Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita worth booking?
Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita is a 2.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $235 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $235 per person
Your local host Rita will give you an exciting introduction to authentic Japanese cuisine, starting with a brief tour of a tofu shop that was established 90 years ago! She will talk you through the process of how tofu is made from soy beans and describe the variety of products that can be made from tofu (please note that you will not see the entire process of making tofu, because the manufacturing starts early in the morning). After your introduction to tofu, Rita will take you upstairs for your Japanese cooking class. You will have the opportunity to help prepare and taste the unique ingredients and seasonings that form the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Your cooking lesson with last about an hour and a half before you sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare over a fun conversation with Rita.
What you get
About this experience
Your local host Rita will give you an exciting introduction to authentic Japanese cuisine, starting with a brief tour of a tofu shop that was established 90 years ago! She will talk you through the process of how tofu is made from soy beans and describe the variety of products that can be made from tofu (please note that you will not see the entire process of making tofu, because the manufacturing starts early in the morning). After your introduction to tofu, Rita will take you upstairs for your Japanese cooking class. You will have the opportunity to help prepare and taste the unique ingredients and seasonings that form the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Your cooking lesson with last about an hour and a half before you sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare over a fun conversation with Rita.
What's included
Included
- Private tofu shop visit , cooking lesson and meal
- Gratuities
- Local beer (1-2 glasses)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Meet Rita at her tofu shop where you will have your cooking experience.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet Rita at her tofu shop where you will have your cooking experience.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Traveling Spoon
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Menu may vary depending on the season
- If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Private, personalized experience
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Personable host, serving delicious local foods with meaning behind every ingredient!
Rita was incredibly personable and kind, and all of her food was local and delicious and had an interesting explanation behind it. We also loved the market tour, where she walked us through typical Japanese home cooking ingredients and had a bevy of information about the ingredient sourcing and nutritional value. Thank you, Rita!!
via Tripadvisor
Such a fun and enriching experience. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.
We booked this at the last minute and are so grateful we invested some of our time in Kyoto in this fabulous experience. Rita is a treasure! Warm, funny, present, curious, knowledgeable, genuinely interested in connection, and a fantastic cook! A Kyoto native, her passion for Japanese cooking, culture and connecting through food was evident from start to finish. We spent 3 hours with her, beginning with touring the modest tofu shop of her friend (a 4th generation tofu maker), where we learned about the various stages of the process, the importance of various elements (like the water used) and were treated to samples of different kinds of fresh tofu, soy beans, and soy milk. Upstairs in the kitchen, Rita had a delicious and authentic meal already underway, but eased us into the cooking process with her to complete our meal together. She taught us not only about tofu, but about meal etiquette, Japanese seasonings and marinades, the aesthetic of meal presentation, and even the spiritual meanings behind some of the food customs. She also accommodated our food preferences (we’re pescatarians), which was so appreciated. We enjoyed every minute and morsel and left with a full and happy belly, printed recipes for everything we ate, gifts (including a lovely cotton kimono for our daughter - see photos), a new friend, and knowledge about the wonderful Japanese culture that is sure to enrich our experience in this fantastic country. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $235 to $285
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Traveling Spoon, who run 283 experiences we rank across 116 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.3.
See everything Traveling Spoon runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita cost?
+
Prices start at $235 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 Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita take?
+
Plan for about 2.5 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 Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita?
+
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 Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita?
+
Around 1 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?
+
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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
What is included in Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita?
+
Included: Private tofu shop visit , cooking lesson and meal; Gratuities; and Local beer (1-2 glasses). Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita?
+
Meet Rita at her tofu shop where you will have your cooking experience. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita offered in?
+
It is offered in Japanese, English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita.
Pick your date
