Haru Cooking Class, Kyoto

This was the highlight of our trip to Kyoto. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in food and culture. Taro is an amazing teacher and the family is very warm. Taro welcomed us into his home and we got to ask as many questions as we wanted about Japanese food and culture. It was nice that we had been in Japan for a week and had noticed aspects of culture and customs that were confusing. Taro cleared some stuff up for us and I feel like I have a better understanding of food. Taro speaks English very well and spent time in his childhood in America. He is a great teacher and everything was run very smoothly thanks to his wife helping prep everything while Taro taught. All in all it was a great afternoon activity. Book it early with Taro because he is not open every day.

The highlight of our trip in Kyoto. Taro and his family are wonderful people and this was a perfect way to spend the afternoon. It was as much of an insight into Japanese culture and customs as it was about the food. We had so much fun talking about life in Japan and Kyoto. Don’t miss a cooking class with Taro!

If you are visiting Kyoto, you should definitely add this cooking class to your itinerary. Taro was extremely informative, teaching us about Japanese food and culture. The class was interactive, where you learn about the ingredients that you are cooking with and ends with a delicious meal, enjoyed alongside those you took the class with. We couldn’t recommend this class enough!

Our experience at Haru Cooking School was a highlight of our recent trip to Kyoto. Taro-san and his wife were funny, informative, and generous in sharing both their cooking experience and reflections on life in Japan. He was flexible in arranging a private weekend session for 4 of us and gave us great tips on local markets and shops with quality ingredients and friendly vendors. Don't miss this great experience if you have the time!

Taro was such a knowledgeable and passionate teacher of not only Japanese cuisine but their history and culture as well. The class felt intimate— It felt like you were cooking with a friend. We learned so much about the ingredients (particularly the importance of dashi!) and it all came together into a beautiful meal. I would highly recommend going with Haru Cooking Class and adding this to your itinerary.