Reviewed by: Liesbeth
We loved our first workshop with him so much last year, that we had to come back for a second time. This time we made a glutenfree Japanese curry. Sato-san adjusted the recipe for us and made a delicious curry that we could enjoy. We will definitely make this curry at home. Sato-san is a wonderful person which makes the workshop even more enjoyable. It was a real challenge for him to make a glutenfree curry for us. Luckily, he accepted the challenge and made a wonderful Japanese curry recipe. We would definitely recommend this cooking workshop to everyone that likes Japanese cuisine.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sunday, Monday and Tuesday |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/12/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/12/04 |
Reviewed by: jewon310
We missed the shuttle bus so taking a taxi was our only option. The Hotel Monterey Kyoto front desk was so kind and willing; she called the cab and informed the taxi driver where to drop us off which saved us a lot of time. The shuttle from the restaurant came out and met us about a mile away as the roads get narrow and difficult to find for drivers unfamiliar with that area. The cab fare came out to be about $35-40 from the Hotel (which was less than what I expected). I highly recommend catching the shuttle service on time (be there early as they will leave exactly on time!)-- not only it's more comfortable having someone drive you to the restaurant, but it will save you time and money.
The restaurant is located in a very secluded and quiet area, completely surrounded by nature. They will greet and walk you to your designated table. The guiding lights in the complete dark woods make the ambience more beautiful. All meals will come out in your eating pace... which is important because I eat pretty slow and sometimes course meals rush you to hurry up and eat. I wasn't sure how to eat fish properly (whether I was supposed to eat the whole entire fish or leave the head or tail), so the older lady came over and removed all the bones for me. Service was fantastic.
There were two Maikos that night-- both Maikos came around, very willing to take pictures and answer questions/ conversate with you. When they start their dancing, I couldn't help but to stare in awe. They look like walking dolls. They also had goodies before the show (i.e a fan, canvas bag, etc). It was a pleasant experience. I highly recommend this tour. I want to do this again if I travel back to Kyoto in near future.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Seiryo no Sato[Moon Course] |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/09/03 |
Reviewed by: Phyllis Viana
From the drive out of Kyoto Center up the cool hills past traditional tiled roofed houses, to our evening end with our gracious hosts smiling behind us as we walked back over the rope footbridge with the twinkling Japanese lanterns lighting the lush green river - A Magical Evening indeed.
Arriving at sunset, you see the beauty of the hot spring resort with our tables overlooking the river and mountain forest. We ordered the snow course (full- larger Kayseki) dinner. Traditional hosts (who speak only a little English) took us to our low tables set with course 1, gift Japanese fans and menu's in English. Sake and beer is additional. We had 2 Maiko's that evening, each separately visited all the tables to take pictures. (they speak Japanese, but can answer a little of English questions) Food was fresh, delicious and so artistically presented course by course. The beautiful dance & musical entertainment was lovely in the intimate setting. Each group had their own tables and the room is not too large. Splurge and treat yourself to this special experience.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Seiryo no Sato[Snow Course] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/09/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/29 |
Reviewed by: Ming
We were picked up on time by our guide Tom Harada. He was very throughout and thoughtful in planning what we should visit and made all the different sites arrangement efficiently . He is knowledgeable about the itinerary on hand . His approach is filled with dedication and heart . I would recommend to anyone looking for an English speaking guide to reserve Tom Harada. You will not be disappointed.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Plan B: Suntory's Hakushu Whisky Distillery & Lake Kawaguchi Course |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/20 |
Reviewed by: はまさん
This tour is "twice as enjoyable" not only because of the riverside setting but also because you can meet maiko. Three maiko came to visit us. They went around to each table, allowing us to enjoy friendly conversations. It was amazing to see the dance up close. Last time, we had sukiyaki for our meal, so this time I opted for kaiseki. The summer dishes like hamo sashimi and grilled sweetfish were delightful. Additionally, there was a lottery event (on the 3rd and 5th of the month), which added to the excitement! (Although I didn't win anything... (^^;))
川床だけでなく、舞妓さんにも会えるという「2度おいしい」ツアーです。舞妓さんは3人来てくれました。各テーブルに回ってきてくれるので、気さくにおしゃべりを楽しむことができました。舞もすぐ近くで見ることができて最高でした。前回は食事がすき焼きだったので、今回は懐石にしてみました。鱧おとしや鮎の塩焼きなど、夏らしい料理で良かったです。また、今回はちょうど抽選会(3と5のつく日)があって、ワクワク感を楽しめました!(何も当たりませんでしたが…(^^;))
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 清涼の里[月] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/15 |
Reviewed by: Alan Vosper
We all had a lovely time and our sensei was excellent. She was so patient and kind. Highly recommended. We learnt how to make udon noodles and look forward to using our new skill at home.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Udon Making and Shodo Calligraphy |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2018/08/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/08/07 |
Reviewed by: Joshua
Momojiya has a very relaxing atmosphere, and I had plenty of food to eat! Please check out temples in the area, if you have time.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Kawadoko Gozen |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/07/23 |
Reviewed by: はむちゃん
I want to tell my daughter about this wonderful place. The fresh green was dazzling. I thought I might feel lonely traveling alone, but that wasn't the case at all. The driver and everyone else were very welcoming, so I didn't feel lonely. The greenery of the mountains is beautiful.
こんなところに素敵な場所があるなんて、娘にも是非教えたいです。新緑のあおがまぶしかったです。ひとりたびで寂しいかと思ったが、そんなこともなく運転手さんはじめ皆さんが快くもてなしてくれたから、寂しいとはおもわなかったです。山の緑ステキですね。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 夏の北山[竹コース] |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/30 |
Reviewed by: えみぼう
The atmosphere by the river, the delicious food, chatting with the maiko, and watching the fireflies were all wonderful! I want to take my grandmother next time. ^^
川床の雰囲気、おいしいご飯、舞妓さんとのお話、ホタル鑑賞全てが良かったです!
今度はおばあちゃんを連れて行ってあげたくなりました^^
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 特選和牛しゃぶしゃぶコース |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/07/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/28 |
Reviewed by: Amy
My parents took this tour and had a wonderful time. The setting was beautiful and the evening couldn’t have been more perfect with nice warm weather. They really enjoyed the meal of Shabu Shabu and felt the meat was tender and delicious. They really enjoyed meeting the Maiko and admiring her beautiful clothing and make up as well as her dancing. They staff were all very friendly and the included transport back to their hotel was very convenient.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Review Rebate: Beef Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Course |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Susan
We were so glad that we decided to purchase this dinner. The restaurant have an amazing view of the river and eating at the kawandoko (terrace on top of the river) is an experience not to be missed. We got the shabu shabu meal and it was perfect since when we went, it was raining and cold, so it was the perfect warming up meal for us.
The maiko came at around 7 and talk to each of the table, take photos and answer a few simple questions. She can't speak well in English, but she can understand if you speak basic English and very slowly. Then she performed 2 dances, they both very elegant and beautiful.
At around 8 pm, the restaurant switch off the lights, so that we can watch fireflies around the riverside. Apparently this is only happens in June. It was truely an amazing and unforgettable experience for both of us.
The pick up and return transfer is pretty efficient too, very happy overall. Definitely would recommend!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Review Rebate: Beef Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Course |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/11 |
Reviewed by: ゆうこりん
This tour is especially recommended for adult women! It's guaranteed to boost your femininity. The fresh greenery of Kibune is a place where nobles once sought coolness, crossing mountains to reach this coveted summer retreat. Below the suspension bridge flows a clear stream, accompanied by the sounds of waterfalls and rivers, as well as the calls of the stream frogs. Enjoy delicious mountain and ocean delicacies. Additionally, you'll have the chance to interact with maiko and watch their dances. The experience concludes with firefly viewing, making it a truly precious experience that you can't normally enjoy. The staff were very pleasant, and I felt great throughout. I had a wonderful time. Thank you very much!
特に、大人の女性におススメ!女子力アップ間違いなしのツアーです。新緑の貴船。そこは、かつて貴族が涼を求め、山を越えて行った憧れの避暑地。吊り橋の下は清流。滝と川のせせらぎ、カジカの鳴き声。美味しい山の幸、海の幸。そして、舞妓さんとの触れ合いと踊りの鑑賞。最後の締めは、蛍鑑賞など、全てのものが普段では味わえないとても貴重な体験。お店の皆様もとても感じが良く、気持ち良かったです。とても楽しめました。本当にありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2人目無料!人数限定モニター/特選和牛しゃぶしゃぶコース |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/09 |
Reviewed by: C. Yao
This trip was very pleasant experience. I was there with my mom and we both enjoyed very much. Food was great. Two people share a hot pot, with one big plate of Japanese beef and one plate of vegetable! The highlight was to watch Maikos dance in a very close distance! I can see her holding her pose and dancing slow but gracefully. It is breathtaking! I would say this is the best trip you can do to get the completely Kyoto experience! Love it!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Review Rebate: Beef Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Course |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2018/06/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/06/10 |
Reviewed by: Paul Phillips
One you find the assembly point its all plain sailing the guide. Was knowlegble and gave a lot of information as to where things at the market come from the breakfast was great eating like a japanese with all fresh food. It was by far one of the. Best tours i have been on and by far the best guide
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/05/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/26 |
Reviewed by: Fractal
This was a fun and informative class using your hands and special tools to form the sweets. The only thing of note is that (traditionally) the sweets are not flavored which would improve the tasting experience.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/04/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/05 |
Reviewed by: Cecile
Hi Keiko,
We keep in mind a very good moment and experience with you, for us share this cooking lessons, the lunch and the discussion has been very enriching.
Thank you so much.
Hi Cecile,
Thank you very much for your review!
I and my friends did enjoy the cooking and talking with you!
Hope you cook Okonomiyaki in France sometimes.
Please visit us again if you come to Osaka next time!!
Thank you!!!!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/04/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/04/13 |
Reviewed by: Gerald Elder
My wife and I greatly enjoyed this tour. Jennifer-san, our guide, did a great job in explaining the Maiko and Geiko (Kyoto preferred name for Geisha) culture while we walked through three of the five Hanamachi (Geiko districts). She showed us tea houses and homes, talked about schooling and careers. She also showed us some of the supporting professional such as teachers, dressers, and hair stylists. We even caught a few glimpses of Maiko headed to work.
As we strolled in the early evening we admired the Cherry trees in blossom and watched the night settle in. Then after a short walk along the river, we had an excellent meal at a small restaurant. Sushi, pickled vegetables, tempura, soup, wagyu beef, pork, sake, and of course - rice.
It was a great experience. Come prepared to walk a bit and to enjoy a variety of Japanese foods.
We are extremely happy that you and your wife did enjoy the tour!
We hope to see you again soon on your next visit to Japan!
Thank you very much! :)
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2018/04/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2018/03/31 |
Reviewed by: Cre
I took this class in Nov with the hope of learning about Udon making and Japanese culture. I got both. Wakana is a delightful host. She taught me how to make Udon noodles, which is easy and I have have made them since I have been home with great success. She also is a patient teacher with Origami. Take this class you won't regret spending time learning a new skill.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Udon Making and Origami |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/12/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/11/08 |
Reviewed by: NeoJonz
Sato was an excellent teacher assisting me in cooking some delicious rice burgers. The only problem was that we both didn't have room for all that we made :)
Dear cooking master
Thank you very much for your wonderful comments and review! I'm so glad to hear from you! I remember you showed me many great pictures of your dishes! Each picture you showed me was so amazing and inspiring! You're such a great cook! Also, food lover is always very welcome to my cooking class! Please come back here anytime! Again, thank you so much for choosing my class from so many cooking classes in Tokyo! See you soon!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Rice Burger |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/13 |
Reviewed by: miiiiiiiiina
It was a very beautiful annex, and I was able to enjoy delicious sukiyaki! The maiko were lovely, and it was a precious experience to see them dance up close. I was significantly late for my reservation, but they were very polite and accommodating. I would definitely like to use this place again if I have the opportunity. Thank you!
とても綺麗な別館で、美味しいすき焼きをいただくことができました!舞妓さんも可愛らしく、近くで踊りを見ることができて貴重な体験でした。予約の時間に大幅に遅れてしまったのですがとても丁寧にご対応いただきました。また機会があれば是非利用したいです。ありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 特選和牛すき焼きコース |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/08/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/08/24 |
Reviewed by: Kim
I booked this for 2 people even though I was going alone, because it was the only way the website would accept the reservation. The day of the tour I had my hotel contact them to update my hotel pick up info, which also updated the number of guest. I was pleasantly surprised that they refunded the second ticket. The food and location were amazing, as was the meetings with the maiko and watching them dance. I wish there was a translator during your meeting with them. Since there wasn't, I only spent about 3-5 mins with each maiko whereas the tables of Japanese guests spent as much as 15 minutes with each of them. Otherwise, it was amazing.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Beef Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Course |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/08/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/08/24 |
Reviewed by: Rachel
Making okonomiyaki at C Flat was an entertaining experience. It was a little disorganised, but a lot of fun and a fantastic, diverse group of people to cook with. We had a lot of fun.
Hello Rachel, Thank you very much for coming. We are so sorry for being disorganized, but glad to hear that you had a lot of fun.
Please visit us again when you come to Osaka. Thank you again for coming and your feedback.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/08/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/08/20 |
Reviewed by: Valentina
This wasn't my first trip to Japan or cooking class, but it was indeed the first time where I finally learned a ton of actually useful, tasty and healthy recipes that could be reproduced outside Japan! I loved every minute of the class with Sato, he's adorable and very skilled and I cannot recommend this class enough! Also, he took me around Tokyo after lunch and it was a real treat! There are some things that you miss altogether if you're just a tourist, so I highly recommend the tour as well: we were also particularly lucky because there was the beautiful Kanda Matsuri festival and I had the chance to have Sato explaining everything to me plus I could enjoy the festive vibes and the music!
Thank you Sato-San, again, I had a blast!
Mamma Mia! Thank you for beautiful comments and great review! I can't thank you enough! I feel so lucky to meet such a wonderful person like you! Of course I had a great great time with you while we were cooking but more than anything else, I was so happy that I could take you to Kanda Myoji festival, one of the biggest festival in Tokyo and we ended up our short trip there! I'm sure we were invited by Kanda shrine! In addition, you have much respect to our culture and everything about Japan that made me so happy! I'm so proud of what I do for living! I know you will stay in Japan for a while. If you need any help while you are here, don't hesitate to let me know anytime! I'll see you very soon!!! Big big hug sato
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sunday, Monday and Tuesday |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/05/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/05/14 |
Reviewed by: Leta Myers
I had a wonderful time cooking, chatting, eating and seeing some of the nearby neighborhoods. I would definitely take another course if I was in Tokyo again.
Omg! Thank you very much for your review! You told me that you've been to many countries and taken many cooking classes! I'm so honored that I've gotten such a great comments and review from such a sophisticated person like you! You make me proud of what I do for living! I can't thank you enough!
When you came to my class, it was a wonderful sunny day! We had such a great conversation and lovely weather made the day even more beautiful and memorable! Thank you for bringing me such a wonderful weather! Actually, I'm your big fan now because you are a so cool and funny person! I hope I can cook with you again someday! If you have any questions as cooking Japanese food, please don't hesitate to ask me anytime! Besides, I hope that you will cook for your friends and family with my recipes back home! See you soon! Take care:-) Peace sato
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Wednesday, Thursday and Friday |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/05/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/05/11 |
Reviewed by: Liesbeth
Sato was a wonderful host. He picked us up at the station and walked us to his home. My mother and I were the only participants. We were able to ask him questions about the food, the several ingredients and how to use them in the bento box.
His explanation of the little dishes were very clear. He also gave us the recipes so that we could make them at home again. When we finished making our bento boxes, we went to Shinjuku park to eat our homemade bento boxes underneath the sakura blossoms. We've enjoyed it a lot.
Thank you very very much for your wonderful comments and review! I can't thank you enough! I had such a great time with guys too:-) You guys are such an amazing family making me so happy!!! Besides, the full bloomed cherry blossom and beautiful weather made the day even more beautiful! In addition, I'm so happy to hear that you liked what we made in class! Please cook for your friends with the recipes! Hope you will send me pictures someday! If you have any questions as you make Japanese food, please don't hesitate asking me anytime!
Again, thank you for choosing my cooking class from so many cooking classes in Tokyo! Please come back again! See you soon!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Bento Japanese Lunch Box |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/04/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/04/04 |
Reviewed by: CityDiscovery traveler
We had a wonderful experience by participating in this tour. Our young tour guide was excellent. She gave us a very interesting commentary on Nada Sake Brewery and the history of the region including interesting castles around. We had the opportunity of tasting Sake and buying Sake bottles and Japanese confectionaries and souvenirs. She arranged a buffet lunch for us that was the best lunch we had in all our tours in Japan. Fantastic young guide we all would like to extend our great appreciation for her wonderful job. Good luck for her future
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Bay of Islands Cruise with Lunch |
| Posted on: | 2017/03/11 |
Reviewed by: Janice
I'm sure most of you would take a step back when you look at the cost, but honestly, how often do you travel to a new country and by-pass all the tourist-y spots to experience their culture in-depth?
This is the perfect opportunity to experience one of Japanese's most beautiful culture --- tea and wagashi. You will learn about the ingredient, techniques, and how they use simple colors or shapes to capture the essence of seasonal beauty. All ingredients were made from scratch by our lecturer.
The green wagashi with pink tip is the flower bulb of a pink peony, captured at the moment it is about to bloom. It's absolutely amazing to see how colors are created and the various tools you can use to create its shape.
I would go again if I can! It's so much fun and our translator is very professional and accommodating.
Dear Janice,
Thank you for your warm comments. We are really happy that you enjoyed our lesson class.
We are preparing a diploma course now. If it get completed, we will inform you of that.
We hope that we can meet again.
Thank you and best regards,
Mat-Cha-Doh (抹茶道)
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/03/06 |
Reviewed by: S Bazzaz
Sato is friendly, fun and a great teacher. I picked the kariage chicken lesson, we cooked soba noodles, the chicken, a salad and a fresh miso soup. This was all made in his shinjuku Appartment.
It was a great evening with a few beers experiencing local food with a local who wants to share his favourite foods.
Pass on the numerous generic sushi lessons and take one of these courses. I have repeated a couple of the dishes since being back in London - they are great reminders of Tokyo.
Thanks Sato!
Thank you very much for your wonderful comments and reviews! You are so kind! I enjoyed cooking with you and I was surprised that you are already very good chef and know many things about Japanese food! Besides, I admired that you respect our culture so much. I'm so lucky to meet such a gentleman like you! Please come back to my class again and tell anyone who comes to Tokyo about my class! I can't wait to cook with you again! See you very soon!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Kara-age & Beer |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/02/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/02/03 |
Reviewed by: Jay
Great dinner despite some minor issues.
The food was tasty, but one slice of sashimi I had smelled bad.
The last tofu dish was nothing like I've ever had, and it was very tasty.
But it felt quite repetitive and the flavor easily became monotonous.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/02/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/02/13 |
Reviewed by: Shirley
We thoroughly enjoyed the food tour with Ryo. It is worth doing this tour because we learned about food from different parts of Japan and we went to small restaurants that serve amazing food that wouldn't know otherwise. Ryo was knowledgeable, polite, easy going and fu to be with. We really like him and the tour. Highly recommended, don't miss it!
Thank you very much for this review Shirley
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/01/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/01/20 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
I hope all is well with you and your wonderful family. I want to thank you for your very kind and generous review on Veltra site. It means a lot to me ! My work on 20 August around Mt. Fuji has become a great memory thanks to your kindness and quality personality of all your family.. Thank you for giving me a fond memory. Once again, I will be wishing nothing but the very best for you and yours.