you enjoyed the cooking, the cozy atmosphere, and learning about shōjin ryōri. It means a lot to me that you had such a great experience. It was a pleasure having you—ありがとうございます！また会えるのを楽しみにしています！ Yuka
via Viator
What an experience❣️
I had such a wonderful experience this morning at a vegan Buddhist cooking class in Kyoto! Our instructor, Yukari, spoke very clear English and made everything easy to follow from start to finish. Before we began, she carefully introduced all the ingredients and explained the philosophy behind Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine), which made the experience even more meaningful. What I loved most was how hands-on the class was—we were involved in every step, from chopping and marinating to pan-frying and even plating the dishes beautifully. In total, we learned how to make 7 different dishes, and every single one was absolutely delicious. Yukari created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and her passion really showed throughout the class. I would honestly give her more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Response from the operator: Madhu, Thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful review! I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed not only the cooking, but also learning about the philosophy behind Shojin Ryori. It means a lot to me that you appreciated the hands-on experience and every step of the process. I always hope my guests can fully experience both the cooking and the spirit behind it. It was such a pleasure having you, and I’m very grateful for your kind words. I would love to welcome you again anytime! Yuka
via Viator
Great hidden gem of Kyoto
She was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was great. Had a great time exploring the consecpt of sojin ryori. She is definitely a hidden gem in Kyoto and would highly recommend take a class with her.
Response from the operator: Bryan, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring the concept of Shojin Ryori and had a great time. It was a pleasure having you, and I truly appreciate your recommendation. Yuka
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $10800
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host cost?
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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host take?
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Plan for about 2.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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