SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture
SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Do you want an amazing experience in Japan not just watching it from a distance? How do you find it? Here's the answer! You can various kinds of experience at local home in Kyoto nearby Nijo castle.We also have authentic tea ceremony room is called[Koma] and [Hiroma]. The Japanese ancient capital Kyoto is a concoction of the modern and the traditional culture, as towering skyscrapers live among historic temples. In our amazing classes, we offer many options for you to explore the variety of Japanese cultures. It is very convenient for tourists to be able to experience these various cultures just in one place. Japanese culture has its roots in the ancient literature. When you are in Japan and have some chance to experience it through our lesson, You will be surely able to enrich your journey here and definitely enjoy your days in Japan! In our Japanese culture lessons,all instructors have teaching qualifications as master. Come and visit this place!
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center
No district of Kyoto is quite as representative of its blended nature as the City Center. By day, the covered shopping arcades along Kawaramachi and Shijo Street bring deal hunters and fashionistas out in droves to peruse the clothing, accessories, gifts, and home goods offerings. When it grows dark, the City Center is a hip spot for nightlife, alive with bars and clubs. A trendy culinary scene and an abundance of local watering holes give the Center its youthful vibrancy. In contrast, the quieter areas of the City Center seem a world away, shielded from noise by the foliage of the public gardens and zen spaces surrounding the area's shrines, castles, and the Imperial Palace. These ancient and sacred spots are seamlessly folded into the scenery, providing a respite from the energy of the city, but close enough to put you directly back onto the pulse of the city when you're ready.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,115 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
129 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Candice808
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Family
My daughter and I took the Wasanbon dried sweets class from Aya and it truly was a highlight of our time in Kyoto. She and her husband were so warm and kind and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Aya even gave us many recommendations for our time in Kyoto. I definitely recommend Sakura Experience to anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Written March 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Candice080,
Thank you for giving us wonderful review!
I clearly remember your family ,ithank you for having with us on the class day!
We are so sorry for replying so late.
It was so hard from last year to this year because of COVID-19.
We are still trying so hard to keep our classes to pass our culture for the people coming from all over japan and the would.
I would be happy if i can meet your family again,please remember Kyoto sometime.
Thank you again!
Kind regards,
Aya
Written December 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susanwen101
Denver, CO4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Aya and her husband were very thorough during the tea ceremony. They explained the history and walked us through each step of the tea ceremony . What made the experience unique was that we were able to experience the tea ceremony in Kimonos. There were a variety of kimonos to choose from. Aya even put our hair in updos to complete the look. Aya and her husband also took some beautiful pictures of us throughout the ceremony and emailed it to us later along with recommendations of things to do in Osaka. They both were also very accommodating regarding my husband and 2 kids. Instead of sending them away they were allowed to wait for me in the other room. Aya was genuinely sweet, caring and knowledgeable about the whole experience. If your looking for a tea ceremony to experience we would def recommend this one.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Susanwen101,
Thank you for writing great review for us!
We were so happy to had the chance to meet your family and friends this time.
We love to meet small kids becaused it reminds us when our daughter was small girl.
Please bring your kids next time in Kyoto,we really look forward to meet them!
Kind regards,
Aya&Manabu
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie
2 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
My friends and I took the decorative sushi class with Aya-San and i have to say this was one of my favorite experience in Kyoto! Aya was very professional, funny, attentive and was very patient with us! Aya San and her husband went over and beyond to make us feel very welcomed and special! She even gave us recommendations of restaurants in Osaka because that’s where we were headed next. I would definitely come back and take another one of her classes the next time I’m in Kyoto. Thank you for a memorable experience!
Written June 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Stephanie21188,
Thank you for coming on that day!
We enjoyed so much with you and your friends!
And thank you for delicious cookies,I ate it almost by myself!LOL
Please come back next time in Kyoto,we can tell you more information and recommendation!
Thank you so much!
Aya Ito
SAKURA
Written June 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melanie T
17 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Spent a lovely afternoon with Aya who shared Japanese history and culture through the Origami and the Calligraphy sessions. Aya is a wonderful host and if I was staying in Kyoto longer, I would go to more lessons with her! Recommend for anyone looking for something local and traditional and not just the usual tourist activity.
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Melanie T,
Thank you for coming on that day,and thank you for writing review for me!
You were wonderful and very skillful!
Please try to keep on Japanese calligraphy at your home.
If you could not see that where you can get tools for calligraphy,please ask me anytime!
Thank you again,I am waiting for your next visit in Kyoto!
Aya Ito
SAKURA
Written May 30, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pammy Leung
Hong Kong, China50 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
After my fabulous experience of Kazari Maki Sushi and Bento cooking at SAKURA last year, I introduced the courses to my friends. Hence, we organised a trip last month to visit SAKURA and decided not only to attend the cooking course but also to include the tea ceremony class.
All seven of my lady friends attended the classes. Before we started, we each chose a beautiful kimono and matching hair accessories to wear during the lessons. We all looked very elegant wearing the traditional Japanese clothing which helped us entered into the spirit of the event.
Aya and her husband Manabu were very knowledgeable and patient in teaching us the steps and which points to note when preparing for the tea ceremony as well as its history and application. Although we were a big group, we were all given an opportunity to try every step of the ceremony after Aya and Manabu had demonstrated them. We therefore could see each step eight times. I can remember clearly each part of the ceremony after so many demonstrations. I must also mention that the matcha was the most tasteful I had ever tasted.
We then turned to Kazari Maki Sushi. All the ingredients were well prepared and Aya taught us step by step how to prepare the sakura sushi so that it looked and tasted as though a professional had made it, not we inexperienced students.
Aya was very patient, knowledgeable, friendly and presented the lessons in a precise, clear and professional manner. The studio was very pleasant, light, spacious, clean and tidy. The classes were full of fun making the experience really very special and an insight into the world of Japanese culture. After the lesson, we all took photographs wearing the Kimonos we all looked lovely and professional. We all had a great enjoyable time there.
We were each awarded a certificate of completion after the classes and were given recipes with the history and details of the preparation steps so that we could practice what we learnt at home. It was all absolutely splendid and excellent value.
Aya emailed many of the photos taken during the classes. It was really great to keep that precious moment thanks to Aya’s kindness and consideration.
Aya and Manabu were very hospitable. They introduced sight-seeing places and local restaurants to us. Finally, after the classes we all had a great night with delicious food at a recommended local restaurant, all thanks to Aya’s good recommendation.
SAKURA offers a variety of classes and experiences in cooking, the tea ceremony, music, calligraphy etc. which helps in getting to know more about Japanese culture and traditions. If anyone wants to do something special and really wishes to experience Japanese culture during a holiday in Kyoto, I strongly recommend SAKURA. You will find it good value and an amazing experience. I am looking forward to my next trip and to attending more classes at SAKURA.
All seven of my lady friends attended the classes. Before we started, we each chose a beautiful kimono and matching hair accessories to wear during the lessons. We all looked very elegant wearing the traditional Japanese clothing which helped us entered into the spirit of the event.
Aya and her husband Manabu were very knowledgeable and patient in teaching us the steps and which points to note when preparing for the tea ceremony as well as its history and application. Although we were a big group, we were all given an opportunity to try every step of the ceremony after Aya and Manabu had demonstrated them. We therefore could see each step eight times. I can remember clearly each part of the ceremony after so many demonstrations. I must also mention that the matcha was the most tasteful I had ever tasted.
We then turned to Kazari Maki Sushi. All the ingredients were well prepared and Aya taught us step by step how to prepare the sakura sushi so that it looked and tasted as though a professional had made it, not we inexperienced students.
Aya was very patient, knowledgeable, friendly and presented the lessons in a precise, clear and professional manner. The studio was very pleasant, light, spacious, clean and tidy. The classes were full of fun making the experience really very special and an insight into the world of Japanese culture. After the lesson, we all took photographs wearing the Kimonos we all looked lovely and professional. We all had a great enjoyable time there.
We were each awarded a certificate of completion after the classes and were given recipes with the history and details of the preparation steps so that we could practice what we learnt at home. It was all absolutely splendid and excellent value.
Aya emailed many of the photos taken during the classes. It was really great to keep that precious moment thanks to Aya’s kindness and consideration.
Aya and Manabu were very hospitable. They introduced sight-seeing places and local restaurants to us. Finally, after the classes we all had a great night with delicious food at a recommended local restaurant, all thanks to Aya’s good recommendation.
SAKURA offers a variety of classes and experiences in cooking, the tea ceremony, music, calligraphy etc. which helps in getting to know more about Japanese culture and traditions. If anyone wants to do something special and really wishes to experience Japanese culture during a holiday in Kyoto, I strongly recommend SAKURA. You will find it good value and an amazing experience. I am looking forward to my next trip and to attending more classes at SAKURA.
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear PammyLYP,
Thank you for writing BIG review for us!
We are so happy to meeting you all,especially you and your husband!
I can't thank you enough. Words can't express how much I appreciate your kindness.
Now we have a lot of experience places such a [tea ceremony house][cooking class]etc.
Now almost in cases,they are owned by foreign people or people who came from other region in Japan.
Thank you for finding us!I am really happy that you found us last year when we just opened our place.
We are looking for ward to meeting you soon in Kyoto!
Best regards,
Aya&Manabu
Written October 18, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SandALondon
United Kingdom48 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
We went to the Gyoza class with our 9 and 11 year olds. Aya welcomed us (she and her husband are absolutely lovely and speak perfectly English). She gave us all traditional Japanese clothing and styled our hair with flowers (my kids were in heaven!). The Gyoza was fun to make and delicious to eat. The kids were able to do it as well and loved it. She paired it with rice, miso soup and Japanese tea. The location is great (5 mins walk from the Main Street in downtown Kyoto and easy to find). This was the perfect start to our time in Kyoto and I would recommend it to everyone!
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear SandALondon,
Thank you for coming last night! We are so happy to hear that all of your family enjoyed our Gyoza class!
Me and my husband really enjoyed to spend the time with you.Especially,your lovely daughters made me very happy and reminded me when my daughter was child.
It was great pleasure to meeting you all.Thank you for choosing our place this time.
We are looking forward to meeting your family again next time in Kyoto!
Please enjoy rest of your trip in Japan.
Arigatou gozaimashita!
(Gozaimasu→now , Gozaimashita→past)
Best regards,
Aya and Manabu Ito
SAKURA
Written August 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rita
London, UK62 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
I’ve always wanted to learn how to make okonomiyaki. This was explained so easily. The class was fun & interactive. More than anything, I had a wonderful cultural experience learning a lot more than the recipe. Domo arigato!
Written April 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear reets_wanderlust,
Thank you so much for writing review for us!
We really happy to hear from you that you enjoyed our class!
We also really happy if you make Okonomiyaki at your home again!
Please come to our place if you come back to Kyoto again.
Thank you again!
Best regards,
Aya Ito
SAKURA
Written April 8, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dalicu
7 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
We took a calligraphy class at Sakura-experience Japanese culture, not really knowing what to expect.
We had a great time, learned a lot and realized how difficult calligraphy is.
So much respect for this art!
We had a great time, learned a lot and realized how difficult calligraphy is.
So much respect for this art!
Written March 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Dalicu,
Thank you very much for wonderful review!
You were very dexterous, and in a matter of seconds you learned the difficult calligraphy style.
I was so surprised at your work!
I hope that you will keep Japanese calligraphy at home from now on.
Please contact me anytime if you have any questions.
I am looking forward to seeing you again!
Best regards,
Aya Ito
SAKURA
Written March 18, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pammy Leung
Hong Kong, China50 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
I wanted to do something special during my two week holiday in Kyoto. As I am passionate about cooking and Japanese food, I decided to take cooking classes. From the many choices on websites, I selected Suraka. Fortunately I found my decision was absolutely right with a course that provided good value with an amazing experience.
The class was run privately with only one student. The teacher Aya was very patient, knowledgeable and presented the lesson in an orderly, clear and professional manner. She was very patient and friendly in running the class. The studio was very nice, light, spacious, clean and tidy. Everything was ready for the lesson and ready to start cooking when I walked in. In the first lesson I learnt two kinds of Kazarimaki Sushi that looked and tasted as though a professional had made it, not inexperienced me. The class was full of fun and I learnt so much. In addition to cooking, there was a selection of beautiful Japanese clothes and hair accessories for guests to wear during the lesson, if they wish. It made the experience really very special and an insight into the world of Japanese culture. After the lesson we took photographs wearing the Japanese clothes it looked lovely and professional.
After the rewarding experience of Sushi making, I decided to take a further cooking class at Sakura. From the selection offered I chose Bento cooking with five kinds of side dishes. Once again, I had a very great time at Sakura. Aya was very hospitable, she invited my husband to watch our class. He enjoyed the opportunity an insight into Japanese ceramics for the tea ceremony and read about the Ito family, the ancestor of Aya's husband who created the Japanese national flower the sakura.
I was awarded certificate of completion after the class and was given recipes with the history and details of preparation steps so that I could practice what I learnt at home afterwards. Absolutely splendid.
Aya's husband was there during the second day. He was also very nice and hospitable. We chatted and took pictures together. We also discussed different topics about Japan, in particular, music. I am also a volunteer singer and they both play and sing. I really enjoyed a great time.
Aya emailed many photos taken during class. It is really great to keep this precious moment and thanks to Aya’s kindness and considerate.
Sakura offers a variety of classes and experiences in cooking, tea ceremony, music, calligraphy etc. which helps in knowing more about Japanese culture. I am looking forward to my next trip and to attending further classes at Sukura. I highly recommend Sakura to those who really wish to experience Japanese culture and enjoy Japanese food!
The class was run privately with only one student. The teacher Aya was very patient, knowledgeable and presented the lesson in an orderly, clear and professional manner. She was very patient and friendly in running the class. The studio was very nice, light, spacious, clean and tidy. Everything was ready for the lesson and ready to start cooking when I walked in. In the first lesson I learnt two kinds of Kazarimaki Sushi that looked and tasted as though a professional had made it, not inexperienced me. The class was full of fun and I learnt so much. In addition to cooking, there was a selection of beautiful Japanese clothes and hair accessories for guests to wear during the lesson, if they wish. It made the experience really very special and an insight into the world of Japanese culture. After the lesson we took photographs wearing the Japanese clothes it looked lovely and professional.
After the rewarding experience of Sushi making, I decided to take a further cooking class at Sakura. From the selection offered I chose Bento cooking with five kinds of side dishes. Once again, I had a very great time at Sakura. Aya was very hospitable, she invited my husband to watch our class. He enjoyed the opportunity an insight into Japanese ceramics for the tea ceremony and read about the Ito family, the ancestor of Aya's husband who created the Japanese national flower the sakura.
I was awarded certificate of completion after the class and was given recipes with the history and details of preparation steps so that I could practice what I learnt at home afterwards. Absolutely splendid.
Aya's husband was there during the second day. He was also very nice and hospitable. We chatted and took pictures together. We also discussed different topics about Japan, in particular, music. I am also a volunteer singer and they both play and sing. I really enjoyed a great time.
Aya emailed many photos taken during class. It is really great to keep this precious moment and thanks to Aya’s kindness and considerate.
Sakura offers a variety of classes and experiences in cooking, tea ceremony, music, calligraphy etc. which helps in knowing more about Japanese culture. I am looking forward to my next trip and to attending further classes at Sukura. I highly recommend Sakura to those who really wish to experience Japanese culture and enjoy Japanese food!
Written December 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Pammy,
I am really happy to had the chance to meet you and your husband!
Manabu also enjoyed the time with you and your husband.
I could not describe it in the words how much I appriciate you.
You were the first repeater guest in our class.
I saw very soon that you are very skillful in cooking,
so you can cook any Japanese dish, I think.
If you come again to Kyoto,please contuct us!
I will do anything for your request!
I am going to take along Manabu to Hong Kong in this few years!
Please [Keep in touch] from now on!
Thank you again,and please say warm regards to your husband!
Aya Ito
SAKURA Experience Japanese Culture
Written December 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rita
London, UK62 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
I learned how to make authentic Okonomiyaki! I have returned to London and made this since. The class was easy to follow. Plus Aya-san is a wonderful host. I recommend this to everyone! Learn and enjoy Japanese street food!
Written February 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing