A refined 3-day introduction to Kyoto’s markets, seasonal ingredients, and culinary artisans. Includes a visit to Nishiki Market, wagashi or soba-making, matcha in scenic gardens, and shōjin ryōri at a Zen temple.
This three-day culinary immersion invites guests to explore Kyoto’s legendary food culture, where seasonality, artistry, and heritage define every dish. With exclusive access to local markets, artisan workshops, and traditional restaurants, travelers enjoy thoughtfully curated experiences ranging from casual tastings to formal kaiseki dining. Whether walking the alleys of Nishiki Market, preparing wagashi sweets with a master, or savoring Zen temple cuisine, this program reveals Kyoto’s culinary spirit with elegance and depth.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival, Nishiki Market & Street-Level Flavor
Begin your culinary journey with a warm welcome in Kyoto. Your private guide introduces the city’s deep connection to seasonality and food aesthetics. Walk through Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” sampling artisanal pickles, handmade tofu, yuba, and sesame treats. Visit a specialty shop featuring Japanese knives or handcrafted ceramics used in kaiseki dining. In the evening, enjoy an izakaya or refined obanzai dinner based on your preferences.
Overnight: Heritage ryokan or Hotel Clement Tokushima
Day 2 – Kyoto Traditions: From Wagashi to Kaiseki
Start the day with a hands-on workshop in wagashi (seasonal sweets) or soba-making with a local artisan. In the afternoon, explore a quiet district like Uji or Arashiyama for matcha and sweets overlooking temple gardens or forested hills. In the evening, savor a formal kaiseki dinner in a private dining room where each course reflects the season’s harvest.
Overnight: Sowaka or luxury machiya inn
Day 3 – Shōjin Ryōri & Departure
Visit a Zen temple to experience the peaceful rhythm of monastic life and enjoy beautifully prepared shōjin ryōri (vegetarian temple cuisine). If time allows, stop by a tea house or confectionery for last-minute souvenirs before departing Kyoto.