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VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Emika

Kyoto, Japan

USD
$115-$125 per person

Kyoto Sushi Class with Calligraphy or Origami

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food Tour

Meet Emika

Born and raised in Kyoto, Emika loves sharing her hometown’s food and cultural traditions with travelers. In her Kyoto home, she teaches sushi-making and authentic Japanese cooking, including Obanzai, Kyoto’s seasonal style of home cooking featuring local vegetables and seafood. Many ingredients come from her family’s organic farm, where she grows vegetables and makes homemade miso. Trained in professional sushi-making, Emika teaches guests how to prepare fresh sushi using fish from her local market. Guests can also experience Japanese culture through a hands-on calligraphy or origami workshop. Matcha is another family tradition: Emika’s father is a master of Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony, and she shares the traditional art of preparing matcha. Through cooking, Japanese arts, and conversation, Emika offers a personal introduction to Kyoto’s food, culture, and everyday life.

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.

Cooking experience: (1-4 guests) Join Emika in her Kyoto home for a private sushi-making class and Japanese cultural workshop. Learn to make fresh sushi, enjoy the meal you prepare, and then choose between a hands-on calligraphy or origami workshop. You’ll also enjoy traditional matcha for a memorable introduction to Japanese food and culture. During your hands-on sushi class, Emika will guide you step by step through preparing fresh sushi using fish from her local market. You’ll also make miso soup and a seasonal vegetable side dish using fresh, local ingredients, many from her family’s organic garden. After cooking, sit down together to enjoy the Japanese meal you’ve prepared, accompanied by local beer or sake, included in your experience. Complete your experience with a 30–40 minute calligraphy or origami workshop. Choose calligraphy to learn basic brush techniques and write a favorite kanji, Japanese word or your name in kanji on a traditional shikishi board to take home. Or choose origami and learn simple Japanese paper-folding techniques to create a decorative paper box and, time permitting, other designs. Calligraphy will be provided by default if no preference is selected. This private Kyoto sushi-making and cultural experience is family-friendly and especially fun for children, making it a great activity for families looking for things to do with kids in Kyoto. Kids can learn to make sushi alongside the adults or enjoy calligraphy or origami while the adults cook. No previous cooking, calligraphy or origami experience is required, making it an engaging and accessible way for travelers of all ages to experience Japanese food and culture in a local Kyoto home.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Sushi – choice of nigiri (hand-pressed sushi topped with fresh fish) or oshizushi (Kyoto-style pressed sushi)
  • Miso soup
  • Seasonal Kyoto-style vegetable side dish (Obanzai)
  • Traditional Japanese sweet
  • Traditional matcha green tea

Traveler reviews

4.91 (67)
My family had an unforgettable time making sushi with Emika in her home. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that we'd highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto. A perfect way to end a day of exploration!
- ted August 27, 2026
A delicious experience. I opted for the class with Emika because I was looking for an experience closer to the local daily life in the city than a class in a local restaurant. I believe I made the right choice! The experience is like visiting "a family friend" or someone like that, a person who introduces you to the city, its customs, while preparing and sharing a meal with you. Having traveled alone for days and having just arrived in Kyoto, it was exactly the encounter I needed. Yes, it's a high price by Brazilian standards, but it's not a tourist product, but rather the service of someone who opens their home to receive you with care, cordiality, and respect.
- milena June 09, 2026
Emika invited us into her home for a wonderful sushi and miso soup making lunch and then walked us to a local grocery store and helped us buy all the ingredients to make it ourselves. She even taught us all about a tea ceremony as her grandfather used to be a tea master. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this tour.
- yong April 19, 2026
We had an amazing time with Emika! She not only was charming, but we enjoyed being in her home and learning from her. We were especially impressed that most of the vegetables came from her garden. Emika was waiting for us exactly where she had stated she would be, which was comforting. She was open to our many questions, sharing information about Kyoto, her family and food. The evening was just so enjoyable. We have shared this experience with our staff and encouraged them to offer a Traveling Spoon experience to their clients. We look forward to the next time we get to enjoy a meal via Traveling Spoon!
- Kathleen, Signature Travel Network Advisor April 15, 2026
I had the pleasure of taking this cooking class on my first day in Kyoto, and it turned out to be one of the most special and memorable experiences of my trip. What truly makes this experience unique is that it is a completely private class, held in Emika’s own home. Emika is a local who was born and raised in Kyoto, and you can really feel that authenticity throughout the entire experience. The setting creates such an intimate and personal atmosphere, allowing you to learn at your own pace and feel completely comfortable from the very beginning. Emika carefully explains and demonstrates every step of the process, from the raw ingredients all the way to preparing the meals. Beyond the cooking itself, she also shares wonderful tips and cultural insights that you wouldn’t normally come across. From how to properly prepare and drink matcha, to the correct and respectful way to use chopsticks (which we were surprised to learn we had been doing incorrectly for almost two and a half weeks in Japan!) - these little details made the experience even more meaningful. She also took the time to give us excellent restaurant recommendations, many of which we immediately added to our list to try. It was clear she genuinely cared about our experience in Kyoto beyond the class itself. And of course - the food itself was absolutely amazing. Everything we made was delicious, and it was incredibly satisfying to enjoy a meal we had prepared from scratch. We also left with plenty of photos of ingredients and products we plan to buy and take home with us before leaving Japan. This is so much more than just a cooking class - it’s a cultural, personal, and truly authentic Kyoto experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
- yuval April 14, 2026
Read More

Emika

$115-$125 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $125 $115 Not offered
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $125 $115 Not offered
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:30am-3:30pm 5:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Emika

Born and raised in Kyoto, Emika loves sharing her hometown’s food and cultural traditions with travelers. In her Kyoto home, she teaches sushi-making and authentic Japanese cooking, including Obanzai, Kyoto’s seasonal style of home cooking featuring local vegetables and seafood. Many ingredients come from her family’s organic farm, where she grows vegetables and makes homemade miso. Trained in professional sushi-making, Emika teaches guests how to prepare fresh sushi using fish from her local market. Guests can also experience Japanese culture through a hands-on calligraphy or origami workshop. Matcha is another family tradition: Emika’s father is a master of Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony, and she shares the traditional art of preparing matcha. Through cooking, Japanese arts, and conversation, Emika offers a personal introduction to Kyoto’s food, culture, and everyday life.

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.

Cooking experience: (1-4 guests) Join Emika in her Kyoto home for a private sushi-making class and Japanese cultural workshop. Learn to make fresh sushi, enjoy the meal you prepare, and then choose between a hands-on calligraphy or origami workshop. You’ll also enjoy traditional matcha for a memorable introduction to Japanese food and culture. During your hands-on sushi class, Emika will guide you step by step through preparing fresh sushi using fish from her local market. You’ll also make miso soup and a seasonal vegetable side dish using fresh, local ingredients, many from her family’s organic garden. After cooking, sit down together to enjoy the Japanese meal you’ve prepared, accompanied by local beer or sake, included in your experience. Complete your experience with a 30–40 minute calligraphy or origami workshop. Choose calligraphy to learn basic brush techniques and write a favorite kanji, Japanese word or your name in kanji on a traditional shikishi board to take home. Or choose origami and learn simple Japanese paper-folding techniques to create a decorative paper box and, time permitting, other designs. Calligraphy will be provided by default if no preference is selected. This private Kyoto sushi-making and cultural experience is family-friendly and especially fun for children, making it a great activity for families looking for things to do with kids in Kyoto. Kids can learn to make sushi alongside the adults or enjoy calligraphy or origami while the adults cook. No previous cooking, calligraphy or origami experience is required, making it an engaging and accessible way for travelers of all ages to experience Japanese food and culture in a local Kyoto home.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Sushi – choice of nigiri (hand-pressed sushi topped with fresh fish) or oshizushi (Kyoto-style pressed sushi)
  • Miso soup
  • Seasonal Kyoto-style vegetable side dish (Obanzai)
  • Traditional Japanese sweet
  • Traditional matcha green tea

Traveler reviews

4.91 (67)
My family had an unforgettable time making sushi with Emika in her home. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that we'd highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto. A perfect way to end a day of exploration!
- ted August 27, 2026
A delicious experience. I opted for the class with Emika because I was looking for an experience closer to the local daily life in the city than a class in a local restaurant. I believe I made the right choice! The experience is like visiting "a family friend" or someone like that, a person who introduces you to the city, its customs, while preparing and sharing a meal with you. Having traveled alone for days and having just arrived in Kyoto, it was exactly the encounter I needed. Yes, it's a high price by Brazilian standards, but it's not a tourist product, but rather the service of someone who opens their home to receive you with care, cordiality, and respect.
- milena June 09, 2026
Emika invited us into her home for a wonderful sushi and miso soup making lunch and then walked us to a local grocery store and helped us buy all the ingredients to make it ourselves. She even taught us all about a tea ceremony as her grandfather used to be a tea master. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this tour.
- yong April 19, 2026
We had an amazing time with Emika! She not only was charming, but we enjoyed being in her home and learning from her. We were especially impressed that most of the vegetables came from her garden. Emika was waiting for us exactly where she had stated she would be, which was comforting. She was open to our many questions, sharing information about Kyoto, her family and food. The evening was just so enjoyable. We have shared this experience with our staff and encouraged them to offer a Traveling Spoon experience to their clients. We look forward to the next time we get to enjoy a meal via Traveling Spoon!
- Kathleen, Signature Travel Network Advisor April 15, 2026
I had the pleasure of taking this cooking class on my first day in Kyoto, and it turned out to be one of the most special and memorable experiences of my trip. What truly makes this experience unique is that it is a completely private class, held in Emika’s own home. Emika is a local who was born and raised in Kyoto, and you can really feel that authenticity throughout the entire experience. The setting creates such an intimate and personal atmosphere, allowing you to learn at your own pace and feel completely comfortable from the very beginning. Emika carefully explains and demonstrates every step of the process, from the raw ingredients all the way to preparing the meals. Beyond the cooking itself, she also shares wonderful tips and cultural insights that you wouldn’t normally come across. From how to properly prepare and drink matcha, to the correct and respectful way to use chopsticks (which we were surprised to learn we had been doing incorrectly for almost two and a half weeks in Japan!) - these little details made the experience even more meaningful. She also took the time to give us excellent restaurant recommendations, many of which we immediately added to our list to try. It was clear she genuinely cared about our experience in Kyoto beyond the class itself. And of course - the food itself was absolutely amazing. Everything we made was delicious, and it was incredibly satisfying to enjoy a meal we had prepared from scratch. We also left with plenty of photos of ingredients and products we plan to buy and take home with us before leaving Japan. This is so much more than just a cooking class - it’s a cultural, personal, and truly authentic Kyoto experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
- yuval April 14, 2026
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $125 $115 Not offered
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $125 $115 Not offered
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:30am-3:30pm 5:00pm-9:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 24 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 24 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 24 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.